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How can you tell if your dog is suffering from acid reflux? Acid reflux in dogs is a common yet painful condition that can be surprisingly subtle, even to the most attentive pet owners. Watch for signs like vomiting bile or unusual behaviors such as excessive grass eating, licking the floor, or gulping at night — these can indicate your dog is trying to ease the discomfort of acid reflux or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). Dog acid reflux occurs when stomach acids flow back into the esophagus, causing irritation and pain. If your dog is struggling with acid reflux, especially at night, finding the right treatment is essential for their comfort.
A natural approach can provide quick relief and help your dog feel better. By improving digestion through dietary changes, using natural digestive supplements, and making lifestyle adjustments, you can soothe your dog's uncomfortable reflux symptoms. Ask Ariel has been helping dogs with acid reflux since 2005, and our supplements and diet tips can make a real difference for your dog.
Acid reflux and GERD in dogs can be very uncomfortable and painful. Common dog acid reflux symptoms include:
Regurgitation – Dogs might casually spit up or regurgitate small amounts of food, especially when moving up or down stairs, getting up or down, walking, or even when being picked up. This occurs when food isn’t fully swallowed. Unlike vomiting, regurgitation is usually passive, with food coming up without the abdominal effort seen with vomiting.
Vomiting – Dogs with acid reflux may vomit bile (a yellowish fluid) or undigested food. Vomiting can occur more frequently, especially after meals.
Bad Breath – Regurgitated stomach acid can cause a sour smell, leading to bad breath in affected dogs.
Gulping & Stomach Noises – Dog acid reflux can cause loud stomach noises or gulping, especially at night. Lip smacking or frequent opening and closing of the mouth are often signs that a dog is feeling queasy.
Nausea & Decreased Appetite – Dogs may feel nauseous and show a reluctance to eat, particularly in the morning, due to discomfort from acid reflux.
Panting or Restlessness – Dogs with acid reflux may pant a few hours after eating or seem restless, indicating discomfort.
Excessive Grass Eating – While some grass eating is normal, excessive grazing can be a sign of acid reflux, as dogs may be trying to soothe their stomachs.
Lick Fits (frantic licking of floors, walls, grass, dirt) – Dogs experiencing acid reflux may engage in frantic licking behaviors as a way to alleviate discomfort in their throat or stomach.
Dogs may experience acid reflux for a variety of reasons. Some common causes of dog acid reflux include:
Poor Digestion – Inefficient digestion can lead to the buildup of stomach acids, which may reflux into the esophagus.
Poor Diet – A diet lacking in proper nutrients or high in fat and difficult-to-digest ingredients can trigger acid reflux.
Food Allergies & Intolerances – Dogs with food allergies or sensitivities to certain foods may experience digestive upset, including acid reflux.
Intestinal Dysbiosis – An imbalance of gut bacteria can disrupt digestion, contributing to acid reflux.
Bowel Disorders – Conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or other gastrointestinal disorders can exacerbate acid reflux by disrupting normal digestive processes.
Diseases – Symptoms of GERD or acid stomach may be due to diseases such as cancer, liver or kidney disease.
Soothing Digestive Relief – Our natural antacid for dogs. Promotes efficient digestion, reducing the risk of regurgitation and minimizing acid reflux occurrences. Formulated with papaya leaf and marshmallow root to calm and soothe the stomach and esophagus. Often used as a dog acid reflux at night treatment.
Power Probiotic for Dogs – Promotes a balanced gut microbiome to support digestion and may help relieve reflux symptoms. Probiotics can potentially support the lower esophageal sphincter to help prevent stomach contents from flowing back into the esophagus.
K9 Digestive Enzymes – Digestive aid featuring hydrochloric acid (HCL), ox bile and pancreatin. Supports acid reflux by enhancing digestion, helping with fat digestion and nutrient absorption. For medium to large dogs.
LypoZyme Digestive Enzymes for Dogs – Tasteless, easy-to-administer, plant-based digestive enzymes that may help improve digestion of fats, protein and carbohydrates. For small and sensitive dogs.
