Heartburn in Dogs – Causes and What Helps

• Causes of heartburn
• Risk factors: these dogs are particularly affected
• Health consequences of heartburn
• Common symptoms
• Best home remedy: the right diet
• Other home remedies & feeding tips for heartburn
• When to see a veterinarian?
• FAQ: Heartburn in dogs

With heartburn, stomach acid or partially digested stomach contents flow back into the esophagus. This is known as gastroesophageal reflux. The acid irritates the sensitive lining, which can be painful. You may have experienced this yourself.

The difference compared to us humans: In dogs, the esophagus lies almost horizontally in the body. 

This means that the stomach is located at almost the same level as the lower part of the esophagus, and gravity can do little to keep stomach contents down. This task is performed by a sphincter at the junction between the esophagus and the stomach, known as the esophageal sphincter. If the muscle relaxes or does not function properly, acid can flow upwards unhindered.

There are many reasons why a dog may develop heartburn. Often, it is a combination of several factors:

• Weakened sphincter: The muscle at the entrance to the stomach does not close properly.
• Delayed gastric emptying: The stomach remains full for too long, increasing the pressure.
• Excess stomach acid: Too much acid irritates the lining.
• Medical conditions: Gastritis, hiatal hernia, allergies or hormonal disorders.
• Feeding mistakes: For example, portions that are too large, long periods between meals, very high-fat food, improperly formulated food, unsuitable food or treats, or food that is too cold.
• Sudden change of food: This can disrupt the stomach environment.
• Stress: Excitement, fear or changes in everyday life can put strain on the stomach.

Not every dog gets heartburn. Some are more prone to it:

• Older dogs: The sphincter becomes weaker with age.
• Dogs with sensitive stomachs: A naturally more sensitive digestive tract.
• Overweight dogs: Increased pressure in the abdominal cavity can promote reflux.
• Dogs with pre-existing conditions: Gastrointestinal, liver, kidney or pancreatic conditions.
• Dogs taking certain medications: NSAIDs, corticosteroids and other medications can irritate the stomach lining.
• Pregnant female dogs: The growing abdomen puts pressure on the stomach.
• Young dogs: The sphincter at the entrance to the stomach is often not yet fully developed and may not close reliably.
• Brachycephalic breeds such as Pugs or Bulldogs: Increased respiratory pressure can also affect the sphincter at the stomach.

If you ignore your dog's heartburn, it can have long-term consequences:

• Chronic inflammation of the esophagus (esophagitis): Persistent irritation caused by stomach acid.
• Pain when swallowing: Your dog may avoid eating.
• Weight loss: Because your dog eats less or has difficulty swallowing properly.
• Scar-related narrowing of the esophagus: Caused by repeated inflammation.
• Aspiration pneumonia: Pneumonia caused by inhaling stomach contents.
• Recurring symptoms: Reduced quality of life for your dog.

Your dog can't tell you, "Hey, my stomach is burning." These signs may indicate heartburn:

• Lip smacking and frequent swallowing: Your dog swallows frequently, as if there were a lump in their throat.
• Excessive drooling: More saliva than usual, sometimes with foamy discharge.
• Frequent yawning or lip licking.
• Eating grass: Your dog may eat grass in the morning to soothe an irritated stomach or induce vomiting to get rid of excess stomach acid. Eating grass can have many causes. Find out more here: My Dog Eats Grass: What Can I Do?
• Vomiting on an empty stomach of yellow mucus or foam, especially in the morning after the stomach has been empty for a long time.
• Restlessness after eating: Your dog cannot settle down, paces around and seems tense.
• Bad breath: A sour smell from the mouth can indicate reflux.
• Gagging or coughing without signs of a cold.
• "Prayer position": Front body lowered, hindquarters raised – a typical position when experiencing abdominal discomfort.
• "Restlessness at night": Your dog wakes up at night because of heartburn.
• Loss of appetite and picky eating.

Important: Many of these symptoms are non-specific. This means they can also indicate other health problems. If they occur frequently or persist for more than a day, you should have your dog examined by a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause.

Heartburn is painful and can be distressing for your dog. The right food can provide valuable support. Adjusting your dog's diet can help improve their quality of life and prevent potential long-term consequences.

Food for dogs with heartburn should be:

• Easy to digest: Puts less strain on the digestive system.
• Rather low in fat: Fat slows gastric emptying and can promote reflux.
• Moderate in protein: High-quality, well-tolerated protein.
• Optionally contains supplements: Certain supplements can help buffer excess stomach acid.

Fresh food is clearly the better choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs. The ingredients are easier and quicker to digest than highly processed foods such as conventional wet or dry food. While food made from fresh ingredients is digested after around 6–8 hours, dry food can remain in the stomach for up to 12 hours.

