Heartburn in dogs: Causes, symptoms & what you can really do

Heartburn in dogs is often underestimated – yet the burning sensation in the chest area usually indicates more than just a "small stomach problem." Many dogs react sensitively to food, stress, or changes in daily life. When stomach acid regularly rises into the esophagus, it can be not only uncomfortable for your four-legged friend but also dangerous in the long term.

In this guide, you will learn how heartburn develops, how to recognize it, and how you can gently, naturally, and sustainably help your dog.

Briefly explained: The most important points at a glance

• Triggers: Unsuitable food, stress, medication, surgeries, too much fat or protein.
• Symptoms: Licking, gagging, hiccups, abdominal pain, smacking, loss of appetite.
• Treatment: Adjusted diet, stomach soothing, stress reduction, possibly veterinary medication.
• When to see the vet? If symptoms occur more frequently, the dog is sensitive to pain, or vomiting occurs.

How does heartburn develop in dogs?

Unlike humans, dogs have an almost horizontal esophagus. This makes it easier for stomach juice to flow back. The so-called lower esophageal sphincter does not open completely or is temporarily weakened.

When stomach acid reaches the esophagus, it is called gastroesophageal reflux. A certain amount of backflow is normal, but if it happens frequently, the mucous membrane becomes irritated – the dog has heartburn.

If left untreated, this can lead to inflammation, ulcers, or even strictures (narrowings) in the long term.

Which dogs are affected?

Heartburn is not a breed-specific disease – it can affect any dog. Especially at risk are:

• young dogs (sphincter not yet fully developed)
• Dogs after anesthesia
• Four-legged friends that eat very fatty food
• Dogs with diaphragmatic hernia
• chronic "acid producers" (stress dogs, nervous dogs)
• Animals with motility disorders or frequent vomiting

And: Every dog that reacts sensitively to changes in food.

The most common triggers – and how to recognize them

1. Food & food changes

A sudden change or unsuitable ingredients can trigger too much stomach acid. Particularly critical:

• very fatty food
• high protein content
• sugar in snacks or treats
• spiced food leftovers
• irregular feeding times

Dogs produce stomach acid already one hour before eating. If the food "arrives too late," an excess of acid occurs.

🔎 Tip from everyday Tjure:
Many dogs benefit from natural, easily digestible recipes. Our Lifestyle dry food is therefore produced particularly gently and contains no unnecessary additives that could disrupt the balance of stomach and intestines.

2. Stress & inner restlessness

Dogs are creatures of habit.
Losses, moves, household disputes, a new dog, or changes in the daily routine can slow down digestion. The stomach empties more slowly – acid remains longer where it actually does not belong.

3. Swallowed foreign objects

Toy parts, bone fragments, or fabric scraps can:

• block the stomach
• create pressure on the stomach outlet
• trigger reflux
• can lead to life-threatening complications

If suspected → immediately to the veterinary practice.

4. Medications

Some medications (e.g., NSAIDs, certain antibiotics) can irritate the stomach lining or weaken the sphincter muscle.
Tablets swallowed “dry” can stick in the throat and cause inflammation there.

Always important:

• Give tablets with sufficient liquid
• Never on an empty stomach unless explicitly recommended

5th pregnancy or diaphragmatic hernia

Hormonal changes or mechanical pressure cause stomach contents to rise more easily. This is normal especially in the last third of pregnancy – but should be monitored.

This is how your dog shows heartburn: The typical symptoms

Dogs often hide pain when communicating. Watch for:

• Excessive licking (floor, furniture, lips)
• Hiccups
• Increased yawning or smacking
• Stomach pain or a hunched posture
• Sour breath
• Eating grass, soil, or unusual objects
• Regurgitating water in spurts
• Foamy vomiting
• Loss of appetite, restlessness, or withdrawal

Some dogs have a real “pain face”:
stiff eyes, tense forehead, frequent blinking.

⚠️ IMPORTANT
At first, heartburn can look similar to a gastric torsion. If in doubt, contact the veterinarian immediately.

What happens if heartburn is not treated?

Repeated reflux can lead to:

• inflammations of the esophagus (esophagitis)
• ulcers in the esophagus
• scarred narrowings (Strictures)
• Weight loss and malnutrition
• Aspiration pneumonia (Inhalation of stomach acid into the lungs)

The earlier you act, the faster the mucous membrane can regenerate.

How does the veterinarian detect reflux?

The diagnosis is usually made through a process of elimination, because:

• Blood values are often normal
• X-rays do not reliably show mucous membrane irritation
• Endoscopy is the gold standard (shows inflammation, ulcers, foreign bodies)

Your observations are extremely valuable – food, times, behavior & symptoms help with the assessment.

What helps against heartburn in dogs?

1. Gently change the diet

In case of acute complaints, a day of fasting can be useful so that the stomach can empty.

After that, the rule is:

• low in fat
• moderately high in protein
• easily digestible
• small portions, multiple times a day
• low grain or grain-free

Many dog owners have good experiences with bland diets such as:

• cooked potatoes
• Moro soup
• some natural yogurt
• lukewarm water or some broth

Many dogs do better with a gentle, slowly transitioned dry food. Tjure Lifestyle Dry Food is formulated so that it does not burden the stomach and intestines and is ideal for sensitive dogs – without having to advertise it as such.

2. Natural Stomach Soothing

This is where herbal helpers come into play.

Slippery Elm Bark (Ulmenrinde)

It naturally forms a protective film over the mucous membrane – ideal for reflux, gastritis, or mild irritations.

Tjure has been using slippery elm bark for years as a natural component of various gastrointestinal treatments. It:

• Soothes
• Protects
• Supports regeneration

and is absolutely gentle for the dog.

Other natural supporters:

• Healing clay
• Fennel or anise tea
• Potato water
• Moro soup
• Psyllium husks

These remedies can be useful but do not replace a veterinary diagnosis.

3. Medications – if necessary

Depending on the cause, medications are used that:

• Reduce acid production
• Protect the mucous membrane
• Improve gastric emptying
• Relieve inflammation

The administration should always be accompanied by veterinarians.

Which feeding is suitable in the long term?

Many dogs need:

• consistent feeding times
• several small meals
• low fat
• moderate protein content
• gentle preparation
• high-quality ingredients without sugar, spices, or irritants

A gradual transition over 7 days is optimal:

Regularity is crucial – it soothes the stomach and prevents nighttime acid buildup.

Conclusion: Heartburn in dogs is treatable – if taken seriously

Heartburn is more than just unpleasant for dogs. It is a warning signal that shows the digestion is out of balance. With a mixture of:

• adapted, high-quality food
• stomach-friendly herbs like slippery elm bark
• clear routines
• stress reduction
• veterinary examination in case of severe symptoms

almost every dog can become completely symptom-free again.

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