Probiotics For Dogs With Acid Reflux

What Are Probiotics For Dogs

Probiotics are living microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host this definition from the World Health Organization depicts the true nature of probiotics and their tribute to health.

Basically, the dogs digestive system is inhabited by billions of microorganisms primarily bacteria but also yeasts. Some of them are good, and others are potential pathogens. Together these microorganisms are collectively called the microbiome, and under normal circumstances, they are in balance.

Sadly, many conditions and medications can throw this balance out of order for your dog. This is where probiotics for dogs prove beneficial. They support the growth of good bacteria and prevent potential pathogens from overgrowing and compromising digestive health and overall well-being.

What Other Pet Parents Say

He came home on NINE medications and was on a super expensive hydrolyzed dog food that the vets thought would be gentler on his system just in case we still were dealing with an allergy. Even with the specialized food, anti-diarrhea meds, anti-acid meds, and limited treats, our poor boy still continued to have diarrhea. We felt completely helpless and our vet didnt even really know what to test for next. Then a friend at work told me about Bernies Perfect Poop after THREE days of slowly adding this to Milos food, the diarrhea stopped. It was a MIRACLE. Stephanie S.

Fiber May Help With Dog Acid Reflux

Fiber is helpful in battling acid reflux in dogs because it aids your dogs digestive system and keeps everything moving properly through the system. When your dog has the right fiber intake, their balanced microbiomes are capable of making sure the stomach acid production in your dogs gut is just right. The right combination of insoluble and soluble fiber helps prevent heartburn, regurgitation and poor nutrient absorption. It also keeps your dogs gut ready to balance their gut flora and keep stomach acid production balanced, and that prevents acid reflux conditions.

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Sleeping With An Elevated Head

During Pebbles latest episode I discovered this trick. Firstly, it was suggested to keep ones head elevated for 3 hours after eating. When laying with the head horizontal to the body, the stomach acids have a higher chance of trickling into the esophagus which is when the burning and gulping starts for Pebbles.

Funnily, weve made fun of Pebbles for years for sleeping with her head and neck crammed up against the side of her crate because it looks so uncomfortable. Now we know that it likely made her feel better. So now if we catch Pebbles sleeping with her head low, well stick a pillow under her head. It seems to have helped!

Common Symptoms Of Acid Reflux In Dogs Include:

• Regurgitation This happens due to the stomach contents flowing backward and up the esophagus. If this regurgitation persists and a dog does not eat enough calories and nutrients from the food youre giving him, he will begin losing weight- and fast.
• Throwing-up bile The yellow substance found in our empty stomachs is called bile. It normally travels through the stomach and into the intestines, but if a dog suffers from acid reflux, he may cough it up.
• A dog may seem disinterested in food if he is suffering from acid reflux. Treats and meals that would normally excite him dont appeal to him anymore.
• Pain when Swallowing If your dog does manage to eat some food, he may show some visible signs of discomfort when eating and swallowing it. Some very hungry dogs will fight through this pain and keep eating.

Symptoms of acid reflux in dogs can be managed with medications and dietary restrictions, but if it is caused by a hiatal hernia, surgery may be required. Food is usually restricted for a couple of days before a low-fat, low-protein diet is delivered in shorter, frequent intervals throughout the day.

Apart from instances where the dog requires surgery, most treatments can be administered at home by the owner.

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What To Give A Dog For An Upset Stomach

Your dog can become ill with an upset stomach for a multitude of reasons, and many of the causes have similar symptoms. While stomach issues certainly have the potential to be something as minor as your dog having an off day, it can also be an indication of a greater ailment to your dogs health. Here are some of the most common canine health problems that produce a stomach ache, as well as what can I give my dog for an upset stomach.

How Do You Treat Reflux Gastritis In Dogs

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What Is A Good Probiotic For Dogs

Richard begins by telling us how good probiotics work.

Probably one of the most important properties a probiotic must possess is the ability of the organism to be able to survive the journey through the various parts of the digestive system.

The gastrointestinal tract is an extremely harsh environment, in dogs and cats, and helps support a diet which is predominantly made up of raw meat, bone and fat. The stomach is highly acidic, with a pH which can fall to levels between one and two after the consumption of food.

This low pH, together with the contraction and relaxation of the stomach muscles, a process called peristalsis, helps break down the raw meat and bone into a soft digestible material, called chyme. The low pH is highly effective at killing bacteria, particularly potentially pathogenic bacteria which could be harmful to your pet.

