Reflux Basics
Repetitive swallowing, lip licking, air licking, and burping can indicate that a dog is experiencing gastroesophageal reflux (GER), also known as acid reflux. This condition occurs when stomach acid moves backward into the esophagus, irritating the tissue and causing discomfort or inflammation.
In dogs, acid reflux is multifactorial and may involve diet, digestive function, stress, microbial imbalance or food intolerances. If not addressed, chronic reflux may lead to esophagitis, poor nutrient absorption, behavioural changes, and generalised inflammation. Despite common misconception, reflux is not due to low pH stomach acid (strong/acidic) and is often associated with high stomach acid pH stomach acid (weak), therefore ant-acids are not a long term resolution to this condition.
Contributing Factors
Several factors may increase the risk or severity of reflux in dogs:
High-fat or processed diets: Fat delays gastric emptying. Diets too high in fat—or containing more than the individual dog can tolerate—can contribute to acid buildup and backflow into the esophagus.
Excess carbohydrates and food mixing: Feeding high levels of starches and sugars, especially when combined with animal protein in the same meal, may imbalance digestive efficiency. The gastrointestinal tract relies on specific enzyme activity, and improper food combinations can disrupt normal digestion.
Artificial additives: Preservatives, colours, and flavour enhancers used in processed foods can irritate the gastric lining or alter gut motility.
Stress and household tension: Dogs are sensitive to emotional stress and family conflict. Elevated stress hormones (e.g., cortisol) can impact gastric acid production, reduce vagal tone, and lead to digestive irregularities including reflux.
Protein intolerance: Some dogs have difficulty digesting specific proteins, especially if gut inflammation is already present. Protein intolerance may cause vomiting, reflux, or chronic gastric irritation.
Nutritional and Therapeutic Support
Diet modification is a foundational strategy for managing acid reflux in dogs. Key recommendations include:
Feed high-protein, low-carbohydrate, moderate-fat diets: Choose highly digestible animal proteins, avoid unnecessary fillers, and reduce dietary fat if symptoms worsen after high-fat meals. Lightly cooking food may also help, ensuring to remove cooked fat as this can sometimes be more problematic than raw fat.
Smaller, frequent meals: Feeding two to four smaller meals per day can reduce pressure on the stomach and promote consistent digestion,
Digestive enzyme supplementation: Adding digestive enzymes may support protein and fat breakdown, particularly in dogs with reduced pancreatic function or inflammation.
Herbal Support
Several herbal compounds may offer symptomatic relief by supporting the mucosal lining of the digestive tract or calming the nervous system:
Slippery elm (Ulmus rubra): Forms a protective mucilage that coats the esophagus and stomach lining. Best given 15–30 minutes before food.
Marshmallow root (Althaea officinalis): Contains mucilaginous compounds that soothe irritated tissues. Administer 45–60 minutes before meals for optimal absorption.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): An adaptogenic herb that helps modulate the stress response, indirectly supporting digestive regulation in chronically stressed animals.
Dosage depends on body weight, formulation strength, and concurrent conditions.
The Role of Emotional Environment
Environmental stress plays a significant role in gastrointestinal health. Dogs are highly attuned to the emotional tone of the home. Ongoing tension, loud conflict, or caregiver stress can affect their vagal nerve tone and influence digestion. This may contribute to irregular motility, increased acid production, or loss of appetite. A stable home environment, consistent routine, and calm feeding practices can support parasympathetic function and gastrointestinal resilience. Caregivers are advised to reflect on their own lifestyle habits, nutritional patterns, and stress levels. Shared emotional environments influence dogs profoundly—chronic caregiver stress has been linked to behavioural and physiological stress responses in companion animals.
Gastroesophageal reflux in dogs is a multifactorial condition requiring a comprehensive approach. Attention to diet, feeding practices, environmental stressors, and appropriate herbal support can help reduce symptoms and support long-term digestive function.