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By Judyvein Cheng, CPCN, BRNC
Certified pet nutritionist in Singapore
QUICK ANSWER
Acid reflux happens when stomach acid flows back up into the oesophagus. Watch for lip licking, licking the air, eating grass, gagging or vomiting bile. Occasional reflux can often be eased at home with diet changes, a bedtime snack and gut-soothing support, but ongoing or frequent reflux needs a vet check.
Think of the heartburn we get after a heavy or spicy meal. Dogs can get it too. It can happen at any age, but it's more common in young dogs and in flat-faced breeds like pugs and French bulldogs, which have shorter oesophaguses.
What is acid reflux?
At the bottom of the oesophagus is a ring of muscle, the lower oesophageal sphincter, that normally stays closed to keep stomach contents where they belong. When it relaxes at the wrong time, stomach acid flows back up into the oesophagus, causing inflammation, irritation and discomfort.
Signs of acid reflux
✓ Licking the lips or licking the air
✓ A decrease or increase in appetite
✓ Vomiting that doesn't get progressively worse, or vomiting bile
✓ Chewing the legs or paws to self-soothe
✓ Grinding the teeth or snapping the jaw
✓ Burping or gagging
✓ Eating grass or non-food objects
✓ Painful swallowing, with crying or whining
✓ Regurgitation: unlike vomiting, it's sudden, comes without warning, and brings up undigested food
✓ Weight loss
✓ Restlessness or other signs of discomfort
Common causes
Diet
A highly processed diet, nutrient deficiencies or food sensitivities.
Gut imbalance
SIBO, yeast or bacterial overgrowth, parasites, digestive tract inflammation, or IBD, especially of the upper digestive tract.
Stress
Stress hormones like cortisol can slow digestion.
Weight
Obesity puts pressure on the stomach.
Underlying conditions
Chronic vomiting from pancreatitis, liver or kidney disease or IBD; megaoesophagus, which is sometimes linked to autoimmune disease such as myasthenia gravis; or tumours.
Physical causes
A foreign body, an underdeveloped sphincter in young dogs, or trauma to the throat, such as from leash pulling or a foreign object.
Some causes can be managed at home, but if reflux keeps coming back or happens often, see your vet to rule out other problems.
How to help
Feed a fresh, whole-food diet. Cut back on processed foods and sugars, which can inflame the stomach and upset acid levels. Choose easily digestible proteins, healthy fats and a variety of colourful vegetables, gently cooked and puréed, and organic whenever possible. If food sensitivities could be part of the picture, the Pet Intolerance Test can help.
Don't let the stomach stay empty. Either give a substantial bedtime snack with Gut Soothe added, or split the daily food into smaller, more frequent meals, with the last one at bedtime, also with Gut Soothe. A simple bedtime snack: a little mashed banana mixed with a little ginger tea into a paste.
Reduce stress in your dog's environment.
Keep your dog active and at a healthy weight. Exercise supports digestion, and extra weight is linked to reflux. Read more in helping your dog reach a healthy weight. Allow time to digest after meals before a walk.
FROM MY EXPERIENCE
Both my dogs have vomited bile before. For both of them, it wasn't a long-term thing.
When it was hunger bile, from an empty stomach, it resolved within a few days. When it was acid reflux, it went away after I switched them to a less damp diet. In canine energetics, some foods are more "damp" than others, and too much damp can upset digestion.
This was true for both Wangcai and BeanBean.
Natural remedies that can help
Slippery elm
Coats the oesophagus and supports mucus production to protect against acid. Try Animal Essentials Slippery Elm.
DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice)
A soothing demulcent that may help build a protective mucus barrier and support healing.
Probiotics
Support the beneficial gut bacteria that crowd out harmful ones. Try Fido's Flora, and rotate between brands. Read more in why your dog needs a dog-specific probiotic.
L-glutamine
Supports the membranes lining the gut and oesophagus.
Digestive enzymes
Help break down food and make nutrients more available. Try Plant Powered Healthy Gut.
Chamomile or ginger tea
Anti-inflammatory and hydrating.
Good to know: Gut Soothe already contains slippery elm, DGL and L-glutamine in one formula. We don't carry DGL or L-glutamine as separate supplements, but we can arrange a private order if you need them. Contact us.
If your dog's reflux keeps coming back, I can go through other supportive options with you in a PawConsult.
Frequently asked questions
Is it normal for my dog to vomit yellow bile in the morning?
Often it's hunger bile from an empty stomach overnight. A bedtime snack usually helps. If it keeps happening, look at reflux and see your vet.
Is eating grass a sign of reflux?
It can be. Many dogs eat grass to soothe an upset stomach. Watch for other signs too.
Can cats get acid reflux?
Yes. Many of the same signs and approaches apply, but check with your vet first.
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This article is for educational purposes and isn't a substitute for veterinary care. If you're concerned about your pet's health, please seek professional advice.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Judyvein Cheng, CPCN, BRNC
Judyvein is a Certified Professional Canine Nutritionist and Certified Raw Nutrition Coach for Cats & Dogs, and the founder of JOOF Holistic Pet. Her journey began with her Frenchie, Wangcai, and today she helps pet parents in Singapore take a root-cause approach to their pets' health.
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