If you’ve noticed that your beagle seems to be having difficulty keeping food down, is in pain when eating or frequently burps or vomits, they may be suffering from acid reflux. This is a relatively common medical problem in both humans and dogs and can be rather tricky to treat. There are many different causes for acid reflux but, luckily, there are also a variety of effective options for treatment.

The first step in solving your dog’s acid reflux problem is to get to the root of the problem and figure out what is causing it. Of course, because our dogs cannot express how they are feeling directly, this means you’ll have to be alert to the symptoms of acid reflux, which we’ll go into later in this article. 

Can Beagles Get Acid Reflux?

The answer, of course, is that they can. And you might be surprised to hear that, while beagles of any age can have this problem, it is actually extra common in younger dogs. Although we aren’t certain entirely why this is the case, it could be because the muscles that support digestion have not yet fully developed.

Acid reflux can also be related to a genetic condition, or come about as the result of another undiagnosed medical problem.

Beagles do not appear to be any more likely to deal with canine reflux than any other dog breed. That being said, because beagles are very food motivated as a breed, they can be more likely to overeat compared to other dog breeds, and what they are eating in excess can contribute to the onset of acid reflux. 

What Causes Acid Reflux In Beagles?

There are almost as many different causes for canine acid reflux as there are humans. Your beagle’s case is no doubt unique and your best bet to getting to the bottom of the situation and establishing a course of treatment is to consult with your veterinarian. A few of the more common causes of canine reflux in beagles include:

• Damaged or weakened esophagus.

The esophagus is what allows food to pass through on its way to the stomach while also keeping the strong acids that the stomach produces from making its way up to the chest and throat. When the esophagus is damaged, whether it is a genetic problem or caused by an accident, it can malfunction, allowing stomach acid to irritate other body tissues.

Some common examples of genetic conditions that can cause a weakened esophagus in dogs include the following:

• • Swallowing Disorders

Cricopharyngeal Achalasia is a condition in which the esophageal sphincter is unable to open properly during the act of swallowing, which leads to a dysphagia, or a general inability to swallow correctly. While this isn’t the most common esophageal disorder, it can be very dangerous and will require immediate attention from medical professionals. I’d recommend heading to a vet if your beagle is showing any signs of difficulty swallowing food or water.

• • Esophagus Expansion

Esophagus expansion, or Megaesophagus is much more common in dogs. It is characterized by abnormal expanding or dilation of the esophagus, and is typically genetic. It can occur in adult dogs and puppies, and the symptom can often be the result of a variety of other diseases. It tends to take place in larger dogs like german shepherds and great danes, but it can occur in beagles as well.

You can learn more about Megaesophagus in dogs here.

• • Esophageal Strictures

• • Foreign Objects in Esophagus

As I mentioned above, foreign objects stuck in the esophagus can cause a multitude of problems. Dog’s often don’t know what’s best for them, and may try to eat things that they really shouldn’t have. Common foreign objects that get stuck in dog’s throats include pieces of wood, pieces of rawhide bones (that’s why I prefer bully sticks!), and rocks.

The signs of a foreign object lodged in a dog’s esophagus include gagging, regurgitation, drooling, and repeated attempts to swallow without actually making any progress. If the obstruction is not treated, it can lead to weight loss, loss of appetite, and lethargy among more serious symptoms.

• Food allergies

Sensitivities to ingredients in foods (whether prepared dog foods or table scraps) can cause an overproduction of stomach acid,  resulting in reflux.

Some of the most common food allergies for dogs include:

• • Beef
  • Dairy (Cheese or Milk)
  • Wheat
  • Eggs
  • Lamb
  • Chicken
  • Soy

Smaller scent hounds like beagles and dachshunds are particularly prone to food allergies compared to other dog breeds.

• A diet that is too high in fat

A high fat diet, particularly when beagles are fed human food or table scraps – or too many dog treats, can also lead to painful acid reflux. While healthy fats are very important for any growing dog, excess foods with high fat like cheeses, eggs, and processed dark meats are highly likely to cause acid reflux in your beagle. 

• Obesity

Dogs who are considered medically obese have a greater incidence of acid reflux, as fat in the body can push on the digestive organs, causing a release of gastric acid. As a breed that’s prone to overeating, you should be sure to walk your beagle frequently and only feed them the amount of food that your vet recommends. Obesity can lead to a variety of other issues for your beagle, and so it’s better to try and avoid it altogether, or minimize it as soon as you notice the onset of obesity.

• Improper emptying of the stomach

This can be caused by a variety of medical problems as well as as a side effect of medications and should be evaluated by a vet. It can also be the result of a foreign object making it’s way to the stomach, which can be very dangerous. In any case, your vet is the only professional who’ll be able to diagnose and devise a treatment plan for improper emptying of the stomach.

• Complication from surgery or medication

Dogs who have been put under anesthesia for medical procedures commonly experience acid reflux as a side effect of the sedation. Anesthesia effectively slows down everything in the body and can also induce nausea. Both of these together are a sure recipe for canine reflux! 

Fortunately, this type of acid reflux is temporary depending on the type of surgery, so if that’s why you think your dog may be suffering from it, you should wait it out a week or two until after the effects have fully worn off before consulting your vet. 

• Stomach Ulcers

Stomach ulcers are sores and lesions that can form along the lines of the stomach. They are common in humans, and can take place in dogs. They can form naturally at random, or be the product of things like stress, overeating, or eating a diet too high in acidity. Stomach ulcers are a very common cause of acid reflux, and will require specific treatment measurements from a vet.

What Are the Symptoms of Acid Reflux In Beagles?

Now that we understand some of the more common causes of acid reflux, it’s important that we’re also aware of the symptoms and signs of it.

