Acid Reflux In Dogs — 101

Key Takeaways

Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus due to a relaxed lower esophageal sphincter, causing inflammation and discomfort

Common symptoms include regurgitation, whining after meals, lip-licking, coughing, and loss of appetite - especially in brachycephalic breeds like bulldogs and pugs

Treatment involves low-fat diets with small frequent meals, acid-reducing medications, and prokinetic drugs to strengthen the esophageal sphincter

Early diagnosis through endoscopy and proper veterinary care prevents serious complications like aspiration pneumonia and esophageal damage

Prevention focuses on maintaining a healthy low-fat diet, avoiding high-fat treats, and following prescribed medications for long-term management

When your furry friend starts whining after meals or repeatedly licking their lips, they might be experiencing more than simple stomach upset. Acid reflux in dogs, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, affects countless pets and can lead to serious complications if left untreated. Unlike humans who can describe their heartburn, dogs rely on us to recognize the subtle signs of this uncomfortable condition.

Understanding acid reflux symptoms and causes empowers you to seek timely veterinary care and prevent long-term damage to your dog’s esophagus. From dietary management to medical treatment, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about protecting your pet’s digestive health.

The condition exists on a spectrum from acute, temporary episodes to chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease, which is a chronic condition requiring ongoing management. Acute acid reflux often occurs after anesthesia when muscle tone is reduced, while chronic conditions typically involve structural problems or ongoing digestive issues affecting the gastrointestinal tract.

Brachycephalic dogs like bulldogs, pugs, and French bulldogs face increased risk due to their shortened airways and anatomical differences affecting the chest cavity. Young puppies also show higher susceptibility because their digestive system hasn’t fully matured, and the muscle tone of their esophageal sphincter remains underdeveloped.

The digestive tract normally coordinates complex muscular and neurological functions to prevent reflux. When gastric acid secretion increases or stomach emptying slows, pressure builds within the stomach, overwhelming the lower esophageal sphincter’s ability to maintain closure. This process can lead to painful esophageal irritation and, in severe cases, life threatening complications.

The Digestive System and How Acid Reflux Occurs

The canine digestive system is a complex network designed to efficiently process food and absorb nutrients, but when any part of this system malfunctions, issues like acid reflux—also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)—can arise. Normally, when your dog eats, food travels down the esophagus and passes through the lower esophageal sphincter, a muscular ring that acts as a gatekeeper between the esophagus and the stomach. Once in the stomach, food is mixed with powerful stomach acid and digestive enzymes, breaking it down for absorption in the intestines.

In healthy dogs, the lower esophageal sphincter remains tightly closed after food passes through, preventing stomach acid and digestive enzymes from flowing backward. However, if this esophageal sphincter becomes weakened or relaxes inappropriately, stomach acid and other stomach contents can escape back into the esophagus. This backward flow, known as gastroesophageal reflux, irritates the sensitive esophageal lining and can cause inflammation, discomfort, and in severe cases, lead to complications like aspiration pneumonia if stomach contents are inhaled into the lungs. Understanding how the digestive system works and the critical role of the lower esophageal sphincter helps pet owners recognize why reflux in dogs can be so problematic and why prompt management is essential to protect their pet’s health.

Symptoms of Acid Reflux in Dogs

Recognizing acid reflux symptoms in dogs requires careful observation, as our pets cannot verbally communicate their discomfort. The clinical signs range from subtle behavioral changes to obvious physical distress, making early detection crucial for preventing complications.

Primary symptoms include regurgitation without warning signs, often occurring shortly after meals. Unlike vomiting, regurgitation involves passive expulsion of undigested food mixed with stomach acid. Dogs experiencing acid reflux frequently display whining or pacing after eating, indicating discomfort as gastric acid irritates the dog's esophagus, leading to inflammation and pain.

Secondary signs manifest as persistent lip-licking, excessive drooling, and frequent swallowing motions even when not eating. Many owners notice changes in their dog’s bark or voice, becoming hoarser due to acid damage to the throat tissues. Chronic vomiting, particularly vomiting bile on an empty stomach, often accompanies reflux episodes.

Behavioral changes provide additional clues to your dog’s acid reflux. Loss of appetite develops as dogs associate eating with subsequent pain and discomfort. Weight loss may follow, especially concerning in growing puppies or senior dogs. Some dogs become reluctant to lie down flat, preferring elevated positions that reduce stomach pressure.

