Acid Reflux In Dogs
If your dog is frequently licking the air, gulping, or experiencing occasional vomiting, acid reflux might be to blame. While it’s often overlooked, chronic acid reflux can lead to discomfort, inflammation, and long-term esophageal damage. Many pet parents turn to OTC acid reducers, but these can cause more harm than good over time (https://welloiledk9.com/health/risks-alternatives-to-omeprazole-in-dogs)
The good news? There are natural ways to resolve acid reflux in dogs by addressing gut health, nutrition, and stress—rather than just suppressing symptoms.
What Causes Acid Reflux in Dogs?
Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows backward into the esophagus, irritating the lining and causing discomfort. Several factors can contribute to this condition, including:
Nutrition – Low-quality, highly processed, or high-fat diets can contribute to reflux. Food Intolerances and histamine producing foods can also contributed to reflux.
Anxiety – Stress, Anxiety and nervousness can disrupt digestion, leading to acid buildup.
Ulcers – Stomach ulcers can cause excess acid production and irritation.
Weight – Excess weight and obesity puts pressure on the digestive system.
Citric Acid – Found in many commercial pet foods and treats, citric acid can worsen reflux.
Leaky Gut and other inflammatory conditions – A damaged gut lining leads to chronic digestive issues, including reflux.
Pancreatitis – Inflammation of the pancreas can contribute to acid imbalances.
Post Anesthesia – Some dogs develop reflux after undergoing anesthesia.
Antacids & Acid Reducers – These can actually worsen gut health over time by disrupting natural digestion.
Fermented Foods – While fermented foods can be beneficial, excessive amounts may contribute to acid reflux in sensitive dogs.
Insufficient Digestive Enzymes – If your dog isn’t producing enough enzymes, food isn’t digested properly, leading to acid buildup.
Symptoms of Acid Reflux in Dogs
Your dog may be experiencing acid reflux if they show signs such as:
Gulping or excessive swallowing
Licking the air or smacking lips
Burping or regurgitating food
Vomiting bile (yellow or white foam)
Signs of nausea, including drooling or loss of appetite
Coughing or gagging after eating
Bad breath (often from stomach acid irritation)
Restlessness at night or frequent position changes
Recognizing these signs early can help prevent long-term damage to the esophagus.
See your veterinarian for an official diagnosis. Then you and I can collaborate on a wellness strategy to support your dog.
Top 5 Things to Do if Your Dog Has Acid Reflux
Improve the diet – Fresh, whole foods are easier to digest than kibble.
Use gut-healing herbs – Slippery elm, marshmallow root, and chamomile can soothe irritation.
Support digestion with enzymes & probiotics – These prevent food from fermenting in the stomach.
Manage stress – Anxiety can be a major contributor to acid reflux in sensitive dogs.
Avoid OTC acid reducers – Focus on balancing digestion naturally instead.
Acid reflux is not just a minor inconvenience—it’s a sign that something is off in your dog’s digestive system. By addressing gut health, nutrition, and stress naturally, you can help your pup feel better without the risks of long-term medication use.
Natural Fixes for Acid Reflux in Dogs
Instead of using OTC acid reducers, which only mask symptoms, a holistic approach targets gut health, stress reduction, and natural remedies for long-term relief.
1. Nutrition: Healing from the Inside Out
A fresh, whole-food diet is one of the most effective ways to support digestive health and reduce acid reflux.
Switch to Fresh Food – Kibble is often too dry and processed, making digestion harder. A lightly cooked or raw diet can be much easier on the stomach.
Smaller, More Frequent Meals – Feeding smaller portions throughout the day reduces pressure on the stomach and helps prevent reflux episodes.
Low-Fat Protein Sources – Lean meats like turkey, rabbit, or whitefish are easier to digest than high-fat cuts of meat.
Raw Milk – Provides probiotics and gut-healing properties.
Fermented Vegetables – A small amount of fermented veggies (like Gussy’s Gut) can provide beneficial probiotics to balance gut flora.
Bone Broth – This is soothing to the digestive tract and provides gut-healing nutrients.
2. Herbal & Natural Remedies
Certain herbs can soothe irritation and support gut healing:
Slippery Elm – This mucilaginous herb coats the esophagus and stomach lining, reducing irritation from acid.
Marshmallow Root – Another excellent gut-coating herb that helps with inflammation and healing.
Chamomile & Gotu Kola – Anti-inflammatory and calming for the gut.
Lemon Balm & Ginger – Help reduce nausea and digestive upset.
Licorice (DGL – Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice) – Helps reduce acid production while also soothing inflammation.
Ashwagandha – Helps regulate stress and inflammation.
3. Medicinal Mushrooms for Digestive Health
Tremella Mushroom – Supports hydration and gut lining repair.
Lion’s Mane Mushroom – Aids in nerve and digestive healing.
Reishi Mushroom – Balances immune function and gut health.
4. Essential Oils for Digestive Support
Essential oils should always be used properly diluted and with expert guidance, but certain oils can help ease digestive discomfort:
Ginger Oil – Supports digestion and reduces nausea.
Cardamom Oil – Helps regulate stomach acid and improve digestion.
Peppermint Oil (Cautiously Used) – Can be helpful for bloating and nausea but should be used with care in dogs prone to reflux, as it may relax the esophageal sphincter.
5. Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) Approaches
From a TCVM perspective, acid reflux is often related to Liver Qi Stagnation or Stomach Heat, meaning an imbalance in energy flow or excess internal heat leading to inflammation.
Cooling Foods – Adding cooling proteins like turkey or rabbit can help if excess heat is contributing to reflux.
TCVM Herbs – Formulas like Si Miao San (Four Marvels Powder) may help with digestive imbalances.
Acupressure & Acupuncture – Stimulating digestion-related acupoints, like ST36 (Stomach 36) or LIV3 (Liver 3), can support digestive health.
6. Other Natural Support
Apple Cider Vinegar (Diluted) – Helps balance stomach acid (use sparingly).
Digestive Enzymes – Supports proper food breakdown to reduce acid buildup.
Probiotics – Supports healthy gut flora to reduce imbalances that contribute to reflux.
Colostrum – Helps repair the gut lining and support immune function.
Fulvic & Humic Acids (Beam Minerals) – These support mineral absorption and gut health.
Why OTC Acid Reducers Aren’t the Best Long-Term Solution
Many pet parents turn to OTC options like Pepcid (famotidine) or omeprazole, but these can actually make acid reflux worse over time.
They reduce stomach acid too much, leading to nutrient deficiencies and poor digestion.
They disrupt gut bacteria, increasing the risk of gut dysbiosis and inflammation.
They cause rebound acid production, meaning symptoms often return worse once stopped.
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