[Wendy C]

Hi All,

I’m new here but my issue isn’t. I have a 7 1/2 year old female Miniature Pinscher that has been dealing with these episodes for years. I was originally told it was a bronchial issue caused by unknown allergens in or around my house. I was also told that there was a post nasal drip, which caused the swallowing, the nausea was due to the swallowing of the saliva, the coughing was an irritation in the throat from the allergen etc. I would give her Benadryl which never has helped. Peanut butter, to calm the hacking or dry biscuits to help with nausea but they continued…and I went on for years thinking I at least had some idea of what was happening. Now I’m feeling a little lost because I think it is all wrong.

Pepper has two types of episodes, the first is the hard swallow, hours of running outside to eat grass, followed by a retching cough (the cough looks and sounds like kennel cough) and loud burps. If she whines, it almost does sound like she has a sore throat. In these episodes, she may or may not also experience reverse sneezes that seem to go on forever. Most episodes happen late at night and last anywhere from a few hours to 24 hours, except for the last three.

The 2nd type of episode, which I have only seen 3 or 4 times in the last few years, looks like a facial seizure, there’s rapid licking, swallowing and gulping which is very fast for a few minutes and then this crazy run to the backyard to eat grass. then the hard swallowing for a bit and then it eventually subsides and she’s fine. This episode happened most recently about a month ago while we were sitting on the floor playing.

A week ago she had an episode with the hard swallowing and it was the first time that she started to bite at the carpet. (i posted the video on IG… and provided the link below…note I’m not looking for followers, just want to show what I’m experiencing…)

https://www.instagram.com/p/BTw6LZSgtmn/?taken-by=wendyclaypool

The carpet biting was new so I posted the video since no one I know had experienced any of the same things I was dealing with. I started to feel alone and crazy (because they were happening mostly at night and I was the only one seeing them). Once I posted the video people started bringing up the possibility of acid reflux which I started researching, which led me here.

We had a really bad episode this past weekend which prompted me to make another vet appointment and now I’m wondering if it’s worth it. I will go and she will show no symptoms because as I’m typing this, she’s running around like everything is normal once again. I would like to find out if I can safely give her pepcid but I don’t want to self-diagnose. My goal is just to make sure she is comfortable and to save her from the stress. Just feeling like I’m back at square one.

[Wendy C]

If you want to see the video… it’s on instagram, about May 5th. looks like the feed blocked out that part of the URL.

[anonymous]

Make an appointment with a veterinary internal medicine specialist for diagnostic testing and treatment options. You implied the regular vet has not been helpful.
That’s the only solution I can think of. Ask your vet for a referral.
Best of luck
Ps: You can always go to the emergency place, they diagnose 24/7.
I would refrain from giving the dog over the counter meds and such unless recommended by a vet that has examined the dog.
Show the video to a veterinarian that examines the dog, as soon as possible..
I did not view the video.

[Susan]

Hi have you been on DFA before?? this post sounds familiar, your poor dog has BAD ACID REFLUX, arrange for her to have a Endoscope + Biopsies” done you must get the Biopsies none as well, sometimes the stomach well look great like there’s no problems but the biopsies will tell another story…….My boy does this he has the Helicobacter-Pylori + IBD she needs to be put on Omeprazole (Losec) taken every morning doesn’t have to be before food, Omeprazole is a blocker & stops making the Hydrochloric acid in the stomach, your vet will explain how Omeprazole works, for now buy some liquid Mylanta put in fridge also buy a 20ml syringe to pull up the Mylanta about 3-5 mls & put in the side of her mouth when reverse swallowing starts happening, the Mylanta will coat her esophagas & stomach & she will stop the reverse swallowing… I watch the video you need to find out why this is happening, my boy did the same thing as your girl is doing in video the other morning he woke up from his morning sleep 8am, he had eaten 1 hr before 7am, straight away he got up ran to the front door for his grass, the grass pushes the acid back down throat but vet said to give him the Liquid Mylanta instead it coats the lining of the stomach & throat….Make her comfortable a bit of Mylanta will not hurt her it will relieve her symptoms instantly trust me…
See a vet that does Endoscope & Biopsies or ask vet can she be started on the Omeprazole straight away, to see how she goes, some vets will give you a repeat script, so you just pick the Omeprazole at the chemist…..

[Wendy C]

Hi Susan,

I’m new to DFA. I just came across this forum last night. Other than my insta account, I have never posted before because I thought I was dealing with an entirely different issue. Acid Reflux never even occurred to me since I was directed to bronchial issues and allergies. I’m having mixed emotions, relief that people are experiencing the same things I’m dealing. I belong to a dog community (dog training group) and no one in my group has seen or experienced it, plus guilt and sadness that my dog, is in pain or very uncomfortable.

I am going to speak with my vet tomorrow. I’m armed with a list and videos and I will get some referrals as well.