Severity indicators help distinguish mild irritation from serious complications requiring immediate medical treatment. Mild cases might involve occasional regurgitation and temporary appetite changes, while severe cases present with constant regurgitation, persistent vomiting, difficulty swallowing, and signs of dehydration.

Warning signs of aspiration pneumonia represent medical emergencies. When stomach contents enter the lungs, dogs develop difficulty breathing, persistent coughing that worsens over time, lethargy, fever, and blue-tinged gums. This life threatening complication requires immediate veterinary intervention and aggressive treatment.

Other symptoms to monitor include bad breath that smells acidic, excessive gas, and changes in stool consistency. Some dogs develop a hunched posture indicating abdominal pain, while others show increased water consumption to soothe their irritated throat and esophagus.

Causes of Acid Reflux in Dogs

Understanding the underlying cause of your dog’s acid reflux guides effective treatment and prevention strategies. Multiple factors can contribute to gastroesophageal reflux, from temporary triggers to permanent anatomical issues requiring surgical intervention.

Anesthesia-related causes represent one of the most common triggers for acute acid reflux episodes. During surgical procedures, anesthetized dogs experience relaxed esophageal sphincter function and often lie with their heads positioned lower than their stomachs. This combination allows stomach contents to flow freely into the esophagus, causing chemical burns that may persist for weeks after surgery.

Anatomical factors play crucial roles in chronic reflux conditions. Congenital hiatal hernias occur when portions of the stomach protrude through the diaphragm into the chest cavity, disrupting normal pressure relationships and promoting constant exposure to gastric acid. Young dogs with immature gastroesophageal sphincters face increased risk until their digestive system fully develops around one year of age.

Dietary triggers encompass various foods and feeding practices that promote reflux episodes. A dog's diet plays a significant role in managing and preventing acid reflux; choosing low-fat, low-protein foods, feeding smaller meals, and providing a soft diet can improve digestive health and reduce reflux symptoms. High fat foods delay stomach emptying and stimulate excessive gastric acid production. Food allergens like gluten and soy can cause chronic inflammation throughout the gi tract, weakening the lower esophageal sphincter over time. Irregular feeding schedules lead to periods of prolonged hunger followed by rapid eating, both promoting reflux.

Medical conditions affecting stomach function contribute significantly to chronic acid reflux. Chronic vomiting from any cause weakens the esophageal sphincter through repeated trauma and acid exposure. Delayed stomach emptying, whether from medications or underlying diseases, increases pressure within the stomach. Foreign body obstructions prevent normal gastric motility and can cause persistent reflux until surgically removed.

Breed predisposition affects certain dogs more than others. Brachycephalic dogs suffer from shortened esophagi and narrow airways that increase chest pressure during breathing. This anatomical difference makes reflux more likely and more severe when it occurs. Large, deep-chested breeds may develop gastric dilatation that promotes reflux episodes.

Hiatal Hernias and Structural Issues

Hiatal hernias represent serious structural causes of acid reflux requiring specialized veterinary care. A hiatal hernia is a condition where the stomach protrudes into the chest cavity through the diaphragmatic opening, leading to symptoms like acid reflux. These occur when stomach organs herniate through the diaphragmatic opening into the chest cavity, fundamentally altering the anatomy that normally prevents reflux.

Congenital hiatal hernias affect approximately 0.1-0.2% of the general dog population but account for a significant proportion of severe, treatment-resistant reflux cases. These birth defects involve abnormal development of the diaphragmatic opening, allowing stomach tissue to slide freely between the abdomen and chest cavity.

Trauma-induced hernias result from accidents causing sudden increases in abdominal pressure or direct diaphragmatic injury. Car accidents, falls from heights, or blunt force trauma can tear the diaphragm or stretch the esophageal opening, creating acquired hernias that promote chronic reflux.

The abnormal positioning creates increased pressure gradients that overwhelm the lower esophageal sphincter’s protective function. Stomach contents face reduced resistance when flowing upward, leading to frequent and severe reflux episodes that often resist standard medical management.

Surgical intervention becomes necessary for most hiatal hernias causing significant symptoms. Veterinary surgeons can repair the diaphragmatic defect and restore normal anatomy, though success rates vary depending on the hernia’s size and the duration of symptoms before treatment.