Gastro ULC Acid Reducer – Helps soothe and support the stomach lining with ingredients like DGL, mastic gum and L-glutamine, which may help relieve acid discomfort.
Vomiting is a common symptom of acid reflux in dogs and can occur when stomach acid irritates the esophagus, leading to discomfort and digestive upset. Dogs with acid reflux may vomit shortly after meals or during times of inactivity, often bringing up bile or undigested food. While occasional vomiting may not be cause for concern, frequent or chronic vomiting can signal underlying gastrointestinal issues, including acid reflux.
For dogs experiencing vomiting due to acid reflux, dietary changes and supportive supplements can make a significant difference. Digestive enzymes and probiotics can help improve digestion, easing the burden on the stomach and reducing acid buildup. Feeding smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding fatty foods can help manage reflux symptoms and decrease the chances of vomiting. If your dog continues to vomit regularly, consult your veterinarian to rule out other possible causes and find a suitable treatment plan.
Regurgitation in dogs is when undigested food or water comes up from the esophagus. Dogs may just be walking and soupy food falls out of their mouth. Regurgitation can be a symptom of acid reflux in dogs.
Dogs with acid reflux often have dysbiosis — an imbalance in gut bacteria. This imbalance may weaken the lower esophageal sphincter (the muscle separating the esophagus and stomach), allowing stomach contents to flow back into the esophagus. Supporting a healthy microbiome through proper nutrition and addressing dysbiosis can help.
Vomiting may also be a symptom of acid reflux, but it differs from regurgitation. Regurgitation occurs in the esophagus and is typically passive. Vomiting involves the stomach and is associated with abdominal contractions and the forceful expulsion of stomach contents. Both regurgitation and vomiting are uncomfortable and painful symptoms associated with dog acid reflux.
"When we got our rescue dog, Roo, he was very underweight and had little interest in eating. He had chronic diarrhea, would gag after drinking and was regurgitating small amounts of food.
We started Roo on Soothing Digestive Relief, Power Probiotic and NOT Drops initially. That helped his diarrhea and tummy gurgling. He also started to show more interest in food, but he continued to regurgitate. We introduced the K9 Digestive Enzymes with HCL and the regurgitation stopped. Roo has gained 7 pounds and is now a normal weight.
We can’t express our gratitude enough about how much these supplements have changed his life."
"I want to let you know how great Dakota, our Golden Retriever that we rescued, is doing. When we got him, he had bad ear infections that he had for months, and his skin was so black in the armpit and groin areas that we thought it was ground in dirt. He also had acid reflux and would bring up bile several times a day. It has taken several months, but the blackened skin (from yeast) is almost back to normal thanks to K9 Yeast Defense.
And, for his acid reflux, we started using your supplements (Power Probiotic, K9 Digestive Enzymes, Gastro ULC and Soothing Digestive Relief). We used to give him Pepcid, but we have been able to slowly wean him off. I can’t forget to mention using your food recommendations. Thank you so much for your supplements and all your help. Dakota is a much happier dog thanks to you!"
"My 9 year old Welsh Springer Spaniel mix, Max, didn't have much of an appetite and would frequently vomit. He would often rush out to eat grass and then vomit afterwards. I was worried because he was thin and seemed so uncomfortable. I wanted to find a natural alternative to Pepcid for dogs.
I followed the Ask Ariel program and changed his diet while using supplements such as Gastro ULC and Power Probiotic. Within just a few days, Max improved. He no longer was interested in eating grass and his vomiting stopped. Max is now at a healthy weight and it is so nice to see him so happy to see his meals."
"I'm writing to tell you that with the help of your supplements, my dog Pretty Boy just turned 17! About four years ago, Pretty Boy started experiencing a chronic cough. He was diagnosed with heart disease and put on conventional medication.
Pretty Boy is taking Power Probiotic, Amazing Omegas, Gastro ULC, LypoZyme, Soothing Digestive Relief (when necessary), Dog Brain Booster, Kidney Health, Renelix, Purrfect Pet COQ10, along with conventional medications for heart condition, kidney disease and chronic pancreatitis.
