Hyperacidity in dogs: causes, symptoms and how you can support your dog

Hyperacidity in dogs is a condition that surprises many dog ​​owners. The symptoms often appear gradually and it takes a while to realise that the problem lies in the acid-base balance. But what exactly does hyperacidity mean, what are the causes and how can you help your dog to feel well again? In this blog post I will explain everything to you in detail so that you better understand what you should look out for and how you can actively combat hyperacidity.

What does hyperacidity mean in dogs?

Hyperacidity occurs when the body's acid-base balance is out of balance, which often affects your dog's stomach. Your dog's body produces acids every day, including stomach acid, through normal metabolic processes. These acids, including stomach acid, are normally neutralized by alkaline substances such as minerals and excreted through the kidneys, skin and respiratory tract.

However, if too many acids are produced or too few alkaline substances are available, this process comes to a halt. The body - especially the stomach - is then no longer able to sufficiently break down and neutralize the excess acids, such as gastric acid. This leads to hyperacidity, also known as acidosis, which is often made worse by hyperacidity in the stomach.

How does hyperacidity occur in dogs?

There are many causes of hyperacidity in dogs. Often several factors come together to lead to an imbalance in the acid-base balance. Here are the most common causes in detail:

poor diet

Your dog's diet has a major impact on the acid-base balance. Many commercial dog foods are rich in grains, low-quality meat and artificial additives that have an acid-forming effect. A diet that consists primarily of such foods can lead to your four-legged friend's body constantly producing too many acids.

stress and psychological strain

Just like in humans, stress can lead to increased acid production in dogs. Dogs that are under constant stress - whether due to environmental influences, other animals or insecurity - produce increased amounts of stress hormones. These hormones stimulate the metabolism, which in turn leads to increased acid production.

Lack of exercise

Dogs need regular exercise to support their metabolism. Exercise helps the body to break down acids and excrete them through breathing and sweat. Dogs that don't exercise much therefore break down fewer acids, which can lead to over-acidification.

medication intake

Certain medications, such as painkillers or cortisone preparations, can put a lot of strain on your dog's metabolism. Long-term medication use often leads to impaired acid-base regulation, as the body has difficulty compensating for the additional strain.

Chronic Diseases in Dogs

Some diseases, such as kidney problems or diabetes, affect the body's ability to excrete acids. In such cases, overacidification can quickly occur because the kidneys, which are actually responsible for breaking down acids, no longer function properly.

What symptoms indicate hyperacidity in dogs?

Hyperacidity can manifest itself in various symptoms that are not always immediately clear. These symptoms can appear either gradually or suddenly. Here is an overview of the most common signs:

1. Gastrointestinal complaints:

Digestive problems such as diarrhea, flatulence or vomiting are among the first signs of hyperacidity. Increased belching or heartburn can also occur because the stomach produces too much acid.

2. Skin problems and dull coat:

A disturbed acid-base balance often has a negative effect on your four-legged friend's skin and fur. You will notice that the fur becomes dull and lackluster, dandruff forms or even increased hair loss. Skin irritations or itching can also indicate that the body is trying to excrete excess acids through the skin.

3. Fatigue and lack of motivation:

Dogs that suffer from hyperacidity often appear tired, weak and have little energy. This is because the body has to expend a lot of energy to neutralize the excess acids. The constant stress leads to exhaustion of the organism.

4. Muscle pain and cramps:

Excessive acidity can also attack muscle tissue. If too many acids circulate in the body, they can attack the muscles and lead to pain, tension or even cramps.

5. Behavioral changes:

Some dogs also react to hyperacidity with behavioral problems. You may notice that your dog is more nervous, irritable or anxious than usual. These behavioral changes occur because hyperacidity can also affect the nervous system.

How can you recognize hyperacidity in your dog?

It is not always easy to clearly determine whether your dog has hyperacidity, as many symptoms are non-specific and can also indicate other health problems. However, a useful tool is to measure the pH value in your dog's urine. The pH value tells you whether your dog's body is in balance.