Stomach Acid Imbalances

Both excessive and insufficient stomach acid production can contribute to acid reflux, creating a complex relationship between gastric acid secretion and esophageal health.

Overproduction causes include stress-related increases in acid production, bacterial infections that stimulate inflammatory responses, and consumption of spicy or oily processed foods that trigger excessive gastric acid secretion. Certain medications and medical conditions can also stimulate the stomach’s acid-producing cells beyond normal levels.

Underproduction, known as hypochlorhydria, presents a paradoxical cause of acid reflux. When stomach acid levels fall too low, protein digestion becomes incomplete, and harmful bacteria proliferate in the small intestines. This bacterial overgrowth, called small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, produces gases and toxins that increase stomach pressure and promote reflux.

The role of healthy gastric acid extends beyond simple digestion. Adequate acid levels prevent bacterial overgrowth, activate digestive enzymes, and facilitate proper nutrient absorption. When acid production falls below optimal levels, the entire digestive tract suffers, creating conditions that promote both reflux and other digestive issues. Nutrient deficiencies caused by hypochlorhydria, such as low magnesium and calcium, can increase the risk of bone fractures in dogs.

Low stomach acid connections to broader health problems include increased food allergies, autoimmune disease development, poor immunity against intestinal pathogens, and compromised intestinal permeability. These systemic effects explain why some dogs with acid reflux also develop multiple food sensitivities and chronic digestive problems.

Brachycephalic Breeds: Special Considerations

Brachycephalic breeds—such as pugs, English bulldogs, and French bulldogs—require special attention when it comes to acid reflux. Their distinctive short, flat faces and compact skulls not only affect their breathing but also put extra pressure on their digestive system. The unique anatomy of these breeds can increase abdominal and thoracic pressure, making it easier for stomach acid to push past the lower esophageal sphincter and flow back into the esophagus. This means the esophageal sphincter in brachycephalic dogs is more likely to relax or weaken, allowing acid reflux to occur more frequently.

Additionally, these breeds are at higher risk for developing hiatal hernias, where part of the stomach slips through the diaphragm into the chest cavity. Hiatal hernias further compromise the barrier between the stomach and esophagus, making acid reflux even more likely and sometimes more severe. Owners of brachycephalic dogs should be especially vigilant for signs of acid reflux, such as regurgitation, vomiting, coughing, or discomfort after eating. Working closely with a veterinarian to develop a tailored treatment plan—including dietary adjustments and monitoring for hiatal hernias—can help manage acid reflux and keep these beloved breeds healthy and comfortable.

Diagnosis of Acid Reflux in Dogs

Accurate diagnosis of acid reflux requires a systematic veterinary approach combining clinical observation, diagnostic testing, and sometimes therapeutic trials. The nonspecific nature of many symptoms makes thorough evaluation essential for developing effective treatment plans.

Endoscopy serves as the gold standard for diagnosing gastroesophageal reflux in dogs. This procedure allows direct visualization of the esophageal lining, revealing inflammation, ulcerations, or scarring that confirms acid damage. Veterinary clinics equipped with endoscopic equipment can assess the severity of esophagitis and identify complications like strictures or fungal overgrowth.

Blood tests help rule out underlying conditions contributing to reflux symptoms. A complete blood count reveals signs of infection or inflammation, while biochemical panels assess liver and kidney function. These tests also identify systemic diseases that might cause chronic vomiting or affect gastrointestinal tract function.

Imaging studies provide valuable information about structural abnormalities. X-rays can reveal hiatal hernias, foreign bodies, or megaesophagus affecting normal swallowing function. Contrast studies using barium show real-time gastric emptying and can demonstrate reflux episodes during the examination.

Therapeutic trials offer diagnostic value when advanced testing isn’t immediately available. Veterinarians may prescribe acid-reducing medications and dietary changes to see if symptoms improve, confirming the diagnosis while beginning treatment simultaneously.

Differential diagnosis becomes crucial for distinguishing acid reflux from other conditions causing similar symptoms. Megaesophagus presents with regurgitation but involves esophageal dilation rather than acid damage. Foreign bodies cause sudden onset symptoms and require immediate removal. Tumors affecting the esophagus or stomach produce progressive symptoms and require biopsy samples for definitive diagnosis.