[Susan]

Hi Wendy yes there was another lady with the exact same problem with her little dog about 1-2 yrs ago…. stay in the Forum section & click on “Diet & Health” and all people’s post come up that have been posted or put “Acid Reflux” in the “Search” bar up the top & all these people post will come up asking why is their dog “Swallowing & Gulping”…
When I first rescued my boy he was put on a high fat vet diet Hypoallergenic HP kibble for his skin problem, then one night I hear this sound coming out of the bedroom, I thought what’s he’s doing, he should be sleeping, I go & have a look & he was sitting up swallowing, swallowing & gulping & very stressed out, he even growled at me & he had never done that before that’s when I knew something wasn’t right, I didn’t know what was wrong, I went & told the vet nurses the next day & 1 vet nurse said that sounds like bad acid reflux coming up into his mouth, she asked what’s he eating, I told her Royal Canin HP Dry Kibble, she looked it up on computer & said, we have to ask your vet can he change the formula to another formula the fat is too high it;s 19% fat, the vet wouldn’t listen & change the vet diet he said it needs time to work (a load of bull) Patch ended up with Pancreatitis the following week, I didn’t know all this stuff, high carb kibble diets cause acid reflux, high fat kibble diets cause acid reflux….
What is she eating?? it’s best to feed a home cooked meals… I do both, cooked/wet tin & a premium kibble & try & stay under 40% with the carbohydrates with kibbles…
Talk to your vet, just hope he’s not a stubborn vet like some are, just won’t listen they think they’re more superior & if you mention your read this or that on the internet gee some vets don’t like it, go with your gut if something the vet says doesn’t sound right then question it or get a new vet like I did with Patch, Patch saw 4-5 vets until I got the lady vet we see now, she is into holistic & natural way of treating animals & Patch has responded really good with her & he see’s a specialist vet at the same office for his IBD….

[anonymous]

Good luck at the vet’s office today. Make sure you describe the “seizure like” activity you observed. There may be something neurological going on……
I think it’s important to get an accurate diagnosis, then you can evaluate the treatment options. I would not hesitate to go along with recommended testing.
I hope you have a nice visit and get some answers.

[Michelle P]

I have a 13yr old Shih Tzu X, Oscar. Up until 1.5 years ago, he was full of vinegar and acted like he was 2. He is white/biscuit colour and never had dark eye staining or staining on his muzzle. He also started the gulping/swallowing/hacking around the same time. The vets never thought there was anything wrong. I just wasn’t convinced that the staining was natural if he never had it before. I put him on Merrick Limited Ingredient kibble and wet food. It helped the staining a bit but not the gulping.
In January, the vet recommended to put him on RC Hypoallergenic Kibble. No change, I think it made it worse. We put him back on Merrick. Since mid April, his gulping/swallowing/hacking is happening more and more often. May 18, we took him to a vet (ours wasn’t available) and suggested we give him Zantac 10mg 2X daily. By May 21, the diaherra was horrible. It was pure liquid. So, we rush him to the vet on the Sunday (same clinic that suggested to give him Zantac, but different vet) and he gives us Metronidazole 250mg every 12hrs and Hills Prescription ID Chicken Stew. After a couple days he was getting better and the gulping thing was happening less. Oscar was sleeping better throughout the night. May 25, we took him to our vet for a check to make sure all is going well. He told us to stop giving him the meds as his poop had firmed up and told us to feed Oscar RC Gastrointestinal kibble. I have it to him for dinner with the ID wet stew. 2 hours later the gulping/swallowing/hacking returns to how it was prior to the metronidazole. I stopped giving him the kibble. I took Oscar back and told the vet and showed many videos of what he does. He thinks it’s acid reflux and prescribes Nexium 20mg, giving 1/2 pill daily. Last night and during the night was awful. Every 2-2.5hrs he was having the gulping thing. It only happens when he’s laying down or sleeping. He has never vomited, until this morning. It was a foamy, very pale yellow bile.
I called the vet this morning and have to take him back tomorrow afternoon. So, I’m thinking now he may have IBD as the Metronidazole was starting to clear up his symptoms. I read it can take up to 5-7 days for the meds to totally kick in. I keep a journal and was reading back on my notes and thinking he should be back on the Metronidazole. I have been feeding him boiled chicken, rice with 1/4 can of the ID wet stew 2-3X daily. I prepare his food 3X a day but he doesn’t always eat but does 2X daily. He drinks water and has normal bowel movements.
Does anyone have some advice? Could I be on to something? If it is IBD, will the Nexium even help? Is there anything I can give him tonight to help with the gulping/swallowing/hacking?

[anonymous]

Have x-rays been done? Bloodwork? The first thing you need is an accurate diagnosis.
At age 13 (senior) I don’t know how aggressive you want to get about treatment, but I would consider making an appointment with a Veterinary Internal Medicine Specialist.

I would direct your questions you have to the vet, I would not give him anything (over the counter meds, supplements) unless recommended by a vet that has examined him.

Call the vet in the morning and leave a message for him to call you back when he has a minute.