These are conditions which are consistent with the requirements of carnivores and the scavenging nature of animals like dogs. The environment is also hostile to beneficial bacteria, so the probiotic elements must be able to tolerate the low pH, together with high concentrations of bile as they move through the system.

Is Omeprazole Safe For Dogs

Omeprazole is also used to treat Helicobacter infections and acute gastritis in dogs. The use of omeprazole in dogs and cats is off label or extra-label. This medication is also used off label to treat gastroenteritis in ferrets. Many drugs are commonly prescribed for off label use in veterinary medicine.

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What Causes Acid Reflux In Dogs

Typically, it may be caused by poor digestion, food intolerances and allergies or medical conditions such as hypochlorhydria low levels of stomach acid, or intestinal/bowel disorders.

So, always check first with your Vet if you are concerned as dietary changes may be necessary. Next, let’s talk about probiotics and their benefits on your dog’s gut environment…

For a healthy immune system, its important to maintain a healthy level of good bacteria in order to support digestion.

Many different factors can disrupt that important balance and possibly lead to other health problems

• physical or emotional stress
• a sudden change in diet
• some veterinary drugs such as antibiotics, steroids and vaccinations. It has been reported that the earlier in life that an animal is prescribed antibiotics, the greater is their risk of developing obesity, diabetes and liver disease.
• Poor quality diet, or inappropriate diet
• Inflammatory bowel disease or other gastrointestinal diseases
• Ingesting pesticides, insecticides or fertilisers or drinking contaminated water

The beneficial bacteria that are needed by your dog to maintain a healthy level of friendly bacteria in the gut can also help and to discourage the increase of possible unfriendly or pathogenic bacteria.

What To Feed A Dog With Acid Reflux

Your veterinarian may suggest a permanent change in your dogs diet. If your dogs regular diet consists of commercial kibble, your vet will likely recommend changing to a higher-quality dog food that doesnt contain ingredients such as bone meals that are highly processed and difficult to digest. Your dogs new diet will include soothing foods that are better for a sensitive stomach.

If youre wondering what food you can give your dog for acid reflux, look for ones that contain fiber, healthy fats, or easy-to-digest proteins. These will promote healthy stomach acid levels and shouldnt irritate your dogs acid reflux. Your vet can help you identify what ingredients are causing your dogs acid reflux and recommend good alternatives.

Good foods for dogs with acid reflux:

• Peeled, baked sweet potato

These foods are easy for most dogs to digest, and they dont cause an overproduction of stomach acid. They are also nutrient-dense and great for your dogs overall health.

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Add Ginger To Your Dogs Food

Ginger is great for treating nausea and upset stomach in your pup, both of which can lead to acid reflux discomfort.

The gingerol and shogaol compounds inside ginger help to stimulate your dogs production of saliva and bile, which helps them to digest their food more quickly and easily. It also helps reduce bloat and decreases your dogs need to burp.

Which Are The Best Probiotics For Acid Reflux And Gastritis

In summary, the best probiotics for acid reflux will vary because different probiotic strains are suited to different people depending on the underlying cause. For example, specific strains have been shown to be particularly helpful for dysbiosis, whereas some are more suited for pregnancy, and some are best for H. pylori. If this is the cause for you then jump to the next section to find out the best probiotics for H. pylori.

Firstly, for those who have acid reflux or gastritis due to dysbiosis from antibiotic use or a poor diet, taking a probiotic supplement may be beneficial. Supplementation with Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM® may be considered to help restore the health of the gut microbiome following antibiotic therapy and in general to replenish the gut with beneficial bacteria which will help to address the microbial imbalance in dysbiosis.

The probiotic strain Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 has been shown in human clinical trials to reduce GI symptoms such as: regurgitation, nausea and vomiting12 whilst improving gut microbial composition13. Symptoms such as these are common alongside acid reflux and gastritis, meaning that this strain could be of interest to many sufferers, to support the overall health of the GI tract.

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Spotting And Diagnosing Acid Reflux

Are Probiotics For Dogs Worth It

Yes, probiotics for dogs are worth it.

Probiotics for dogs promote gut health and intestinal motility, they improve nutrient absorption and make poop scooping much easier.

They also help with issues such as bad breath and skin conditions. Based on the specific probiotic strains in the supplement they can even boost immune function, thus supporting overall health.