In cases of acute symptoms, a bland diet can help. Classic bland-diet components include:

• Lean meat such as chicken
• Rice or potatoes, cooked until soft
• Carrots, well cooked

Did you know that you can easily prepare a bland diet for your dog at home? Find out more in our blog: How to Prepare a Bland Diet for Your Dog at Home

No time or desire to cook for your dog yourself? Your dog can still benefit from fresh and easily digestible food: with our Chicken FreshMenu. 

Thanks to gentle cooking, all ingredients are broken down in a way that makes them easy for dogs to digest. The resulting short digestion time of around 6–8 hours helps take the strain off the stomach. The Chicken FreshMenu is also grain-free and low in fat – ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

The way you feed your dog can help with heartburn:

• Place the food bowl slightly elevated: This may help keep stomach contents down.
• Avoid vigorous activity after eating: 1–2 hours of rest after a meal can help your dog settle down.
• Small, frequent meals: Preferably 4–5 small portions rather than 1–2 large ones to reduce strain on the stomach.
• Avoid long periods between meals: An empty stomach can produce more acid.
• A calm eating environment: Provide a stress-free place to eat.
• Encourage slow eating: For example, with a slow-feeder bowl.
• Late snack: Give your dog a small snack before bedtime so that the stomach does not remain completely empty overnight and produce excess acid.

Home remedies may also provide additional support. Important: They are not a substitute for veterinary treatment.

Relief from heartburn:

• Cottage cheese or plain yogurt: Suitable for dogs that tolerate lactose and may support a healthy gut microbiome.
• Chamomile, fennel or anise tea: Lukewarm and given in small amounts, it can have a soothing effect.
• Healing clay: Can bind excess stomach acid and soothe the mucous membranes.
• Slippery elm bark powder (PSK): Forms a protective layer of mucus over the esophagus and stomach.
• Elevate the upper body: A flat pillow or slightly inclined sleeping surface can help reduce reflux through the effect of gravity.
• Encourage water intake: Water dilutes stomach acid and may help wash acid flowing back up into the stomach.
• Psyllium husks/flaxseed: When soaked and allowed to swell, they can form a protective mucous layer.

Not every instance of lip smacking in dogs means heartburn, but sometimes professional help is needed.

See a veterinarian if:

• The symptoms persist for more than a day.
• The symptoms keep coming back.
• Your dog experiences severe or frequent vomiting.
• Your dog shows signs of pain when eating.
• Your dog loses weight.
• You suspect an underlying condition (gastritis, hiatal hernia, etc.).

What the veterinarian may do:

• Thorough examination.
• Blood tests to check organ values.
• Imaging (X-rays, ultrasound).
• If necessary, an endoscopy to examine the stomach and esophagus directly.

Dietary changes and home remedies are not always enough. Your veterinarian can advise you on the next steps and whether your dog may need medication temporarily.

Commonly used medications for heartburn:

• Proton pump inhibitors: Reduce the production of stomach acid.
• H2 blockers: Also inhibit acid production.
• Mucosal protectants: Form a protective layer over the irritated esophagus.

Important: Do not use medication without consulting your veterinarian.

Does your dog have heartburn? How can you help them quickly? Here we answer the most important questions about heartburn in dogs at a glance.

There is no single "best" remedy. A combination of dietary adjustments and home remedies often helps. For more severe symptoms, veterinarian-prescribed medication may also be necessary.

In acute cases, slippery elm, some plain yogurt or cottage cheese, or a few sips of lukewarm water may help. Important: Stay calm and avoid getting your dog excited.

Proton pump inhibitors (e.g. omeprazole) or H2 blockers (e.g. famotidine) are commonly used. Important: Do not give your dog any medication without veterinary guidance!

There are few over-the-counter options that are both safe and effective. Healing clay may help when used in consultation with your veterinarian. Above all, rely on proven home remedies and an easily digestible diet.

Especially when your dog has heartburn, avoid very fatty food, heavily seasoned foods, and acidic or spicy foods. Also avoid long periods between meals. These can lead to increased acid production.

At a glance. Avoid:

• Seasoned table scraps
• Bones
• Very fatty snacks & food
• Long periods between meals

Food with a high fat content, hard-to-digest proteins, highly processed pet food, and food containing many additives can promote heartburn in dogs.

Oatmeal, some plain yogurt, slippery elm and healing clay can help bind stomach acid. Even more important are regular, small meals with easily digestible food.

Apples may have a soothing effect on some dogs. You can offer them lightly steamed or raw and finely grated, either on their own or mixed into their food.

Rusks are considered an outdated bland-diet option and are not ideal for dogs. It is better to use well-cooked rice or oatmeal instead.

Finely ground healing clay for animals (from a pharmacy or veterinarian) can help bind stomach acid. Important: Only use it in consultation with your veterinarian and do not give it on a long-term basis.