[Susan]

Hi Michelle P,
the only thing that will give you answers is a Endoscope + Biopsies…..X-rays will be a waste of money, X-rays do not show what’s happening in the stomach…
Sounds like what happens with my boy, I was back at the vets Tuesday doing full blood test that were a waste of money, they showed nothing, blood test came back all good….
It very hard to work out what’s happening when its the Intestinal tract, the only why to know what’s wrong is thru biopsies, so either do an Endoscope + Biopsies which is the easiest way or cut open & do Biopsies, I said NO again on Tuesday cause you still treat with the same medications & just have a name for what type of IBD it is….I asked to put my boy back on the Triple Therapy medications, Metronidazole, Clarithromycin & Omeprazole (Losec) for 14 -21 days to kill the Helicobacter again, your boy may have the Helicobacter-Pylori why didn’t the vet put him on Omeprazole (Losec) instead of the Nexium?? they’re the same type of drug an acid blocker, PPI, it takes 12-24hrs for a Pump Protein Inhibitor (PPI) Nexium, Losec, Somac, start to work if the diarrhea doesn’t stop ask vet can he put him on Omeprazole instead of the Nexium, Omeprazole firmed Patches poos up & Zantac didn’t help Patch…when he’s gulping give some liquid Mylanta I keep a small bottle in the fridge it keep it cold it soothes the esophagus & stomach & stops the gulping straight away & they can sleep…Omeprazole is a blocker & sends a msg to the brain to stop making the excess hydrochloric acid in the stomach where Zantac is just like taking liquid Mylanta it just covers the acid reflux but it doesn’t stop it, once you stabilize him he will get better, feed a low fat, low carb, low fiber diet, it’s best to cook meals, boiled sweet potato is good when they don’t want to eat, sooths the stomach same as boiled pumkin, not much about 2 spoons mixed thru the chicken or turkey…
Maybe look for a low fat wet tin food make sure you email the pet food company to get the fat % as it isn’t converted to dry matter (Kibble) yet, so 4%min fat is around 16 to 20%max fat when converted to dry matter (Kibble), I was feeding the Hills I/D Chicken & Vegetables stew but they have changed the ingredients & it has Beet Pulp now, beet Pulp seems to make my boy acid reflux worse, do not mix kibble & wet tin food, feed one or the other or make sure you feed at least 6 hrs apart….Sometimes a dog needs to stay on a low dose of Metronidazole just take once a day, once the dog has finished the 21-28 day course, try & stay with the same vet so pick the vet you thought was better & helped more, find out the vets working hours, Patches vet only works Tuesday & Thursday..

Join this Face Book group- “Canine Diabetes Support & Information Group” & look in the “Files” 2nd post- 2017- C.D.S.I foods, scroll down for the wet tin foods they have all been converted to dry matter fat & they don’t have Beet Pulp a fermentable fiber, that most vet diets have for bowel problems….
*Weruva can/tin –
Cirque de la Mer -fat 9.8%
Bed & Breakfast -fat-12.4%
Grandma Chix Soup-fat-12.5%

*Natures Recipe
G/F Chicken recipe in broth-fat-11.11%
G/F Chicken Wild Salmon recipe in broth-fat-11.11%

* Simply Nourish
G/F Chicken & Beef Stew-fat-11.76%
G/F Chicken & Venison-fat-11.76%

*Pure Essentials
G/F Salmon Recipe in broth-fat-11.76%

[anonymous]

@ Michelle P
I hope you will give us an update as to what the vet that is treating your dog advises.
Usually they start with the least invasive tests as indicated, until they find answers.

On more than one occasion a physical exam, lab work and a quick ultrasound has led to a diagnosis for my dogs. It all depends on what the vet is looking for………..
And, at 13 it may be age related, but at least the vet should be able to come up with some comfort measures.

[Michelle P]

Thank You All for your advice. I have never self medicated my dog. Only what the vet recommends. The vet said the Nexium brand was better (and much more expensive) than a generic for this situation. I take him in this afternoon and will be bring my journal and questions I have. This morning, the diaherra is back. I will be taking a urine and feces sample with me.
I demanded May 2, x-rays to be done as he was originally diagnosed with Congestive Heart Disease and a Grade III Heart Murmur March 30 without x-rays. He’s negative for that but was told he had mild collapsing trachea. Upper airway irritation or infection as an exacerbating problem may be considered. An esophogram was done at the same time and was good. Was prescribed hycodan for cough and clavaseptin. I didn’t see a difference. 5 years ago, xrays were done as Oscar was hacking back then. Vet prescribed cephalexin and it went away but of course has come back.
I just bought Weruva Funky Chunky wet food. I will be giving that to him for his next meal. I’ll be mixing some rice and boiled chicken with it, or should I just give the Funky Chunky? I may stop to buy the other Weruva flavours you mentioned.
Like I mentioned in my prior post, Oscar only starts this gulping/swallowing/hacking when he’s laying down or during the night when he’s sleeping. This morning (3:30am) he did a hack and then leaned his head over the bed. Not sure if that makes him feel better.
I’ll do what I can to make sure my baby lives the rest of his life comfortably. Since May 2, he has lost .6lbs. He weighed 18.6 and now he weighs 17.8 which I think is a great weight for him.
Fingers crossed I’ll be getting to the bottom of this…..SOON. 🙂

[Susan]