Physical examination includes nervous system evaluation to assess vagus nerve function, which controls gastrointestinal tract motility. Some holistic veterinarians also check for body misalignments affecting nerve function, though conventional evidence for these approaches remains limited.

Dietary management forms the foundation of most treatment plans. Low-fat, highly digestible prescription diets reduce gastric acid stimulation and promote faster stomach emptying. Small frequent meals, typically three to four times daily, prevent stomach overfilling and reduce pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter.

Medication protocols target different aspects of the reflux process. Proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole reduce gastric acid production, while prokinetic drugs improve stomach emptying and strengthen esophageal sphincter function, helping ensure less acid leaks into the esophagus. Protective medications create barriers between stomach acid and the esophageal lining, promoting healing of existing damage.

Surgical interventions become necessary when structural problems like hiatal hernias cause persistent symptoms despite medical management. Foreign body removal requires immediate surgery to prevent ongoing irritation and potential life threatening complications. Experienced veterinary surgeons can repair anatomical defects and restore normal digestive anatomy.

Natural remedies complement conventional treatment in many cases. Probiotics support healthy gut flora and may reduce inflammation throughout the digestive system. Slippery elm creates protective mucilage that soothes irritated tissues, while deglycyrrhized licorice promotes healing of damaged esophageal lining.

Combination approaches often yield the best outcomes for dogs with chronic acid reflux. Medical therapy provides immediate symptom relief while dietary modifications address long-term management. Natural supplements support overall digestive health and may reduce the need for long-term medication use.

Medical Treatment

Conventional medical treatment focuses on reducing acid production, protecting the esophageal lining, and improving gastric motility. These medications require careful dosing and monitoring to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Proton pump inhibitors represent the most potent acid-reducing medications available for treating reflux in dogs. These drugs block the final step in gastric acid production, providing sustained relief from acid-related symptoms. However, long-term use can lead to complications including bacterial overgrowth and nutrient deficiencies.

Gastrointestinal pro-kinetic medications like metoclopramide improve stomach emptying and strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter. These drugs enhance the digestive tract’s natural protective mechanisms while reducing the likelihood of future reflux episodes. Side effects can include neurological symptoms, requiring careful monitoring during treatment.

Protective medications create physical barriers between stomach acid and vulnerable tissues. Sucralfate forms gel-like coatings over ulcerated areas, promoting healing while preventing further acid damage. These medications work best when given on an empty stomach, requiring careful timing with meals and other medications.

Monitoring protocols ensure treatment effectiveness while watching for adverse reactions. Regular veterinary examinations assess symptom improvement and medication tolerance. Blood tests may be necessary for dogs receiving long-term treatment to monitor liver function and detect potential complications.

Adjusting treatment plans becomes necessary as dogs respond to therapy or develop tolerance to medications. Some dogs require dose increases over time, while others may transition to lower doses as their condition improves. Working closely with your veterinarian ensures optimal outcomes while minimizing medication-related risks.

Natural and Holistic Approaches

Complementary treatments offer additional support for dogs with acid reflux, particularly when integrated with conventional veterinary care. These approaches focus on supporting overall digestive health and reducing inflammation throughout the gastrointestinal system.

Herbal remedies have shown promise in managing digestive disorders in dogs. Ginger supports gastric motility and reduces nausea, while slippery elm provides soothing mucilage that protects irritated tissues. Marshmallow root offers similar protective effects, and chamomile tea can reduce inflammation and promote relaxation.

Supplements targeting gut health include organic aloe vera juice, which provides anti-inflammatory compounds and promotes tissue healing. Ashwagandha helps manage stress-related acid production, while probiotics restore healthy bacterial balance throughout the digestive system. These supplements should be introduced gradually under veterinary supervision.

Dietary additions can provide natural relief from acid reflux symptoms. Ripe bananas offer alkalizing effects that neutralize excess stomach acid, while plain yogurt with live cultures supports beneficial bacteria populations. These foods should complement, not replace, prescribed dietary management plans.

Exercise and stress reduction support digestive function by improving overall health and reducing stress-related acid production. Regular, moderate exercise promotes healthy gastric motility, while consistent routines reduce anxiety that can trigger reflux episodes.

