Heartburn is not just a problem for humans - dogs can also suffer from it. But what exactly is heartburn and, above all, what can you do if your furry friend suffers from it? We'll tell you how to recognize heartburn in dogs, what causes it and how you can help your four-legged friend to alleviate or even prevent the symptoms.
From: Alena Thielert
Heartburn occurs when stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus - a condition also known as reflux. In dogs, this reflux can cause unpleasant symptoms and, in the worst case, can lead to irritation of the mucous membrane of the oesophagus. Your dog's stomach produces acid to digest food, but reflux causes this acid to enter the esophagus, which can lead to irritation and inflammation.
Sodburn can manifest itself in different ways in dogs. The symptoms are often subtle and occur either immediately after eating or hours later. Many dogs suffer from heartburn especially at night. The most common signs include:
If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, it is important to take the problem seriously and consult a vet if necessary.
The following causes can lead to stomach acid entering the oesophagus and causing heartburn in your dog:
Muscle dysfunction: If the sphincter muscle between the stomach and oesophagus is not working properly, stomach acid can rise.
Diaphragmatic hernia: A diaphragmatic hernia can cause parts of the stomach to slip into the chest cavity. This weakens the natural barrier between the stomach and oesophagus, which promotes heartburn.
Gastrointestinal diseases: Gastritis or stomach ulcers can irritate the stomach lining and lead to increased acid production.
Advanced pregnancy: In pregnant bitches, the growing abdomen can put pressure on the stomach. This makes it easier for stomach acid to enter the esophagus.
Stress: Stress can have a negative effect on the dog's digestive system. It can increase stomach acid production and slow down digestion, which favors heartburn.
Improper feeding: Very large portions, snares, extremely high-fat food or hard-to-digest ingredients can alsonstigen.Aber cause heartburn Food allergies and intolerances.
Change of diet: An abrupt change of diet can irritate the sensitive gastrointestinal tract. The stomach first has to get used to the new food, which can lead to a temporary overproduction of stomach acid.
Other risk factors:
Long food breaks: If the stomach remains empty for a long time, stomach acid can accumulate more and cause heartburn.
Heartburn in dogs can be treated in various ways. In addition to conventional medication that helps to neutralize stomach acid, there are also a number of home remedies that can help to alleviate the symptoms. Below we give you a brief overview of how you can treat heartburn in dogs naturally.
If your dog is suffering from acute heartburn, the following measures can provide quick relief. A proven immediate remedy for heartburn is to feed your dog small amounts of stomach-friendly foods. Dairy products do not reliably neutralize stomach acid and are poorly tolerated by some dogs. However, several small, easily digestible meals are a good idea. However, you should only feed a light diet after consultation and for a limited period of time. Good digestibility is crucial.
In short, there is no reliable home remedy that reliably eliminates heartburn in dogs. The decisive factors are feeding rhythm, recipe and good tolerance. In the event of recurring or severe symptoms, please seek veterinary advice.
Sensible in everyday life
What we advise against
The focus should always be on a balanced, easily digestible recipe and a suitable feeding routine. This is the best way to reduce the strain on the oesophagus.
The right diet therefore plays a decisive role in the treatment of heartburn, with portion size, fat content, tolerance and eating speed often playing a role. In the case of heartburn, you should make sure that your dog's food is stomach-friendly. Avoid a high-fat, high-protein diet and foods that are difficult to digest and only feed your dog as required. A veterinary specialist can help you make the right choice.
At
Whether wet or dry food is the better choice for heartburn depends on your four-legged friend. Wet food, for example, is better accepted by some dogs, but what suits them better depends on the individual. We particularly recommend our SENSITIVE lupin proteinvariety. However, home-cooked meals have also proven effective for dogs with heartburn. However, it is important to ensure a balanced supply of nutrients - you can achieve this with suitable nutritional supplements, such as our VISH OIL and ALL-IN VELUXE mineral powder. (please note dosage).
Hodburn is not only unpleasant, it can also be painful. But fortunately, it can often be avoided if you know the causes and take targeted action. Here are some helpful tips to prevent heartburn in your furry friend:
If the symptoms persist or worsen, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian. This will allow the exact cause to be determined and appropriate treatment to be initiated.
Note: Labels and requirements for 'feed for particular nutritional purposes', e.g. 'easily digestible raw materials', are regulated in EU Regulation 2020/354.
Alena Thielert
