Brenda Khan
Dogs regurgitating their food can be a scary experience for pet owners, but it's a relatively common issue. Regurgitation is different from vomiting, as it usually means that food is not able to move through the stomach or esophagus, so it builds up and then comes out when the stomach gets too full. There are many reasons why a dog may regurgitate, including dietary issues, intestinal obstructions, or even more serious conditions like megaesophagus or cancer. A change in diet, particularly if done too suddenly, can cause stomach upset and lead to regurgitation. It is important to recognize the difference between vomiting and regurgitation, as they indicate different potential health issues. If your dog is regurgitating, it may be a sign that their diet is unsuitable and needs to be adjusted.
Will dogs regurgitate from a diet change?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Warning signs | Vomiting often occurs with warning signs such as lip-licking, drooling, retching, or heaving. Regurgitation occurs without warning. |
| Contents | With vomit, the food or fluid comes from the stomach and appears partially digested. With regurgitation, the contents are completely undigested and appear the same as when ingested. |
| Causes | A foreign body lodged in the throat or oesophagus, megaesophagus, cancer, stress, incorrect diet, gut inflammation, or gastritis. |
| Treatment | Treatment depends on the cause. Foreign bodies may be removed with an endoscope and forceps or via surgery. Medication and a special diet may be prescribed. |
| Prevention | Feed a fresh, balanced, and cooked diet with easily digestible protein. Eliminate foods that the dog does not tolerate. |
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What You'll Learn
Dogs regurgitating food hours after eating
Regurgitation and vomiting in dogs are two different bodily processes. Vomiting is an active action, while regurgitation is passive. Dogs usually vomit with warning signs such as lip-licking, drooling, retching, or heaving. On the other hand, regurgitation occurs without any warning. The regurgitated food will be completely undigested and will look the same as when it was ingested. Repeated regurgitation can be a sign of a serious health issue and may lead to a pet emergency.
If your dog is regurgitating food hours after eating, it could be due to various reasons. One common cause of vomiting in dogs is gastritis or an upset stomach from eating something that didn't sit well. A change in diet can also cause regurgitation in dogs. If your dog is regurgitating small amounts of food after drinking water, it could be due to a throat or esophageal disorder. In some cases, regurgitation in dogs can be congenital or acquired and may be more common in certain breeds such as Miniature Schnauzers, Great Danes, and German Shepherds.
If your dog is regurgitating food 2 or more hours after eating, it is important to monitor their behaviour and overall health. Check if they are acting their normal self, and look out for other symptoms such as weight loss, diarrhea, or loose stools. If the regurgitation persists or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian. The veterinarian will perform a comprehensive physical assessment, including vital signs, palpation, and auscultation, and may recommend additional tests such as a complete blood count (CBC) and chemical analysis to check for other signs of disease.
While waiting for the veterinary appointment, you can try feeding your dog a bland diet of boiled chicken and rice, or canned chicken or meat baby food without onion powder. It is recommended to offer small amounts of food after at least 8 hours. You can also try feeding frequent small meals, such as five smaller meals a day, to see if it helps with the regurgitation. Additionally, ensuring your dog's diet is as fresh as possible can help reduce the chances of regurgitation.
In some cases, the veterinarian may recommend a full elimination diet, which involves feeding a single protein for an extended period (6-12 weeks) to determine if it is well-tolerated before introducing other foods. Medications and a special diet may also be prescribed to address the underlying issue. It is important to mention any recent injuries, illnesses, or medications your dog has been taking, as they can impact the diagnosis and treatment.
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The difference between vomiting and regurgitating
Regurgitation and vomiting in dogs have different underlying causes and therefore require different diagnostic tests. It is important to know the difference between the two.
Vomiting
Vomiting in dogs often happens with warning signs such as lip-licking, drooling, retching, or heaving. It involves the forceful and active expulsion of food from the stomach or the beginning section of the small intestine. Vomited food will be partially digested, mushy, and will probably contain some gastric juices like bile. It may also be coloured differently from the ingested food, taking on a yellow, green, red, or brown hue. Vomiting in dogs can happen soon after eating or hours later and is usually caused by gastritis or an upset stomach from eating something that didn't sit well.