The symptoms of canine reflux closely mimic those of human acid reflux and can be quite uncomfortable. If you see your dog exhibiting these symptoms, you will want to make a visit to your vet to get him checked out.

• Burping, gagging and/or vomiting

While all dogs occasionally exhibit these behaviors, if you are seeing it multiple times in a day or directly after meals, it could definitely be a sign of acid reflux. One underlying issue for acid reflux that coincides with excessive burping, gagging, or vomiting after eating is the fact that your dog is eating too fast. That’s why I recommend using a slow feeder. Read below for some of my favorite slow feeders for beagles.

• Bad breath

Bad breath is a huge and very common symptom of acid reflux. All of the extra acidity from your stomach can turn any dog’s breath sour if it’s getting stuck in their esophagus and mouth.

Even if there are no other symptoms, when your beagle has lasting bad breath for weeks on end, even with brushing their teeth and giving them the proper diet, it should be cause for some concern to be evaluated by a vet. 

• Frequent wheezing or coughing.

If your dog seems to be trying to get something down their throat, can’t quite swallow properly, or sounds wheezy, this could be a sign of acid reflux. Beagles will make all kinds of strange sounds when they are trying to get the burning feeling out of their throat or chest.

If your beagle also frequently only wheezes or coughs after eating, it’s more likely that it is due to acid reflux compared to other chronic conditions like asthma.

• Loss of appetite

You may find that your beagle just doesn’t feel like eating. They may also have difficulty keeping their food down after eating. The heightened acidity during reflux can lead to a general upset stomach, which may discourage your beagle from eating food altogether,

• Weight loss

With severe acid reflux, your dog may even experience weight loss as a side effect of having trouble getting (or keeping) their food down.

If you notice consistent weight loss over time, it can be a sign of a variety of other types of conditions as well, so either way you’ll probably want to consult with a vet, because sudden weight loss can be pretty dangerous for dogs, especially if they can’t keep food down.

• Signs of being in pain or howling after eating

Acid reflux is painful and will bother your dog the most right after eating. This can often be shown in the form of whimpering, whining, or even howling if the pain is extreme of us. Any displays of pain from your dog, especially if close when they ate, should be taken seriously. 

• Lethargy
  

Let’s face it. No one feels like running around when their stomach hurts and your beagle is no different. If your beagle suddenly gets a lot quieter and less active, you should be looking into acid reflux as one of the possible causes.

This lethargy can also be a pretty serious sign if the acid reflux is causing them to eat less altogether, because it’s a big sign that they’re not getting enough of the vital nutrients that they need. 

• Difficulty sleeping

When your normally cuddly napper can’t get comfortable or get restful sleep, you know that something is wrong! Many beagles with acid reflux have a hard time finding a comfortable sleeping position and drifting off. You may see that your dog moves around a lot in their sleep, it may be because they cannot get comfortable due to acid reflux.

Acid reflux can make it very difficult to lie down, in any position. And this discomfort can lead to decreased amount of sleep, with comes with an array of other potential problems down the road.

How to Cure Acid Reflux In Beagles

The good news is that there are lots of effective treatments to help your dog with his canine acid reflux. The bad news is that it is probably going to take some stealthy detective work and a trip to the vet to get them checked out. Some of the more common treatments and lifestyle changes that your vet may recommend for your dog include:

• Switching to homemade food

While making your beagle’s food does take a bit of work, it’s not nearly as labor-intensive as you’d imagine, and you might find you even save some money in the process. Homemade food should only be used under the supervision of a vet who can help you ensure that the recipe you use contains all the necessary nutrition and prescribe supplements to be added to food as necessary. This allows you to create fresh food that eliminates allergens, and is also more hydrating and less fatty – all of which can decrease the incidence of acid reflux.

• Reducing fatty food intake

Fatty foods and obesity are a big contributor to acid reflux, and one of the best things you can do for your dog is to reduce their intake of these types of foods. In particular, feeding beagles human food, table scraps and an overabundance of junky treats is a bad idea. While it’s hard to resist that cute begging face, your beagle will appreciate the health benefits when you curb their overindulgence.

• Esophageal inspection

If your beagle’s acid reflux is a real problem, or you suspect something more problematic is going on, your vet can perform an exam to check for problems with the esophagus. This may require medication, or even surgery in some cases, but it it will give you peace of mind knowing that your vet caught a serious issue before it became worse. 

• Prokinetic medications

While there are many medications that treat the symptoms of canine reflux, prokinetic medications are a stronger class of drugs that can be called upon in more severe cases. These medications work by strengthening the esophageal sphincter. The incidence of acid reflux is decreased, as the food spends less time in the stomach. There are pros and cons to the use of prokinetics but they can be a lifesaver for more severe cases of reflux. Other medications used for less severe cases typically work by reducing the amount or strength of stomach acid to decrease esophageal irritation.

As always, you should first discuss prokinetic medications with your vet to see if they’d be best for your dog.

• Increased exercise

Exercise, of course, carries many health benefits for beagles. But it’s especially good at addressing canine reflux. It can help the disorder on many levels. First of all, frequent exercise encourages things to move through the digestive tract more quickly. Secondly, losing body fat can greatly improve symptoms of reflux in overweight dogs. And lastly, being in an upright position, as while walking helps to keep stomach acid going in the right direction – down!

Often dogs who go and lie down all day after overeating don’t allow their stomach contents to digest efficiently and properly settle. By remaining active and upright, you can help to promote proper digestion to avoid acid reflux. 

Final Thoughts

While there’s no doubt that dealing with acid reflux is a pain for humans and beagles alike, the treatment options available now mean that no one has to suffer through the pain of it untreated. If you think that your beagle might be experiencing acid reflux and basic changes in their activity level and diet are not helping, a trip to the vet is probably in order. No matter what age your beagle is, there is a good chance that you will experience this problem at some point.