Acid Reflux

Acid reflux, also known as GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease), occurs when gastric fluid rises from the stomach into the oesophagus.

📌 Why does this happen?

✔️ Normally, a sphincter at the junction of the oesophagus & stomach prevents acid flow.

❌ In acid reflux, the sphincter remains open, allowing acid to irritate the oesophageal lining.

⚠️ Brachycephalic breeds (e.g., Pugs, French Bulldogs) are more prone due to their shorter oesophagus, making reflux more frequent.

🔎 Signs & Symptoms of Acid Reflux

✔️ Oral Symptoms:

🔹 Licking lips or air

🔹 Bad breath (originating from the stomach, not just dental issues)

🔹 Grinding teeth or snapping jaw

✔️ Swallowing Difficulties:

🔹 Empty swallowing

🔹 Painful swallowing (crying/whining, reluctance to eat)

🔹 Decreased or increased appetite

✔️ Gastrointestinal Distress:

🔹 Vomiting bile

🔹 Retching, burping, or gagging

🔹 Eating dirt, grass, or inanimate objects

🚨 Oesophageal ulceration – throwing up blood (hematemesis)

✔️ Respiratory & Voice Changes:

🔹 Coughing, wheezing, or laryngitis

🔹 Voice changes

🚨 Aspiration pneumonia – caused by inhaled acid due to weakened muscle contractions

✔️ Behavioural Signs:

🔹 Restlessness, pacing, difficulty getting comfortable

🔹 Hunched-up posture due to discomfort

🔹 Reluctance to move, lethargy

✔️ General Health Impact:

🔹 Weight loss

🔹 Lab results showing health changes

🩺 Common Causes of Acid Reflux

✔️ Dietary Factors:❌ Highly processed foods❌ Poor nutrition & dietary sensitivities

✔️ Medical Treatments:❌ Antibiotics disrupt gut microbiome❌ Antacids reduce stomach acid, affecting digestion

✔️ Gastrointestinal Issues:❌ Microbiome imbalances (SIBO, yeast, bacterial overgrowth, parasites)

❌ Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), especially affecting the upper digestive tract

✔️ Mechanical & Structural Causes:❌ Foreign objects blocking food passage❌ Myasthenia Gravis/Megaoesophagus (autoimmune nerve disorder)❌ Hiatal hernia❌ Trauma to the oesophagus

✔️ Weight & Metabolic Factors:❌ Obesity increases reflux risk❌ Slow digestion & delayed emptying❌ Excessive stomach acid production (from stress, hernias, or spicy foods)

✔️ Psychological & Environmental Triggers:❌ Stress impacts microbiome balance, increasing inflammation risk❌ Anaesthesia slows digestion—wait before feeding post-surgery

✔️ Age-Related Factors:

🔹 Young dogs may have underdeveloped sphincters—improves with age.

📌 If your brachycephalic breed experiences reflux symptoms, consult your vet about BOAS testing.

📌 Consider microbiome testing (e.g., Pet Biome) to identify gut imbalances.

🟢 Potential Remedies for Acid Reflux

🐾 Every dog is unique—trial & error may be necessary to find the best solution!

✔️ Transition to Raw Diet

🚫 Avoid ultra-processed foods & starches (e.g., starch-laden vegetables).

✔️ Probiotics for Gut Health: Supports beneficial bacteria to fight harmful bacteria.

📌 Recommended probiotics:

🔹 Adored Beasts Love Bugs

🔹 Four Leaf Rover Soil-Based Protect

🔹 Dorwest Herbs Tree Barks

💡 Use only ONE product at a time—not all simultaneously!

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✔️ Digestive Enzymes: Support pancreatic function & food digestion.

🔹 In the UK, enzyme supplements are limited, so consider small portions of raw pancreas (start small to prevent loose stools) or ProDog Digest.

✔️ Feeding Adjustments:

🐾 Smaller, more frequent meals (spread across 5–6 feedings per day).🐾 Late-night snack to prevent an empty stomach overnight.

✔️ Moor Mud (Humic Acid & Minerals)

📌 Aniforte provides high bioavailability of humic acid & minerals—supports digestion & gut health.

✔️ Keep a Food Diary🐾 Tracking meals helps identify common triggers.

✔️ Ginger or Chamomile Tea🐾 Naturally soothing—📌 Homemade Ginger Tea:

🔹 Simmer ginger slices in water (30 min), cool & spoon over food.🔹 Store in the fridge for up to a week.

✔️ Slow Eating Tools

🐾 Use lick mats, Kongs & Sodapups toys to reduce gulping & improve digestion.

📌 For brachycephalic breeds, always consult a vet regarding potential BOAS concerns.

📌 Seek veterinary support whenever needed—always advocate for your dog’s health!

🐶 Final Thoughts: Managing Acid Reflux Effectively

✔️ Understanding acid reflux symptoms helps identify treatment options.

✔️ Dietary adjustments, probiotics & feeding strategies aid in long-term relief.

✔️ Vet guidance remains crucial, especially for brachycephalic breeds.

🐾 By tailoring care to your dog’s needs, you can improve their digestive health & overall well-being!

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