How to Ease Esophagus Irritation in Dogs

Esophagitis is a term used to describe inflammation of the esophagus. Irritation of the esophagus causes painful swelling and can lead to difficulties with eating and swallowing, both of which could negatively affect a dog's health. Some breeds, such as Great Danes, Newfoundlands, pugs and golden retrievers, are occasionally born with congenital esophageal abnormalities that put them at higher risk for developing this condition. If your dog is experiencing esophagus irritation, take him to the veterinarian for proper treatment.

  1. Causes

    • The most common cause of irritation in the esophagus of dogs is gastrointestinal reflux, also known as acid reflux. This condition is the result of stomach acids passing into the esophagus, causing irritation and damage to the tissues. Other common causes of irritation in the esophagus include infections, chronic vomiting and the accidental ingestion of chemicals. Dogs that are put under anesthesia for surgery may also develop this condition as a result of irritation from the feeding tube being passed through the esophagus.

    Symptoms

    • Swelling and irritation of the esophagus is not always visible -- you may only observe other symptoms which can be explained by this irritation. For example, many dogs experiencing irritation of the esophagus experience difficulty swallowing, decreased appetite, increased secretions from the mouth and regurgitation. If the dog is in pain, he may also cry while swallowing or extend the head and neck. In severe cases, dogs may develop coughing, fever and even aspiration pneumonia.

    Treatments

    • In order to treat the underlying causes of irritation in the esophagus, you may need to visit your veterinarian for testing. The vet will be able to perform tests and examine your dog in order to make a diagnosis. Prescription medications are available for the treatment of acid reflux in dogs which may help to ease esophagus irritation. Some of these medications include antacids and H2 blockers. Because these medications may have side effects, however, they are not recommended for prolonged use.

    Natural Remedies

    • Natural remedies can often be made at home and often produce fewer side effects than commercial medications. One of the most popular remedies for esophagus irritation is active manuka honey. To use this treatment, put a teaspoon of the honey on a piece of bread and feed it to your dog 20 minutes before a meal. The honey will coat the esophagus to relieve irritation and to protect it from further damage. If you utilize this treatment over an extended period of time, the esophagus will have a chance to heal and the irritation may go away.