Canine acid reflux or simply heartburn can be deadly for four-legged friends. Medically it is known as canine GERD or canine Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. This happens when the extra gastric juice or acidic juice of their stomach travels upwards through the esophagus of the canine. This causes them to feel a burning ache in their heart, just like us. It can also cause other health issues in your dog.
While eating fast often causes this acid reflux, you need to be extra careful. As a responsible pet parent, I think you have to change their diet or tweak it a little bit to offer them some relief from the constant acid reflux. The best way to combat it? Of course, probiotics!
Do you have a specific question about using probiotics to help with acid reflux in dogs? Then use the table of contents below to jump to the most relevant section. And you can always go back by clicking on the black arrow in the right bottom corner of the page. Also, please note that some of the links in this article may be affiliate links. For more details, check the Disclosure section at the bottom of the page.
Here's what we'll cover:
Probiotics and their effectiveness in curbing acid reflux
Suppose you are asking do probiotics help with acid reflux in dogs. In that case, the answer is ‘Yes.’ Adding probiotic ingredients may prevent the backflow of acidic juices in their body. It will also offer better gut health to the dog and give them some relief from that recurring condition.
But why do probiotics help? Well, these are rich in bacteria, especially good bacteria. The level of good bacteria in their gut strongly influences the whole canine digestive system.
As per research, dogs with low levels of good bacteria in their gut suffer from frequent digestive problems.
Adding probiotics to their diet will help them to maintain the level of good gut bacteria. On top of that, probiotics also help lower the level of ‘bad bacteria’ in your dog’s gut. As a result, they can digest food properly. On top of that, probiotics also help keep acidic juice production and regulations at normal levels.
Probiotics also improve digestion in canines. Improper digestion often causes the gastric juices to flow upwards.
On top of that, probiotics also help your canine friend to get optimal nutrition and make them better suited to fight acid reflux.
Probiotics can also treat acid reflux caused by other health conditions like diarrhea, gas, etc. Even though it may not improve the condition a lot of the acid reflux is caused by obesity or any esophageal defects, it will surely help your dog.
How to give probiotics to your dog?
So, now you know the answer to do probiotics help with acid reflux in dogs.
If you are looking forward to adding some probiotics to your dog’s diet to treat their acid reflux. But, please remember, only good quality items help in such cases. If you are unsure, get some recommendations from the vet. Doctors can offer you some insights on why your dog is suffering from acid reflux.
If you want the probiotics to work, you also need to administer the correct dose in the correct method to your pet. Here’s how:
You can use probiotic pills to improve the gut health of your pet. I prefer to give the probiotic pill to my pet with their canned dog food. My dog loves peanut butter, and sometimes I also hide the pill in a spoon of peanut butter.
But, she often becomes a diva and refuses to take the pill. A treat after the pill often does the trick.
If this also does not work for your dog, you may have to put the pill directly in their mouth. After all, even dogs do not like medicines!
If the pet refuses to eat pills, you can use different probiotic treats. Most dogs love these chewable treats and will never throw a tantrum if you give them to them regularly.
How to check if your dog has acid reflux
The answer to do probiotics help with acid reflux in dogs is a big YES. Before you give probiotics to your dogs, check for signs of acid reflux in them. They cannot tell you if they are sudden from heartburn. So, it’s up to you to look for clues.
Here are a few visible symptoms that can help you-
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Your dog is eating grass or leaves
- Lethargy
- Dry heaves
- Less appetite
- Bad breath
Acid reflux in canines can be a disturbing health condition. Your dogs may start to feel better with probiotics. But you need to regularly give them probiotics for a couple of days to ensure your dog’s condition improves positively. On top of that, continue giving them probiotics to ensure acid reflux does not happen often.
Thanks for the blog graphics: Canva.com
Thanks for the blog graphics: Canva.com
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