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Write to Dr. Jacki, ASK THE VET
Dear Dr. Jacki:
I got a question for you about GERD yesterday and had to look it up--hadn't ever heard of that before. It turned out to be gastric reflux, which I had heard of, thank goodness. I have never heard of this in dogs before, but a reader asked for symptoms, home remedies and treatment options, if home remedies do not work. She is using a human antacid currently, given at bedtime. Apparently the symptoms are occurring in the middle of the night.
Thanks,
Carrie
Dear Carrie:
I do have clients that comment on their dogs' excessive belching annd increased GI noises. When this happens every now and then, i.e. less than once every 2 weeks, then I discuss at-home remedies with the owner. Maybe that is 1/2 a Pepcid pill for a medium sized dog or possibly a whole pill for a large breed dog.
But when a client mentions recurrent GI noises and belching, especially if the owner thinks it is associated with 'reflux', then we need to dig a little deeper. There are many causes of recurrent reflux that must be ruled out, as it can possibly lead to esophagitis or a stricture in the esophagus.
If a dog suffers from vomiting or chronic belching, it is time to talk to the veterinarian about running tests to try to figure out the reason. Bloodwork, possibly some radiographs (x rays), and then biopsies may be indicated.
Once these tests are performed, it can be determined if there is a need for just a food change, say to a hypoallergenic diet or even to a diet higher in fiber. Or maybe an antacid could be added in to the treatment plan along with an antibiotic for the short term.
What we want to avoid is thinking that chronic belching and regurgitation are normal. This can lead to more complicated problems, and it should be attended to promptly.
Best of luck,
Dr. Jacki
Dr. Jacki, D.V.M.
ASK THE VET on All Things Dog Blog
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Dogs
ASK THE VET: Tummy Aches and Your Dog
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Write to Dr. Jacki, ASK THE VET
Feeling Blue?
Dear Dr. Jacki:
I got a question for you about GERD yesterday and had to look it up--hadn't ever heard of that before. It turned out to be gastric reflux, which I had heard of, thank goodness. I have never heard of this in dogs before, but a reader asked for symptoms, home remedies and treatment options, if home remedies do not work. She is using a human antacid currently, given at bedtime. Apparently the symptoms are occurring in the middle of the night.
Thanks,
Carrie
******************************
Dear Carrie:
I do have clients that comment on their dogs' excessive belching annd increased GI noises. When this happens every now and then, i.e. less than once every 2 weeks, then I discuss at-home remedies with the owner. Maybe that is 1/2 a Pepcid pill for a medium sized dog or possibly a whole pill for a large breed dog.
But when a client mentions recurrent GI noises and belching, especially if the owner thinks it is associated with 'reflux', then we need to dig a little deeper. There are many causes of recurrent reflux that must be ruled out, as it can possibly lead to esophagitis or a stricture in the esophagus.
If a dog suffers from vomiting or chronic belching, it is time to talk to the veterinarian about running tests to try to figure out the reason. Bloodwork, possibly some radiographs (x rays), and then biopsies may be indicated.
Once these tests are performed, it can be determined if there is a need for just a food change, say to a hypoallergenic diet or even to a diet higher in fiber. Or maybe an antacid could be added in to the treatment plan along with an antibiotic for the short term.
What we want to avoid is thinking that chronic belching and regurgitation are normal. This can lead to more complicated problems, and it should be attended to promptly.
Best of luck,
Dr. Jacki
ASK THE VET on All Things Dog Blog
For more information on Dr. Jacki and her practice, you may find her at 4 Paws House Calls. A personal appointment will likely provide more specific information on your dog and your specific questions.
Dr. Jacki's opinion or advice does not replace an actual exam with a veterinarian.
Follow All Things Dog at Twitter
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- Ask The Vet: Helping Your Senior Dog
Find me on Facebook Follow me on Twitter Write to Dr. Jacki, ASK THE VET (c) photo copyright Carrie Boyko 2009 My Senior Dog, Xena Dear Dr. Jacki: I have two older dogs that are both beginning to show signs of age. One is having occasional...
- Ask The Vet: Adapting To The Loss Of A Family Member
Write to Dr. Jacki, ASK THE VET Find me on FacebookFollow me on Twitter Piwacket Misses Roger Dear Dr. Jacki: My father just passed away after a long battle with Alzheimers. He enjoyed his Siamese cat, Piwacket, very much. The kitty has been sleeping...
- Ask The Vet: Ringworm Care
Follow us on Twitter Find us on Facebook Write to ASK THE VET Avoid Spreading Ringworm Have Your Dog Checked Dear Dr. Jacki: I just discovered ringworm on me. Could I have gotten this from my dog? She is a Chow Chow and has very thick fur, but none...
- Ask The Vet: Dog Illnesses And Their Owners
Follow us on Twitter Find us on Facebook Dear Dr. Jacki: What human illnesses are contagious to our dogs? And how can we prevent this? As far as zoonotic diseases, I will include a link to the Centers for Disease Control at the end of the...
- Ask The Vet: Thunderstorm Fears
Find us at Facebook ...