Hi Michelle P,
Why I asked about the Nexium it’s not a drug that is normally used for dogs with Gastric problems like Acid Reflux, Omeprazole (Prolosec) & Pantoprazole (Somac) have been tested & used on cats & dogs, maybe the vet uses the Nexium cause it can be cut in 1/2 my vet writes me a script to take to chemist so I get the omeprazole Sandoz it can be cut in 1/2 where Omeprazole Losec cant be cut in 1/2…google & see if the ingredients are the same as the Omeprazole? I think they are a bit different.
With the Weruva Funky Chunky what is the fat % it must be 3% & under, see if its the same fat % as the Weruva… I would stop the boiled rice, boiled rice can irritate the bowel & cause diarrhea with some dogs, my boy can’t eat boiled rice I was picking out the rice in the I/d Chicken & Vegetable stew…
Acid Reflux is at it worse around 3am of a morning when the stomach is empty, hopefully when you get medications & food sorted out Oscar will feel better soon….I always make sure my dog head is higher then his stomach & lower back so the acid stays in the stomach & isn’t washing back up into his mouth while he’s sleeping…..even with his bed I make sure his head is on a L-Shaped pillow so his head stays up, he was up this morning 5am wanting to go outside & eat grass, I think its the Medications he’s taking to kill the Helicobacter as they are strong & making him feel sick having an empty stomach early hours of the morning…

[Michelle P]

Hi Susan,
The vet put him on Metronidazole and Baytril for 10 days. He said I should see an improvement on the weekend. How do you manage to give your boy the metronidazole? I try everything and once Mr. Fancy pants of mine gets a tiny taste of it, he won’t take it.
It says it has 1.2% fat on the 14oz can of Weruva Funky Chunky. Oscar has a pillow he sleeps on and the head area is higher and if he’s not on that, he actually sleeps like a human with his head on the pillow. LOL. I will update the end of the weekend with what’s going on. Your help has been wonderful.

[Susan]

Hi, it’s good the vet has given the Metronidazole & the Baytril, it would have been better giving a 21 day course of the Metronidazole, Baytril & Nexium, so if it is Helicobacter-Pylori causing the bad acid reflux these meds will kill it, but you need to give for 21 days, you’ll know if it’s the Helicobacter cause Oscar will start doing really well while on medications then after you stop the Metronidazole the acid reflux will be back again after 7-15 days, is Oscar staying on the Nexium as well?? cause he’ll need something for the Acid reflux, he may need to take Nexium or Omeprazole for the rest of his life like Patch, if the acid reflux comes back after you finish the Metronidazole for 10 days, so he’s comfortable. if this does happen he’ll have to take the Metronidazole & Baytril & ant acid medication all over again then you stay on the ant acid medication when the Metronidazole course is finished.
I found Patch does heaps better after taking Metronidazole & Omeprazole (Losec) so he stayed on the Losec the last time I had to give the triple therapy meds again & he did well for 9 months then went down hill again after Summer, (I live Australia) I have scripts of the Metronidazole to get from chemist & as soon as I see Patch swallowing & swallowing, grinding his teeth or doing sloppy poos, diarrhea & I start giving the Metronidazole for 14-21 days again….
I open Patches mouth & put tablet on the back of his tongue & give him his kibble straight away but when he’s eating wet food I just put the tablet in the wet food, Metronidazole has to be given with a meal, so put tablet in a small bit of chicken so Oscar just swallows it, if the chicken piece is big he might chew the chicken & then chew tablet & get the bad taste of Metronidazole in his mouth then he wont want to take the Metronidazole again…
Hope he feels better..

[Michelle P]

I will phone the vet on Monday when he’s back in and let him know I’d prefer a 21 days of the meds. He said he should be feeling better by Sunday. I will continue with the Nexium too. I will see the vet on Thursday for a follow up. I totally forgot about asking about the omeprazole but will when I talk to him on Monday. I already see a difference in Oscar. Last night was a good night compared to previous nights. What time of the day do you give Patch the omeprazole? The 1st day I gave it to him was 1pm (after I got the prescription) and noticed come 3am he was gulping/swallowing. The next day I gave it to him at dinner time and noticed the gulps didn’t start till about 7am. Last night he only gave a couple hacks (11:40pm & 5:30am) and a gulp/swallow at 9am.
Let’s hope today/night is better.

[anonymous]

Did your vet approve of these over the counter meds? You only mentioned 2 prescription meds, Baytril and Metronidazole.

You do realize that you should check with your vet first? A lot of these over the counter meds are not approved for veterinary use, the vet can prescribe them (off label use).
Interactions could occur.

Btw: Baytril is a very effective antibiotic, however some dogs can’t tolerate it and develop GI symptoms and have to be switched to another antibiotic. If you are giving multiple meds how will you know which is causing what? Sometimes less is more.
Also, the vet tech can show you how to give a dog a pill, it only takes a minute, I am sure they will demonstrate if you ask. It’s easy, there is a trick to it. Check youtube.

Peace out.

• This reply was modified 7 years, 5 months ago by anonymous.

