🐾 Paw-scription Mondays: Natural Remedies for Dogs with Acid Reflux & Sensitive Stomachs 🌿🐶💛

Does your dog burp, gag, or vomit yellow bile? Do they experience gurgling stomach noises, bad breath, or excessive licking? If so, they may be suffering from acid reflux or a sensitive stomach.

Just like humans, dogs can develop acid reflux (GERD), indigestion, and food sensitivities, leading to discomfort, poor digestion, and long-term health issues. While medications are available, herbs offer a gentle, natural way to soothe inflammation, support digestion, and prevent acid buildup—without harmful side effects.

In this Paw-scription Monday guide, we’ll explore the best herbs for acid reflux and digestive health, how they work, and how to use them to keep your dog’s stomach happy and comfortable! 🌱🐾

🐕 Signs of Acid Reflux & Sensitive Stomachs in Dogs

🚨 Vomiting yellow bile (especially in the morning or after fasting)🚨 Excessive burping, licking, or swallowing🚨 Gurgling stomach sounds (borborygmi)🚨 Bad breath with a sour smell🚨 Gagging, coughing, or regurgitating food🚨 Eating grass frequently (to soothe the stomach)🚨 Poor appetite or reluctance to eat

If your dog shows these symptoms, herbal remedies can help naturally balance stomach acid, soothe irritation, and improve digestion.

🌿 Best Herbs to Soothe Acid Reflux & Sensitive Stomachs in Dogs

1. Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra) – The Natural Stomach Lining Protector

Slippery Elm is one of the best herbs for acid reflux, forming a soothing, protective coating over the esophagus and stomach to reduce irritation.

🔥 Benefits:✔ Protects stomach lining from acid damage✔ Soothes irritation & inflammation in the gut✔ Aids digestion & nutrient absorption

🦴 How to Use It:

• Mix Slippery Elm powder with water into a gel (¼ tsp per 10 lbs) and give before meals.

• Works best on an empty stomach to coat the digestive tract.

🚨 Safe for most dogs, but avoid long-term use in dogs with excessive mucus production.

2. Marshmallow Root (Althaea officinalis) – The Natural Acid Buffer

Marshmallow root, like Slippery Elm, creates a protective mucilage that shields the stomach from acid irritation and ulcers.

🔥 Benefits:✔ Reduces heartburn & acid reflux symptoms✔ Helps with gastritis & ulcers✔ Supports gut healing & digestive balance

🦴 How to Use It:

• Brew Marshmallow Root tea and add to meals.

• Use Marshmallow Root powder (¼ tsp per 10 lbs).

🚨 Avoid in dogs on diabetes medication—it can lower blood sugar levels.

3. Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) – The Natural Stomach Soother

Licorice root has natural anti-inflammatory and anti-acid properties, helping to reduce gastric irritation and heartburn.

🔥 Benefits:✔ Soothes esophageal and stomach inflammation✔ Supports liver function & digestion✔ Reduces gas and bloating

🦴 How to Use It:

• Use Licorice Root powder (⅛ tsp per 10 lbs).

• Works best for dogs with chronic acid reflux or gastritis.

🚨 Avoid in dogs with high blood pressure—use the “deglycyrrhizinated” (DGL) version instead.

4. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) – The Digestive Relaxer

Chamomile is a gentle, calming herb that helps with acid reflux, nausea, and digestive cramping.

🔥 Benefits:✔ Reduces stomach spasms & bloating✔ Helps with indigestion & nausea✔ Supports gut bacteria balance

🦴 How to Use It:

• Brew Chamomile tea and add to food or water.

• Use Chamomile tincture (2-5 drops per 10 lbs).

🚨 Avoid in dogs allergic to plants in the daisy family.

5. Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) – The Natural Gas & Bloat Reliever

Fennel is an excellent carminative herb, meaning it helps reduce bloating, gas, and stomach cramps.

🔥 Benefits:✔ Reduces gas & bloating after meals✔ Aids digestion & prevents acid buildup✔ Freshens breath & prevents bad-smelling burps

🦴 How to Use It:

• Use Fennel seed powder (⅛ tsp per 10 lbs).

• Brew Fennel tea and mix with food.

🚨 Safe for most dogs but avoid large amounts in pregnant dogs.

6. Aloe Vera – The Gut Healing Herb

Aloe vera soothes and heals the stomach lining, reducing acid reflux, ulcers, and inflammation.

🔥 Benefits:✔ Heals ulcers & esophageal damage✔ Reduces inflammation & acid irritation✔ Supports gut health & digestion

🦴 How to Use It:

• Use Aloe vera inner leaf gel (not the latex version) in small amounts.

• Mix ¼ tsp per 10 lbs into food or water.

🚨 Only use pure inner leaf gel—avoid Aloe latex (can be toxic).

🌿 DIY Herbal Stomach Soothing Blend for Dogs

If your dog suffers from acid reflux or a sensitive stomach, try this herbal blend to naturally relieve discomfort and improve digestion.

💛 DIY Herbal Anti-Acid Powder

🫙 Ingredients:✔ 2 tbsp Slippery Elm Powder (stomach coating)✔ 1 tbsp Marshmallow Root Powder (acid buffer)✔ 1 tbsp Licorice Root Powder (anti-inflammatory)✔ ½ tbsp Chamomile Powder (calming & digestive support)

📝 Instructions:1️⃣ Mix all herbs in an airtight container.2️⃣ Add ¼ tsp per 10 lbs of body weight to food before meals.3️⃣ Use as needed for acid reflux relief & digestive support.

🚨 Introduce slowly and monitor for any sensitivities.

🛑 When to Use Herbal Support for Acid Reflux in Dogs

🌿 If your dog burps, gags, or regurgitates food frequently🌿 To help with gastritis, ulcers, or sensitive digestion🌿 If they experience bad breath & acid buildup🌿 If they suffer from bloating or excessive gas🌿 To support overall gut health & digestion

🥗 Other Natural Ways to Improve Digestion & Prevent Acid Reflux

Along with herbal remedies, you can naturally improve your dog’s digestive health by:

✅ Feeding Smaller, More Frequent Meals – Reduces acid buildup.✅ Raising the Food Bowl – Helps prevent acid from backing up.✅ Providing Digestive Enzymes & Probiotics – Supports gut health.✅ Avoiding High-Fat & Spicy Foods – Triggers acid reflux.✅ Using Bone Broth for Gut Healing – Nourishes stomach lining.

📌 How to Safely Use Herbs for Acid Reflux in Dogs

🌿 Introduce herbs gradually and monitor digestion.🌿 Use high-quality, organic herbs for best results.🌿 Consult your vet if symptoms persist or worsen.🌿 Combine herbal care with dietary changes for best results.

🐶 Final Thoughts: Keeping Your Dog’s Stomach Happy Naturally

Acid reflux can be uncomfortable and frustrating, but with the right herbal remedies, diet, and lifestyle changes, you can help your dog feel better, digest properly, and enjoy meals without discomfort. Herbs like Slippery Elm, Marshmallow Root, Licorice Root, and Chamomile provide gentle but effective relief for acid reflux and sensitive digestion.

🐾 Has your dog ever struggled with acid reflux or stomach issues? What natural remedies have worked for you? Let us know in the comments! ⬇️