Regurgitation
Regurgitation occurs without any warning and is much less common than vomiting. It involves the passive expulsion of food from the mouth, pharynx, or, in most cases, the oesophagus. Regurgitated food will be completely undigested and will look the same as when it was ingested, although it will probably be covered in saliva. Dogs usually regurgitate right after eating. Recurrent and severe cases of dog regurgitation may lead to a pet emergency. Regurgitation can suggest an underlying oesophageal dysfunction.
If your dog is regurgitating, it may be worth looking into feeding a balanced, cooked diet with easily digestible protein such as white fish. A full elimination diet may be required to identify and eliminate foods that the dog does not tolerate.
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Causes of dog regurgitation
Regurgitation in dogs can be caused by various factors, ranging from minor issues to more severe underlying health conditions. Regurgitation is the passive expulsion of matter from the mouth, upper throat (pharynx), or oesophagus. The expelled material often resembles chewed food mixed with saliva or mucus and may be tube-shaped due to compression in the oesophagus. Here are some common causes of regurgitation in dogs:
Dietary Factors
An unsuitable diet is a significant cause of regurgitation in dogs. This can include feeding your dog food that they do not tolerate or are intolerant to, leading to gut inflammation and an increased likelihood of regurgitation. A full elimination diet may be recommended to identify any specific proteins or ingredients that the dog is unable to tolerate. Additionally, feeding raw food to dogs may trigger regurgitation, and switching to a balanced, cooked diet with easily digestible proteins like white fish may be beneficial.
Foreign Bodies
If a dog consumes something that becomes lodged in their oesophagus, it can obstruct the passage of food and water, resulting in regurgitation. This could include foreign objects or, in the case of puppies, abnormal blood vessels that create a tight ring around the oesophagus, known as a vascular ring anomaly.
Tumours
The presence of benign or malignant tumours within or near the oesophagus can narrow the passage, making it difficult for food and water to pass through and leading to regurgitation.
Esophageal Conditions
Esophageal dysmotility disorder, where the oesophagus appears structurally normal but does not function correctly, can lead to regurgitation. Megaesophagus, a condition in which the oesophagus becomes dilated and weak, allowing food to accumulate until it is regurgitated, is another potential cause. Megaesophagus can be congenital or develop later in life due to underlying conditions such as Myasthenia Gravis or Addison's disease.
Stress
Stress can compromise digestive function as the sympathetic nervous system takes over. Additionally, hypersensitivity during stressful situations can increase the risk of oesophageal irritation and subsequent regurgitation.
Eating Habits
Eating too quickly is a common cause of regurgitation in dogs. This behaviour can be observed in dogs that eat their food within minutes of being fed or those that do not display any warning signs before regurgitation.
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When to take your dog to the vet
Regurgitation in dogs can occur due to various reasons, including dietary issues, foreign objects, or even more severe health problems. While occasional regurgitation may not be a cause for immediate concern, recurring regurgitation can indicate a more serious issue. Here are some guidelines on when to take your dog to the vet:
When to Seek Veterinary Advice:
- Recurrent Regurgitation: If your dog experiences frequent regurgitation, it may indicate a dietary intolerance, an unsuitable diet, or a more severe health issue. Recurring regurgitation warrants a visit to the vet to identify and address the underlying cause.
- Foreign Objects: If you suspect your dog has ingested a foreign object, seek veterinary attention. The vet may remove the object and prescribe medications to aid recovery.
- Other Symptoms: Keep an eye out for accompanying symptoms such as vomiting, lethargy, restlessness, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, or a swollen abdomen. These signs, along with regurgitation, could indicate a more serious condition that requires urgent veterinary care.
- Dietary Changes: If your dog is regurgitating and you suspect it is due to dietary issues, a gradual transition to a new diet may be necessary. Consult your vet for advice on elimination diets or recommendations for a balanced, cooked diet that may be easier for your dog to digest.