[Michelle P]

Anon101,
I’m not sure where you are reading that I’ve been giving my dog OTC meds without the advice of my Vet? The only OTC med I gave WITH my vet’s recommendation was the Zantac. The other 3 medications he’s currently on (nexium, baytril and metronidazole) can only be prescribed by a vet. Not sure where you live but in Canada, prescriptions are needed for the 3 meds he’s currently on. As of right now, he’s reacting fine to the meds. I am with him 24/7 and will know if something isn’t right. Trust me, I’ve asked the vet and watched Youtube about the pill thing. If you knew my dog, you’d understand why I might ask others for advice.
Thanks

[Susan]

Hi Michelle,
it’s best to give Nexium or Omeprazole of a morning maybe the dose isn’t strong enough, I took Nexium & it didn’t work as well as the Omeprazole works… when Patch started the Omeprazole I was giving 10mg of a morning then the same thing was happening Patch had his acid reflux about 8-12 hours later so I had to give 10mg Omeprazole at night as well, then I stopped halving the dose & just gave 20mg Omeprazole 8.30am every morning now,
I’ve asked my Gastro intestinal specialist about Pump Proton Inhibitors (Nexium Omeprazole & Somac) when is the best time to take, he said of a morning or what you think works the best for you & must be taken the same time everyday… I take in the morning & at night now but I’m on a very high dose 80mg as the years have gone by I needed to increase dose…. ask vet can you change to the Omeprazole instead of the Nexium & if you need to cut in the Omeprazole half ask for script for the chemist & there’s “Omeprazole Sandoz” makes a tablet that can be cut in 1/2 it has the line, the chemist/pharmacist will look on their computer & tell you which Omeprazole brand can be cut in 1/2 but maybe Oscar can take full dose -20mg… also ask vet on Thursday can Oscar continue taking the Nexium or Omeprazole for his acid reflux after the Metronidazole & Baytril course is finished, I ask vet for 5-6 repeat scripts when I visited her so I have 6months worth of Omeprazole & have about 3 scripts of the Metronidazole in my cupboard
& I can just go to my chemist & then Patch is like a human & gets his meds from the chemist & pays human prices, $7.99 for 30 Omeprazole tablets, it’s heaps cheaper then what the vet charges, the vet wanted $4 for 1 x Omeprazole tablet or $120.00 for a box of 30 Omeprazole tablets, I nilly died $120 for 1 month supply, if I don’t see the vet I pay $15 & she writes & leaves a 5 or 6 repeat script with the staff & I just pick it up & get form chemist or if I’m visiting the vet then I don’t have to pay the extra $15 for her 5 mins writing out the script, it’s a big difference in price especially if they need a drug till they pass away & you can’t just stop taking a Pump Proton Inhibitor (Nexium or Omeprazole) if you’ve been taking it more the 15 days one vet said 21 days but people don’t know all this & would just stop giving it to their dog cause of the price…Vets need to charge less for medications.. there’s also a few online pet medication stores popping up but in Australia the human chemist/pharmacist are still the cheapest..
[removed by moderator]….like your vet said Oscar will feel better by Sunday but if he’s vomiting & seems unwell then stop the Baytril & just give the Metronidazole & Nexium every 12 hours it should be enough cause your dog wouldn’t be immune to the Metronidazole (antibiotic) yet cause he’s never really taken it before, sometimes a dog or human can become immune to certain antibiotics that’s why this time Patch had to take Clarithromycin instead of the Amoxcillin just in case he has become immune to the Amoxcillin but after 2 days of taken the Clarithromycin & Metronidazole he became unwell waking up 5am 6am & wanting to eat grass so I stopped the Clarithromycin yesterday & this morning he didn’t wake me up at 5am or 6am wanting to go outside, so now he’s just taking the Metronidazole every 12 hours with a meal & 20mg Omeprazole at 8.30am, it will be enough to make him better again if not I’ll just have to re do the Metronidazole, Amoxcillin & Omeprazole again, vet is calling me Tuesday to see how he’s going….they are family one of our kids, just have 4 legs & heaps more hair…..

• This reply was modified 7 years, 5 months ago by pugmomsandy.

[Angela F]

Hi, I have a Yokie/Maltese female, will be a year old on the 7th of June. I had noticed she ate a lot of grass. She is a picky eater too.
Tonight she was sleeping next to me, after a good day of playing outside. She loves to run… anyway she awoke with a fright, and started gulping, licking and swallowing fast. She even scared me when she woke up so fast and I could tell she was very frightened. I picked her up really fast and calmed her a bit. She lay back down even closer to me than before. Yet she was still a bit nervous and continued to lick… etc… ! So I decided to look up the symptoms. I found Moxeys post.
I do think it is related to her throat, and high fat diet. I don’t give her food with much fat, but my mom-in-law likes to sneak her food. As she was with her for awhile today, I believe she gave her a treat. So I just want to say thank you all for helping me feel a little better. I will watch her more closely now and buy an anti-acid for her.
Good luck to all of you and God bless you all for having such caring hearts.❤️

[Angela F]