My favorite is the Gastro ULC. Within a couple of weeks, I was able to wean him off Pepcid for his acid stomach due to kidney disease. His digestive woes have all been diminished with the addition of LypoZyme and Power Probiotic. Thank you for always taking the time to answer my many emails. My resilient little man means the world to me and I am willing to do whatever it takes to keep him healthy and happy!"
Dogs who suffer from acid reflux or GERD frequently see an improvement in symptoms by eating a high moisture, low carbohydrate, hypoallergenic diet. Feeding the right diet for dogs with acid reflux can make a big difference — meals that are easy to digest can reduce stomach acid and support healing of the esophagus. Look for food options containing real meat or fish as a first ingredient. Eliminating common allergens, such as beef, poultry, or grains, can be helpful for many dogs with acid stomach.
If you’re wondering what to feed a dog with GERD, focus on simple, fresh ingredients and avoid heavily processed foods, such as kibble or treats that contain starchy carbohydrates like legumes, as these can worsen reflux. Chemical ingredients like preservatives, colorings, and additives provide no nutritional value and can also contribute to an upset stomach.
Please include your dog's diet and treats on the order form at checkout. At Ask Ariel, we include FREE diet tips for dogs with acid reflux with each order.
Some dogs may be allergic to casein, the protein found in milk. This can result in symptoms like diarrhea, gas, and abdominal discomfort. Small amounts of raw goat milk made for pets contains probiotics that can promote a healthy balance of gut bacteria, which might help with digestion. For dogs that have acid reflux in the morning and are reluctant to eat, raw goat milk may be a safe and soothing option.
To alleviate acid reflux in dogs, feeding them multiple small meals throughout the day is recommended. Maintaining a consistent feeding schedule is also helpful. A small snack at bedtime, such as raw freeze-dried food or a small amount of goat milk, is an effective dog acid reflux at night treatment.
Susan Blake Davis, CCN, is a Pet Nutritionist and founder of Ask Ariel, providing veterinarian recommended, human-grade supplements for dogs and cats for over 20 years. Susan developed these supplements after years of working in animal rescue, helping thousands of shelter pets regain their health through holistic nutrition and care.
From 2005 to 2015, she offered holistic pet nutrition consultations at VCA Hospitals and a veterinary oncology center, working alongside Dr. David Gordon, a respected integrative veterinarian in Southern California. Over the years, veterinarians nationwide have recommended Ask Ariel supplements after seeing firsthand the proven results in their patients.
A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of UC Davis with a Master’s from UCLA and certification as a Clinical Nutritionist, Susan’s expertise has been featured in Catster, Dogster,The Los Angeles Times, and the Orange County Register.
Is there a natural antacid for dogs?
Poor digestion, food allergies and low quality ingredients in pet food contribute to acid reflux. You can help relieve painful acid stomach by using a few natural home remedies along with changing your pet’s diet. A comprehensive natural approach often includes antacid support, digestive enzymes, probiotics, and diet changes to improve digestion and soothe the stomach lining.
What can I give my dog for acid reflux?
Dogs with acid reflux may show signs such as vomiting bile, excessive grass eating, panting or gulping at night, and loud stomach noises. Digestive support (enzymes + probiotics) and diet changes can improve digestion and help reduce symptoms. If your dog continues to vomit regularly or seems in pain, consult your veterinarian to rule out other causes.
What are natural remedies for acid reflux in dogs?
Common natural approaches include improving diet quality (higher moisture, simpler ingredients), feeding smaller meals, and adding digestive support such as probiotics, digestive enzymes, and stomach-soothing supplements.
How do you treat GERD in dogs?
GERD is another name for acid reflux, where gastric fluid flows backward into the esophagus. Dogs may vomit, cough, eat grass, gulp, lick their lips and burp. A natural approach may include supporting digestion with a digestive enzyme, balancing the microbiome with a probiotic, soothing the stomach lining, and adjusting the diet to reduce irritation.