A normal pH value is between 6.5 and 7.5. If the value falls below this, it indicates overacidification. You can use pH test strips, which you can get from the pharmacy or vet. Regular checks can help you keep an eye on the acid-base balance.

The consequences of untreated hyperacidity

If hyperacidity is not treated over a long period of time, it can have significant health consequences. The dog's body is forced to extract more and more alkaline minerals from the bones, teeth and organs in order to neutralize the acids. This can lead to a deficiency in important minerals such as calcium, magnesium or sodium, which weakens the bones in the long term and increases the risk of osteoporosis.

The kidneys and cardiovascular system are also placed under great strain. Severe overacidification can even lead to kidney failure or heart problems.

What can you do to treat hyperacidity in your dog?

Fortunately, there are several ways to restore your dog's acid-base balance. Here are some concrete steps you can take:

Dietary change: Diet is one of the most important levers for treating hyperacidity. Make sure that your dog's food is rich in alkaline-forming foods. Vegetables such as carrots, zucchini, pumpkin and spinach as well as herbs and high-quality meats help to reduce acid production. Avoid grains, sugar and artificial additives as these have a strong acid-forming effect.

Herbs and dietary supplements: Herbs such as nettle, dandelion or milk thistle can help support the breakdown of acids in the body. There are also special alkaline powders or nutritional supplements that regulate the pH value and help your dog's body to excrete excess acids more quickly.

More exercise: Regular exercise is crucial to stimulate the metabolism and promote the excretion of acids through breathing and sweat. Make sure your dog gets enough exercise and physical activity - walks, playing and romping outside support regeneration.

Reduce stress: Stress is one of the biggest acid producers. Try to avoid stressful situations for your dog and provide him with a calm, stable environment. Relaxation periods and enough sleep are also important to calm the nervous system and reduce excess acid.

Regular health checks: If your dog suffers from a chronic illness or has to take medication long-term, it is important to have his health and acid-base balance monitored regularly. Your vet can support you with this and, if necessary, initiate appropriate therapy.

How can you prevent hyperacidity in dogs?

Prevention is the key to preventing hyperacidity in your dog. Here are some tips on how you can ensure a good acid-base balance right from the start:

Healthy, balanced diet: Make sure your dog gets a varied, natural diet. Fresh meat, vegetables and herbs should make up the main components of the diet. Avoid too many industrial foods, which often contain hidden acidifiers.

Regular pH check: Regularly monitor the pH value of your dog's urine. This way, you can intervene early if acidosis is developing.

Enough water: Make sure that your dog always has plenty of fresh water available. Water helps the body eliminate excess acids and helps relieve the strain on the kidneys.

Stress-free environment: A relaxed environment without constant stimuli and sources of stress promotes your dog's general well-being and helps to keep the acid-base balance in balance.

When should you see a veterinarian?

If you notice that your dog is showing symptoms over a long period of time or that his condition is getting worse, it is important to see a vet. You should not hesitate, especially if he has severe gastrointestinal problems, persistent tiredness or noticeable skin changes. An experienced vet can make an accurate diagnosis and recommend targeted treatment measures.

Conclusion: Recognizing and treating hyperacidity and gastric hyperacidity in dogs

Hyperacidity, especially gastric hyperacidity in dogs, is a widespread but often overlooked problem. The dog's stomach plays a central role in this, as an overproduction of stomach acid can disrupt the delicate balance in the digestive tract. This overproduction of acids can be caused by poor diet, stress or lack of exercise and can manifest itself in various symptoms, such as digestive problems or malaise, which are often difficult to identify.

With a targeted change in diet that relieves the stomach, sufficient exercise and the reduction of stress, you can actively contribute to your dog's stomach regaining balance and regulating the overproduction of stomach acid. This will help to avoid hyperacidity and its consequences and to stabilize the entire acid-base balance.

It is important that you pay close attention to your dog's needs, especially when it comes to stomach problems and possible stomach hyperacidity. If you suspect an overproduction of stomach acid, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian who can make an accurate diagnosis. With the right care and support, your dog will become fit, vital and balanced again - and his stomach will stay healthy too!