What is acid reflux
Acid reflux in dogs, also known as gastroesophageal reflux, occurs when the acid (chime: mix of acid, salts and bile) from the stomach moves into the oesophagus. It can obviously cause some discomfort and although a symptom in itself (that is not deemed dangerous), it can lead to other issues. Reflux can cause irritation, inflammation and wear on the lining of the oesophagus, leading to possible ulcers. If left for long enough, this can cause narrowing, thinning, or necrosis of the oesophagus. Also a constant regurgitation (a common symptom of acid reflux) can cause vomit to enter a dogs’ lungs and lead to further damage or aspiration pneumonia.
Symptoms may be as follows:
· Bad breath
· Constipation, diarrhoea and bloating
· Burping, gagging, or minimal vomiting/regurgitation after a meal
· Dry cough
· Wheezing
· Pain after eating, such as restlessness and hunching over
· Inactivity or lethargy after meal
· Loss of appetite
· Weight loss
How Diet and Supplements can Help
The gut is the epicentre of immunity and health. If your dog’s digestive system is not working correctly, then nothing else will be. A symptom of acid reflux is telling you there is a dis-ease in the body and something needs to change to rectify it. Determining the reasons why are key. Is the food suitable for your dog? Are you feeding a commercial dry food? Are there nutritional deficiencies? Is there stress? Is the gut functioning properly?
Nutrition
Looking at suitable diets and food for your pet is essential. A fresh and balanced diet rich in easily digestible proteins, good fats and vegetables (fibre) can help support gut microbiota and stomach acid levels. Home made cooked or raw food are often best in this instance.
Processed foods and sugars can cause inflammation in your dog’s stomach, decrease acid levels, triggering acid reflux symptoms.
Certain foods can often be an aggravator of reflux, so understanding what might be bothering your dog is essential. If feeding a fresh diet has not worked and you are at a loss. Doing a food sensitivity test can help in removing the culprits.
An elimination diet is the best way forward as intolerance and allergy testing can be inconclusive.
Low dietary fiber intake is associated with decreased stomach and gut motility and delayed gastric emptying. Low fibre findings are mostly found in humans, but our counterparts experience the same pathogenesis in acid reflux and adding insoluble fibre, may help.
Checking for nutritional deficiencies is always a good start and something we offer here at MPN. There is a large correlation between low vitamin D levels and GERD in humans. I often find our pets can experience the same thing. Although a vitamin or mineral deficiency isn’t usually the soul reason for acid relax, it is good to check this out. Low levels of acid may also indicate deficiency in B12, iron, magnesium and calcium.
Asking your vet to test for vitamin levels is a good start.
Zinc deficiency is correlated to and regarded as a potential in protecting gastro lining. The research is based on its anti-secretory properties and regulation of gastric levels. Many foods can be deficient in zinc and a common mineral when looking at deficiencies.
Supplements
Such a beautiful and useful part of a diet regime is to looking at supplements. They can help to reduce symptoms of reflux rather successfully. These are mostly looking at how to support digestive function but also to consider other things that effect digestion such as stress.
Ashwaganda; this native Ayurvedic herb is one I always wax lyrical about. It has adaptogenic abilities when it comes to stress. It modulates cortisol levels (our stress hormones). If your dog is experiencing consistent stress, cortisol shuts down the digestive system and this has been shown to increase acid levels in the gut.
Slippery elm; such a beautiful insoluble fibre that tends to help regardless of the cause. It has mucilage properties where it creates a film, soothes, protects and helps to heal the entire gastric system, modulating acid levels in the gut. It’s a wonder herb for the cupboard.
Deglycyrrhised licorice; this botanical and functional herb is a demulcent (or mucilaginous, the same as slippery elm). It enhances oesophageal and digestive mucosal protection and in powder or liquid form, can help soothe the oesophaegal and digestive lining. According to a 2014 study, DGL was shown to create extra mucus, acting as a barrier to acid in the stomach and oesophagus. This barrier may allow the damaged tissue to heal and prevent future occurrences of acid reflux. A 2018 study i humans, found it was more effective than acid-suppressive drugs used.
Probiotics; gut microbiota allows for a healthy ecology and functioning of the gut. We know from studies that good bacteria protects the gut mucosa, helps support immunity, aids the digestion of food and prevents bad bacteria and yeast (linked to reflux), in growing out of control. Although research doesn’t show a direct correlation with supporting stomach acid, it does support general digestion and health.
Enzymes; can be a great addition to help reduce acid reflux symptoms, especially if there are food intolerances and allergies. Best used in conjunction with slippery elm and probiotics to cover all digestive bases.
Glutamine; maintaining the gut membrane integrity has shown in animal and clinical studies that glutamine deprivation leads to atrophy, mucosal ulcerations and possible disruption of acid production.
READ FULL ARTICLE HERE…
https://www.mypetnutritionist.com/post/top-tips-naturally-for-acid-reflux-in-dogs
MORE RESOURCES
Incessant Licking & Other Signs of ACID REFLUX… VIDEO INCLUDED…
Cats
HOW TO PREVENT ACID REFLUX…
FEED HIGH QUALITY CAT FOOD
FEED SMALLER PORTIONS OF FOOD AT A TIME
LIMIT FEEDING TABLE SCRAPS
ADDRESS ANY STRESS ISSUES
