Home Remedies for Dog Acid Reflux

Dog acid reflux is a common condition that affects several dogs across the world, regardless of their breed, age, size or gender. However, it is more common in puppies and younger dogs. It is also known as canine acid reflux and it occurs when a particular muscle (that keeps the acids confined to the stomach) in your pet’s stomach becomes weak, thereby allowing the acid to spill into the esophagus. Symptoms may include frequent regurgitation (spitting up of food), vomiting, weight loss and lack of appetite. Most vets recommend that dogs suffering from acid reflux be treated, as this condition could cause a lot of discomfort to your pet and can even cause erosion of, or severe damage to the esophagus. The treatment can be administered at home, by making a few alterations to your dog’s diet, so that the amount of acids produced in the stomach are decreased and the weakened stomach muscles are strengthened. Some medication may also be recommended to expedite the digestion process. However, some of these medicines may cause undesirable side effects like aggression, restlessness or diarrhea. Therefore, most pet owners are now more interested in curing the condition, through the use of home remedies for dog acid reflux. Some of the most common natural remedies for dog acid reflux include:

Treatment for Canine Acid Reflux

Feed your dog smaller meals, throughout the day. It is more difficult to digest bigger meals, than smaller ones. Therefore, eating heavy meals or large portions at one time may aggravate the condition in canines. Eating lighter and frequent meals is the best option for them. Refrain from giving your dog unhealthy treats even during snack times. There are several healthy snack options for dogs, which can be given instead. Make sure that you feed your pet healthy food, designed for dogs, not people.

The use of Honey has been recommended, in treatment for dog acid reflux. The honey coats the esophagus and protects it from gastric acid. Spread about one teaspoon of the honey on a small piece of bread and give it to your pet around 15 to 20 minutes before you feed him. This remedy is believed to be relatively safe, in the long-term treatment of reflux, as it could take several months for the esophagus to heal. However, before making any changes to your pet’s diet, or even giving any home remedies for dog acid reflux, it is important to consult a veterinarian.