Acid reflux in dogs isn't a very common issue for our good friends but it is still something that can occur in many different dogs.
The condition that leads to canine acid reflux is well known and is essentially the same as it is with humans. However, the causes for the development of this aren't really understood and therefore little can be done in the terms of early diagnosis or prevention.
Acid reflux in dogs is, as mentioned, basically the same as it is in the case of humans. Harsh acids normally contained in the stomach and used for digesting escape upwards into the esophagus, damaging the unprotected tissue there and causing burning, pain and discomfort. The problem is with the lower esophageal sphincter, or LES, which basically fails to create a proper seal between the stomach and esophagus.
These acids are normal and are used in the digestion of foods all of the time, however they do not harm the stomach because it is lined with mucus to protect the sensitive tissue underneath. The rest of our tissue is not as lucky, and so when it's met with these harsh acids pain results. If you have ever suffered from heart burn or acid reflux then you know the pain and discomfort that it can cause, and you certainly would not want your dog to be going through that.
Because it is a problem associated with digestive acids normally found in the stomach, acid reflux in dogs occurs after meals. This is when the acids are produced, released and go to work, and then when there are problems with the LES it escapes upwards as well.
In addition to a basic formation or functioning problem with the LES, several other conditional factors can also affect canine acid reflux. A dog that is overweight is more likely to suffer from the problem. Diets that are high in fats can lead to acid reflux in dogs, and eating too much in a sitting or too much too quickly can also lead to an onset of symptoms.
It may be hard to realize when your dog is suffering from canine acid reflux but you can look for certain symptoms. A period of fatigue or seeming disinterest in activity after every meal is usually a strong sign. A declining appetite and an inability to finish normal sized portions can also be a signal. Because of this your dog may lose a lot of weight (Dog Weight Loss) and become weaker. Watch out for these signs and then consult with your veterinarian who should be able to confirm and make an official diagnosis and offer a game plan for treatment and management.
Canine acid reflux cannot be cured, it can only be managed continually over time. However by following the right steps you can hopefully make a big difference in terms of reducing pain and enabling a healthier and more pleasant lifestyle. One of the first things you can do is change your dog's diet. Eliminate fatty foods and potentially even very high protein foods, and replace with alternative foods. You can even prepare bland food options for your dog, for example plain white rice with just a bit of plain chicken meat.
You should also control your dog's portions and makes sure that he does not eat too much at a sitting, which is a surefire trigger for acid reflux in dogs. Elevating your dog's food bowl so that he eats with his head up can help to prevent canine acid reflux by using the forces of gravity to prevent the rise of stomach acids, while also potentially slowing the pace of eating.
There are also various treatments and medications that can be used. Basic antacids can be used following meals but need to be consistently given. They may be a good idea when you notice particularly prominent side effects after individual meals. Some natural remedies can be used as preventive measures, such as active Manuka honey which is given before meals to coat the esophagus and offer protection. Veterinarians can also prescribe prokinetic drugs including cisapride and metoclopramide to help improve functioning and metabolic processes to prevent canine acid reflux and other associated problems.
Acid reflux in dogs is something that can be managed by following the above steps and helping your pooch to be as healthy as possible. However, there is no cure and no permanent, one-time action that can be taken to prevent the problem. It's something that needs ongoing maintenance and management, but if done properly then you can make substantial differences in the symptoms and pain associated with canine acid reflux.
.
No comments:
Post a Comment