Hi, I have a Yokie/Maltese female, will be a year old on the 7th of June. I had noticed she ate a lot of grass. She is a picky eater too.
Tonight she was sleeping next to me, after a good day of playing outside. She loves to run… anyway she awoke with a fright, and started gulping, licking and swallowing fast. She even scared me when she woke up so fast and I could tell she was very frightened. I picked her up really fast and calmed her a bit. She lay back down even closer to me than before. Yet she was still a bit nervous and continued to lick… etc… ! So I decided to look up the symptoms. I found Molzy( not sure of the spelling) post.
I do think it is related to her throat, and high fat diet. I don’t give her food with much fat, but my mom-in-law likes to sneak her food. As she was with her for awhile today, I believe she gave her a treat. So I just want to say thank you all for helping me feel a little better. I will watch her more closely now and buy an anti-acid for her.
Good luck to all of you and God bless you all for having such caring hearts.❤️

[Michelle P]

Thank You Susan. I hope everything will work out with Patch. Hubby and I didn’t have children. Everyone knows Oscar is my furbaby and means the world to me. People get a chuckle when I call him Son. I’m glad I met you on here. Your information about all of this has been very helpful knowing I’m not mad thinking my poochie is sick. I paid $55 for a 30 day supply of Nexium 20mg, which I cut in half. That I had to go to a pharmacy for. Here, they charge a dispensing fee as well. So, the meds were only $45. The 10 day supply of the Baytril and Metronidazole came to $33 together. I hope by Sunday I will see a big enough change.

[Angela F]

Sorry about the double post…😕

[anonymous]

@ Angela

It would be best to take your dog to a veterinarian for an examination and a diagnosis.
I would refrain from giving the dog antacids and other over the counter meds and supplements not intended for veterinary use. Unless the examining vet recommends.
What someone says worked for their dog may not be best for yours.
There are many reasons why a dog would exhibit the symptoms you described.
Many medications and supplements are not benign and have side effects.
Taking 3 or 4 different meds to treat the same condition is called polypharmacy, common among the elderly. Healthcare professionals discourage it.
Ps: Eating grass is not normal and could be an indication of GI upset among other things.

[Kona88]

My dog JUST had her first episode of this last night and had another one this morning. I didn’t bring her to the vet because she didn’t seem to be in pain and I honestly just thought she swallowed a hair and it got stuck and was trying to eat anything she could to maybe dislodge it and help it move down her throat. Plus it subsided in a few minutes. It hopefully won’t be a chronic problem, but so far the only people that have this issue seem to be dealing with it over a long period of time so now I’m nervous. I adopted her 3 weeks ago and she is a 1 year old 50 lb mixed breed (looks maybe part chocolate lab or German short haired pointer). I also volunteered at the shelter she was at and in the month she was there, I never noticed an episode. I have a few things I wanted to add to the discussion to see if any one else experienced anything similar.

The first is that she frequently gets hiccups…..was wondering if anyone else’s dog with this problem also does?

Another is that I changed her diet almost 2 weeks ago which is sort of recent, but I feel like symptoms would have shown earlier if it was triggered by her food. She also stayed at a family member’s house for a few days and I just got her back a few days ago, but while she was there she had really bad diarrhea, which we attributed to her getting into the dog food at their house. Once she got home her stomach still seemed a little agitated, but her stools were solid again. She has been a little gassy, but gets especially gassy in conjunction with these gulping fits.

The last thing I have to add is that a couple days ago, my mom thought she noticed a flea in the house so she gave all of our animals a dose of some otc topical flea and tick medicine. I am not sure if the dogs at the shelter got flea and tick medicine or not, and if so then what type/when she had her last dose, but I do know that this is the first dose she has gotten while she has been with me and it is the closest change in anything we give to her to these episodes. I noticed that someone said these fits sort of come in monthly waves and I was wondering if they maybe come close to when they give their monthly flea/tick preventative or if they’ve tried changing or withholding their dog’s preventative to see if it stops the gulping fits? I am thinking it could be some sort of weird reaction to the medicine…

[anonymous]

The hiccups may be related to eating too fast and/or anxiety. I would suggest getting a dome dish designed to slow down her eating. Like this one: https://www.chewy.com/indipets-stainless-steel-slow-pet/dp/135949
This is not veterinary advice; consult your veterinarian.

[Susan]

Hi Kon88, what type of flea product did your mum use?? was it the spot on liquid type you put on the back of the neck if so wash off straight away or was it a chew or tablet type flea medication you give orally? What new food is she eating?

[Rita M]

Hi just found this forum and was glad to finally find others going through what I am with my dog. Ace is a border collie mix who started the crazy double swallowing/gulping then frantically licking the floor , bedding everything. He would continue this and has eaten rugs bedding waterhog rugs anything really , then finally throwing up. This was all while I was at work . The first time it happened was maybe 3 1/2 years ago. That time he ate lots of a Berber rug runner ….. Boy was I scared when I came home and saw that. We spent that night throwing up and pooping strands of Berber fibers!
This happened again a year later, no rug to chew so he ate his bed! And the stuffing inside! Again happened while I was at work , and I spent the night running him outside to throw up.
In the last six months 4 times he has done the frantic licking at night and I have been able to get him outside and walk him a bit to stop him.
I have gone to the vet and had blood work and X-ray done ….nothing . Of course he is fine when I go and the vet has never heard of this happening. She did give me Prilosec and famotidine for acid reflux and this just because I asked for it.
She says the next step would be an ultra sound and maybe some anxiety medicine like prosaic ?
Are these really gonna help? Have any of you found anything that works and stops these attacks from happening? Thanks for any comments.