Integration with conventional treatment requires careful coordination to avoid interactions and ensure compatibility. Some natural remedies can affect medication absorption or alter gastric pH in ways that impact prescribed treatments. Always consult with your veterinarian before adding supplements or herbal remedies to your dog’s treatment plan.

Role of Digestive Enzymes in Managing Acid Reflux

Digestive enzymes are essential for breaking down food and ensuring your dog absorbs the nutrients they need for optimal health. Produced in the stomach and small intestines, these enzymes help digest proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, making the digestive process more efficient. For dogs experiencing acid reflux, supplementing with digestive enzymes can be particularly beneficial. By aiding in the breakdown of food, digestive enzymes help reduce the workload on the stomach and may decrease stomach acid production, which in turn can lessen acid reflux symptoms like vomiting and regurgitation.

Moreover, digestive enzymes support the healing and protection of the esophageal lining, reducing the risk of complications such as ulcers or strictures that can result from chronic acid exposure. Adding digestive enzyme supplements to your dog’s diet, under veterinary guidance, can help manage reflux in dogs by promoting smoother digestion and minimizing irritation to the esophagus. This proactive approach not only addresses current symptoms but also supports long-term digestive health and comfort.

Low-fat diet requirements typically limit dietary fat content to less than 10% on a dry matter basis. Fat stimulates gastric acid secretion and delays stomach emptying, both contributing to increased reflux risk. Most prescription diets formulated for digestive disorders meet these requirements while maintaining nutritional completeness.

Small frequent meals prevent stomach overdistension that can overwhelm the lower esophageal sphincter. Feeding three to four smaller portions throughout the day maintains steady digestion while reducing pressure that promotes reflux episodes. This approach also helps stabilize blood sugar and prevents the excessive hunger that leads to rapid eating.

Highly digestible foods promote faster gastric emptying and reduce the time stomach contents remain available for reflux. Prescription diets use easily absorbed proteins and carbohydrates that minimize digestive work while providing complete nutrition. Home-cooked diets require careful formulation to ensure digestibility and nutritional balance.

Avoiding trigger foods becomes essential for preventing symptom recurrence. High fat foods, spicy seasonings, and known allergens should be eliminated from the diet. Certain foods like chocolate, onions, and garlic are toxic to dogs and can worsen digestive problems beyond their reflux-promoting effects.

Hypoallergenic options benefit dogs with food sensitivities contributing to their reflux. Hydrolyzed protein diets break down proteins into components too small to trigger allergic reactions. An elimination diet can help identify specific food triggers, though this process requires patience and strict adherence to feeding protocols.

Water management includes providing fresh water at all times while avoiding large volumes immediately before or after meals. Some dogs benefit from elevated feeding stations that reduce the effort required for swallowing and may decrease reflux risk in certain breeds.

Complications: Aspiration Pneumonia and Other Risks

If left untreated, acid reflux in dogs can lead to a range of serious complications that go beyond simple discomfort. One of the most dangerous risks is aspiration pneumonia, which occurs when stomach contents are accidentally inhaled into the lungs. This life-threatening condition can develop rapidly, especially in severe cases, and requires immediate veterinary attention. Other complications include the development of esophageal ulcers and strictures—narrowing of the esophagus that makes swallowing painful and difficult. Chronic vomiting and regurgitation can also result in malnutrition, weight loss, and dental problems, including persistent bad breath.

Long-term exposure to stomach acid can increase the risk of gastrointestinal ulcers, as well as more systemic issues like increased intestinal permeability and even autoimmune disease. Diets high in fat or processed foods can exacerbate these risks, while ongoing clinical signs such as chronic vomiting or regurgitation signal the need for prompt intervention. To reduce the likelihood of these complications, it’s important to feed a healthy, balanced diet, avoid high fat foods, and consider natural remedies like slippery elm and digestive enzymes to soothe and protect the digestive tract. Regular veterinary check-ups and close monitoring of your dog’s clinical signs are essential for catching complications early and ensuring the best possible outcome for dogs living with acid reflux.

Long-term Management and Prevention

Successful long-term management of acid reflux requires ongoing attention to diet, medication compliance, and regular veterinary monitoring. Most dogs with properly managed reflux can live comfortable, normal lives with appropriate care.

