Natural Dog Remedies For Acid Reflux
WHAT IS ACID REFLUX IN DOGS ?
Dogs have acid and enzymes in their stomach to digest food, kill harmful bacteria, and maintain a healthy gut microflora. Anything that interferes with digestion can upset the balance of this. Acid reflux is when intestinal or gastric fluid comes up from the stomach and flows back up into the esophagus and throat. The sphincter where the esophagus connects to the stomach should close to stop acid flow. But with acid reflux or (GERD), the sphincter is open and allows acid to backflow into the esophagus. If you have ever experienced this yourself, it is not comfortable or pleasant.
WHAT ARE SYMPTOMS OF ACID REFLUX IN DOGS?
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Licking lips or licking the air
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Empty swallowing
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Regurgitation
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Vomit that has yellow bile in it
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Gagging or gulping (as if there is an airway obstruction)
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Excess salivation or drooling
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Gurgling stomach
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Bad breath coming from the stomach (not teeth)
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Grinding teeth or vibrating jaw/clattering teeth
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Uncomfortable swallowing
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Restlessness, pacing, can’t get comfortable
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Eating grass
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Lethargy
COMMON CAUSES OF ACID REFLUX IN DOGS:
It is important to consult with your veterinarian if you think your dog has acid reflux. Write down all of the symptoms he/she is displaying, take a video and a photo if there is vomit.
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Highly processed commercial foods (kibble/treats) and high fat foods- cause inflammation
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Nutritional deficiencies
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Lack of digestive enzymes-Pepsin and Trypsin
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Gut issues (yeast, bacterial overgrowth, parasites, leaky gut)
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Sensitivities, intolerances or allergies to foods, preservatives or additives in commercial dog foods/treats
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Weakened immune system
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Being overweight
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Stress (causes imbalance in the guts microbiome)
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Pancreatitis
FOODS FOR DOGS WITH ACID REFLUX:
Think 'easy to digest'- low fat and fresh foods that are appropriate for dogs
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Feed fresh foods with higher moisture content
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Smaller meals throughout the day
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Steamed or lightly cooked vegetables in chicken bone broth
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Easily digestible low-fat proteins- Poached or baked chicken breast or tenders
NATURAL REMEDIES FOR ACID REFLUX IN DOGS:
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Slippery Elm
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Marshmallow Root
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Licorice
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German Chamomile
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Ginger
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Daily Exercise
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Immune Support
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Probiotics
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Vitamin B12
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Lion's Mane Mushrooms
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Fresh Whole Foods Diet