[anonymous]

Three and a half years and you don’t have a diagnosis? Look at some prior posts, what you describe is called “pica”. It is often neurological, especially when other causes are ruled out.
Make an appointment with a veterinary neurologist, ASAP.
His symptoms may be related to a seizure disorder. There are medications that will stop the suffering. Stop looking for veterinary advice online (you get what you pay for).

Tell your vet you need a referral, right away (veterinary neurologist).
Stop wasting time.

This is not veterinary advice; consult your veterinarian.

Ps: “She says the next step would be an ultra sound and maybe some anxiety medicine like prosaic ?”

Yes, the ultrasound may help rule out certain conditions and the Prozac may help with anxiety (if that is what is causing the episodes)
I would still prefer that the dog be seen by a neurologist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment, instead of the regular vet, especially since the symptoms are now chronic rather than acute..

[anonymous]

@ Rita M

Example:
What a lot of you describe (symptoms) sounds neurological, for best results, ask your vet to refer you to a veterinary neurologist.
I am assuming the dog has not responded to treatment by your regular vet within a reasonable amount of time. There are effective medications available by prescription that will put a halt to the suffering. The first step would be to get further testing, maybe by a specialist, and hopefully that will result in an accurate diagnosis, from there you can evaluate your treatment options.
Example: Complex Partial Seizures (aka Psychomotor or Behavioral): Seizures: are associated with bizarre or complex behaviors that are repeated during each seizure. People with complex partial seizures experience distortions of thought, perception or emotion (usually fear), sometimes with unusual visual, olfactory, auditory and gustatory sensations. If dogs experience the same things, it may explain the lip-smacking, chewing, fly biting, aggression, vocalization, hysterical running, cowering or hiding in otherwise normal animals. Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal distress, salivation, blindness, unusual thirst or appetite, and flank biting are other signs. There is an obvious lack of awareness though usually not lack of consciousness. Abnormal behaviors may last minutes or hours and can be followed by a generalized seizure. Complex partial seizures are usually associated with secondary epilepsy. (excerpt from) http://www.canine-epilepsy.com/FAQ.html

[Rita M]

Anon101 I have been to the vet many times for this condition and they (I have gone to 2 different ones) both look at me as though I do not know what I am talking about because they see a perfectly health active dog in front of them and the blood tests and X-rays show nothing . As these attacks as I call them only happen occasionally I do not know what is causing them and yes I keep track of foods eaten , and anything unusual that might be different .
So that is why I am coming here to try to get help on a possible diagnose or an idea of the direction to point me in. I am not looking for free medical help.

[anonymous]

I repeat, my advice is to go to a veterinary neurologist, a specialist.

I went to 3 different vets and 2 specialists (veterinary dermatologists) within 1 year before I found a specialist that correctly diagnosed my dog with environmental allergies, she is now stable x 5 years.

Veterinary care has become like our human health care. If you have a serious condition you go to a specialist.

Your dog’s symptoms have absolutely nothing to do with his diet (imo). The symptoms sound neurological and would probably respond to medication.

Ps: If the symptoms are not severe, the ultrasound (to rule out certain conditions) and a Prozac trial sounds reasonable, may be worth a try.

This is not veterinary advice; consult a veterinarian.

[Wendy C]

I appreciate reading all the advice here. I must say my personal experience was more about having someone guide me in the right direction. Pepper’s “flare ups” are random, but they follow the exact same pattern and mostly, not always, but mostly happen at night. When I wrote in originally we had a flare up 3 Saturdays in a row, The third one was awful, then 3 days in a row that were minor and now it’s been 6 weeks and nothing.

And yes, it’s exactly the same, you take them to the vet and they see a perfectly healthy dog and the common answer is that they have never seen anything like it. I was starting to feel crazy. I deal with dog trainers, I have a group of dog friends I see weekly but because Pepper mostly has these spells in the middle of the night, only my boyfriend and I have witnessed them.

Anyway, I’m just venting because I’m sure you feel as helpless as I did. I did take her to vet, and as predicted my vet prescribed Pepcid, said it looked like acid reflux. I told him I was willing to try his way once and then I will take the next steps. Since that appointment, she’s been fine. I haven’t had to try the pepcid yet. However the longest we’ve gone with no spells is about 5 months, so we will see.

[Susan]

Hi Rita,
I really think your dog is having bad acid reflux attack & it’s bad, it is definitely something to do with his Intestinal tract, not the brain, don’t bother with the Ultra Scan, the Ultra Scan can’t see inside the stomach, he needs an Endoscope + Biopsies done, biopsies can give vet so many more answers, next time this happens have some liquid Mylanta in the fridge ready & waiting, when the Mylanta is kept in the fridge it keeps it cold & it cools the esophagus down to the stomach & gives more relief, make sure you shake bottle & give about 5ml, 1 teaspoon, the Mylanta can not cause any harm, if anything the symptoms will all stop & you will have your answer to what is causing this problem….I never recommend Pepto Bismol as it has aspirin in it… but people do use on dogs, Pepto Bismol has been banned in Australia cause of the Aspirin…
I would not try the Prozac, cause this is not something happening everyday, it seems to be Gi related, also when this is happening have you offered a dry human biscuit or dry white bread toast works great…

[Rita M]

Thank you all for your comments I have an appointment with an internal medicine vet next Wednesday for a consultation. I will keep you updated on what he says

[anonymous]

Excellent!
However, the suggestions that your regular vet made regarding starting Prozac and taking an ultrasound to rule out neurological anomalies (or whatever he is looking for) made sense too.