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Do Vets Recommend Probiotics For Dogs

Yes, vets recommend probiotics for dogs.

Here is what Dr. Walker, DVM says: Yes, probiotics are recommended for dogs. I particularly recommend probiotics when there is a gastrointestinal disturbance, such as diarrhea secondary to eating something that they should not have, to reestablish normal/healthy gastrointestinal flora .

I recommend Honest Paws Pre+Probiotic because it comes in powder packages with chicken flavors that are usually palatable to canines and easy to add to each meal. I recommend using them once a day for 5 consecutive days if there is a GI disturbance, but they could be used daily long term in patients that have sensitive gastrointestinal tract.

What Are The Clinical Signs Of Gerd

In humans, GERD is associated with the pain that is commonly referred to as heartburn. Our pets are unable tell us when they are uncomfortable, however. We have to look for more subtle cues of discomfort. Possible signs associated with GERD include:

• appearance of generalized discomfort
• pacing or restlessness at night

In severe cases, dogs may begin to lose weight because they are no longer taking in adequate nutrition.

Dogs with GERD may also regurgitate, especially after eating. Regurgitation is not the same as vomiting. Vomiting is an active process there is an obvious abdominal heaving associated with vomiting. Regurgitation is a passive process a dog will appear to simply open his mouth and material will come out. It is important to pay careful attention if to whether your dog is vomiting or regurgitating if you are unsure, attempt to video an episode of regurgitation or vomiting. Your observations will help your veterinarian narrow down the list of possible causes of your pets illness.

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Home Remedies For Acid Reflux

These solutions will help your dogs comfort and assist healing. Nutrients that help include

• Zinc, which is essential in the production of hydrochloric acid
• Digestive enzymes to support the pancreas and assist the digestion of food
• Probiotics to restore and rebalance your dogs microbiome. Theyll support the beneficial bacteria in his gut to fight harmful bacteria.
• Ashwagandha as stress management for both you and your dog

Dr Suter may perform a fecal transplant to help some dogs.

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What To Feed A Dog With Acid Reflux

• Avoid dry, processed foods that contain known allergens like grains and starches, chemical preservatives and ingredients with low nutritional value.
• Feed high-moisture meals made of whole foods. Make them easier to digest by gently cooking meats and lightly steaming vegetables.
• Feed smaller and more frequent meals, or feed lower fat and lower protein so less stomach acid is released.
• Feed a late-night snack to avoid an empty stomach all night.
• If your dog has food sensitivities, try an elimination diet where you start with one food source at a time over a course of days or weeks and watch for reactions. Slowly add additional foods and wait and see what happens.

Ripe bananas also have natural antacid properties that can be soothing and relieve pain.

Digestion And Acid Reflux In Dogs

The muscle tone of your dog and his organs, his nervous system and his microbiome are just some parts of his anatomy that lead to good digestion. When your dog has other diseases like arthritis, it can cause tightness and lead to difficulty within the digestive system. Here is how your dogs anatomy affects digestion and how it can lead to acid reflux:

Role of Acid in Digestion

Appropriate hydrochloric acid levels in the gut are important as they:

• Break down dietary proteins

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Small Intestinal Bacteria Overgrowth

SIBO occurs when abnormally large numbers of bacteria grow in the small intestine. This will interfere with digestion and nutrient absorption.

Symptoms of SIBO include:

SIBO can also be caused by diets that are high in sugar and carbohydrates, reduced gut motility or drugs that disrupt the microbiome .

Since SIBO is an overgrowth of bacteria, giving your dog probiotics is like adding fuel to the fire depending on the probiotic youre giving your dog.

Soil-based probiotics are effective in the case of SIBO because they dont populate the small intestine.

How Do You Stop A Reflux Cough

How can I stop a GERD cough? Maintain a healthy weight. Those who are overweight or obese are more likely to develop GERD. Stop smoking. Smoking can affect the way the esophageal sphincter functions. Elevate the head of your bed. Eat slowly. Dont lie down after you eat. Avoid tight-fitting clothing.

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What Is The Prognosis For Dogs With Gerd

Most dogs experience a rapid improvement in clinical signs with treatment. Your veterinarian will monitor your dogs progress and response to therapy. Your dogs response to treatment will determine whether a short course of treatment is sufficient or whether your dog needs to remain on medications long-term.