Ongoing monitoring involves watching for symptom recurrence and assessing treatment effectiveness over time. Keep detailed records of eating habits, symptoms, and medication administration to help your veterinarian adjust treatment plans as needed. Monthly weight checks ensure your dog maintains healthy body condition on their modified diet.

Maintaining consistent dietary management becomes a lifetime commitment for most dogs with chronic acid reflux. The low fat, low protein diet that initially resolves symptoms typically needs to continue indefinitely to prevent recurrence. Treats and table scraps should be carefully selected to maintain dietary restrictions.

Regular veterinary follow-ups allow for treatment adjustments and early detection of complications. Most dogs require recheck examinations every three to six months initially, with longer intervals possible as the condition stabilizes. Additional diagnostic testing may be necessary if symptoms persist despite appropriate treatment.

Medication compliance becomes crucial for dogs requiring long-term acid suppression therapy. Some dogs need medications for months or years to prevent symptom recurrence. Missing doses or discontinuing medications prematurely often leads to rapid symptom return and potential complications.

Weight management reduces pressure on the esophageal sphincter and supports overall digestive health. Maintaining lean body condition through portion control and regular exercise helps prevent complications while supporting long-term treatment success. Obesity significantly increases reflux risk and complicates treatment efforts.

Environmental modifications can support long-term management success. Stress reduction through consistent routines, adequate exercise, and comfortable living conditions helps minimize stress-related acid production. Some dogs benefit from elevated sleeping areas that reduce nighttime reflux episodes.

When to Seek Emergency Veterinary Care

Recognizing emergency situations related to acid reflux can be life-saving for affected dogs. Certain complications require immediate veterinary intervention to prevent permanent damage or death.

Signs of aspiration pneumonia represent the most serious emergency related to acid reflux. When stomach contents enter the lungs, dogs develop difficulty breathing that progressively worsens, persistent coughing that may produce bloody or frothy discharge, extreme lethargy, and fever. Blue-tinged gums indicate severe oxygen deprivation requiring immediate emergency treatment.

Vomiting blood signals severe esophageal ulceration that may lead to life threatening bleeding. Blood may appear bright red or dark and coffee-ground-like, depending on the bleeding location and duration. Any blood in vomit warrants immediate veterinary evaluation and potential emergency surgery.

Complete loss of appetite combined with signs of dehydration indicates severe progression requiring immediate intervention. Dogs may become weak, have dry gums, show skin tenting when pinched, and produce minimal urine. Dehydration can rapidly become life threatening in small dogs or those with other health conditions.

Worsening symptoms despite appropriate treatment may indicate complications like esophageal strictures or underlying conditions requiring different approaches. If your dog’s condition deteriorates while receiving prescribed treatment, contact your veterinarian immediately rather than waiting for scheduled follow-up appointments.

Any sudden changes in breathing or consciousness require emergency evaluation regardless of their apparent connection to acid reflux. These signs may indicate aspiration, severe pain, or other serious complications requiring immediate medical intervention.

Other concerning signs include persistent drooling that interferes with normal activities, inability to swallow water or food, obvious pain when attempting to eat or drink, and behavioral changes suggesting severe discomfort. When in doubt, err on the side of caution and seek veterinary advice promptly.

FAQ

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Can I give my dog human antacids for acid reflux?

No, never give human antacids to dogs without veterinary approval. Many contain ingredients like xylitol that are toxic to dogs. Always consult your veterinarian for appropriate canine-specific medications.

How long does it take for acid reflux treatment to work in dogs?

Most dogs show improvement within 1-2 weeks of starting treatment with proper medications and dietary changes. However, complete healing of esophageal inflammation may take 4-6 weeks depending on severity.

Is acid reflux in dogs a lifelong condition?

This depends on the underlying cause. Dogs with structural issues like hiatal hernias may require lifelong management, while those with dietary-related reflux may recover completely with proper treatment and diet modification.

Can stress cause acid reflux in dogs?

Yes, stress can contribute to acid reflux by affecting the nervous system’s control of digestion and potentially increasing stomach acid production. Managing stress through exercise and routine can help reduce reflux episodes.

Are there any dog breeds that should never eat certain foods due to reflux risk?

Brachycephalic breeds (pugs, bulldogs, French bulldogs) should especially avoid high-fat foods, large meals, and eating too quickly due to their increased risk of acid reflux from anatomical differences.