- Breed-specific Susceptibility: Some breeds, such as Miniature Schnauzers, Great Danes, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, and Irish Setters, are more prone to congenital regurgitation. If you own one of these breeds and notice regurgitation, consider consulting your vet for breed-specific advice and to rule out any potential health concerns.
- Persistent or Unusual Behaviour: If your dog usually has a good appetite and suddenly starts exhibiting persistent or unusual behaviour, such as a lack of energy or a loss of appetite, it could be a cause for concern. Contact your vet for advice, especially if other symptoms like vomiting or diarrhoea are present.
What to Expect at the Vet:
- Physical Assessment: The veterinarian will perform a comprehensive physical examination, including vital signs, palpation, and auscultation. They may also recommend a complete blood count (CBC) and chemical analysis to check for underlying diseases.
- Diagnostic Tests: X-rays, ultrasounds, or CT scans may be utilised to look for tumours, esophageal disorders, or other causes of regurgitation. An endoscopy, which involves sedating your dog and using a flexible tube with a light, can help identify abnormalities in the esophagus and thorax.
- Treatment Options: Treatment depends on the underlying cause. It may involve medications, dietary changes, or, in the case of foreign objects, their removal. In some cases, more aggressive treatment may be necessary.
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Treating dog regurgitation
Regurgitation in dogs can be a sign of a serious condition. Recurrent and severe cases may lead to a pet emergency. It is important to determine whether your dog is regurgitating or vomiting, as the two have distinct differences. Vomiting is often accompanied by warning signs such as drooling, lip-licking, heaving, and retching. On the other hand, regurgitation occurs suddenly and without warning. The expelled material in vomiting appears partially digested, whereas in regurgitation, it is completely undigested and resembles the ingested material.
If your dog is regurgitating, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian. The veterinarian may perform various diagnostic procedures, such as X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, or endoscopies, to identify the underlying cause. Treatment for regurgitation depends on the specific cause. For instance, if a foreign object is detected, the veterinarian may remove it and prescribe medications for at-home care. In some cases, more aggressive treatment may be necessary.
While awaiting veterinary care, there are a few things you can do to help your dog:
- Offer a bland diet: Provide small amounts of boiled chicken and rice or canned chicken or meat baby food without onion powder after at least eight hours of the last regurgitation episode.
- Eliminate intolerable foods: Identify and eliminate any foods that your dog may not tolerate. A full elimination diet may be recommended, where a single protein source is fed for an extended period (6-12 weeks) to assess tolerance before introducing new ones.
- Try a cooked diet: If you have been feeding raw food, consider switching to a balanced, cooked diet with easily digestible proteins like white fish.
- Provide ginger: Ginger is an effective home remedy for an upset stomach. Prepare ginger tea by boiling fresh ginger root in water, cooling it, and giving small amounts to your dog throughout the day.
- Rehydration: Ensure your dog stays hydrated. Electrolyte rehydration sachets are available over the counter at veterinary clinics or pet stores.
It is important to monitor your dog's condition and seek veterinary advice if regurgitation persists or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms.
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Frequently asked questions
Regurgitation in dogs is not normal and can be a sign of an unsuitable diet, gut inflammation, or a foreign body lodged in their throat or oesophagus. If your dog is experiencing recurring regurgitation, it is important to consult a veterinarian as soon as possible. They may recommend a bland diet of boiled chicken and rice or a special diet with easily digestible proteins.
Vomiting in dogs often occurs with warning signs such as lip-licking, drooling, retching, or heaving, and the expelled contents are partially digested. On the other hand, regurgitation happens without warning, and the food or fluid is completely undigested, appearing the same as when it was ingested.
If your dog is experiencing chronic or recurrent regurgitation, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately. Additionally, if regurgitation is accompanied by other symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, weight changes, or loose stools, a visit to the vet is warranted. Waiting too long to seek veterinary care could put your dog's life at risk.