Your dog is a senior, vulnerable to all kinds of things, and his age may be a factor as to how aggressive you want to be with treatment (discuss options with the vet)
Make a list of questions for the vet.

When your dog has one of these episodes, see if you can capture it on video to show the vet.

[Rita M]

Hi all as promised here is my update after seeing the internal medicine specialist at the vets. She asked many questions and I explained everything with my detailed notes on times and what happened. The vet could not say exactly what was wrong as she was seeing a perfectly healthy dog in front of her, she was open to trying a treatment of the triple therapy of metronidazole , amoxicillin and omeprazole for 3 weeks , rather than do the endoscopy as that would be very expensive(1500-2000) as compared to 50.00 for the medicines.

She has not ruled out some behavior issues (separation anxiety, or over excitably) causing everything , but wanted to try the medicines first. I am to call her in three weeks to discuss how things have gone , earlier if any problems.

I asked about his food and she did not think I needed to switch to a grain free food as she did not think this was caused by that.

Of course Ace my dog was happy with all the attention but I could see this was stressing him too…. And he was not eager to eat when we got home even though it was pass his normal dinner time . Hopefully he will be hungry tomorrow .

• This reply was modified 7 years, 4 months ago by Rita M.

[anonymous]

“She has not ruled out some behavior issues (separation anxiety, or over excitably) causing everything , but wanted to try the medicines first. I am to call her in three weeks to discuss how things have gone , earlier if any problems.”
“I asked about his food and she did not think I needed to switch to a grain free food as she did not think this was caused by that.”

Sounds good. What did the vet say about the pica? By behavioral, I wonder if she meant neurological? Well, lets hope this does the trick.
Glad you found a vet you can work with, I have found with specialists that they tend to return calls when something comes up.
Oh, and what did the specialist think of the Prozac and the ultrasound suggestion?

[Susan]

Hi Rita
you should start to see an improvement within 3-5 days taking these medications, it’s best
to give the Metronidazole & Amoxicillin every 12 hours with a meal, best to feed 3-4 meals a day, meds given with the bigger meals….
I would be feeding a lower carb kibble under 40% in carbs that doesn’t have any fermentable carbs like rice, oats, beet pulp, barley, wheat, lentils, chick peas, beans, rye….
I have found kibbles that have 1 protein, sweet potato, potato, peas, egg seem to work the best preventing acid reflux with my boy…
I feed “Taste Of The Wild” Sierra Mountain, Roasted Lamb kibble…
if he seems un sure above eating his food I would look for a limited ingredient low carb food, protein around 25%, fat under 15% or feed a lean cook meal, I feed both, kibble for some meals & cooked the other meals….
also flea medication avoid any of the oral flea meds…
have a look at rescue remedy it’s suppose to be really good for nervous dogs who suffer with anxieties, when u know your going somewhere or something is going to happen that stresses out your boy put about 2 drops on tongue, ask vet see again…

[anonymous]

Regarding the homeopathic “Rescue Remedy” excerpt below, click on link for full article, I am assuming you are receptive in science based veterinary medicine.
http://skeptvet.com/Blog/2009/07/bach-flower-essences-for-animals/ (nothing is being sold there)
Summary
*There is no evidence to support the notion that disease is caused primarily by spiritual and emotional imbalances or that flowers contain any mysterious energy that can correct these imbalances and improve health or treat illness.
*Clinical studies have shown that Bach flower remedies are no different from inert placebo substances in their effects on the emotions of humans using them. While the belief that they will help may itself change a person’s feelings, the remedies have no actual effect on mood or physical illness.
*No objective research on the effect of flower essences has been conducted in animals. Because their effects in humans relies on belief and expectation, it is unlikely that they would have benefit for veterinary patients. However, because owners and others providing care to animals are influenced but beliefs and expectations, they perceive a benefit for an animal given a flower remedy even if no real change has occurred.

[Michelle P]

@Susan
I just wanted to give you an update on Oscar. Bloodwork was done. ALT was a tiny bit above normal and Calcium was also a tiny bit above normal. During all this, I’ve always asked the vets to sedate Oscar to properly look in his mouth. FYI, he turns in Cujo at the vet office.
Bile acid and PTH/ionized calcium were done. Bile acid was over the high normal range. He’s now on Zentonil for the liver. We asked if we caught it early enough and was told yes, very early. The PTH/ionized calcium were elevated. PTH (normal 0.5-5.8) is 3.98 and Ionized calcium (normal 1.25-1.45) is 1.47. He has been diagnosed with mild hypercalcemia. If the ionized calcium elevates the diagnosis will be primary hyperparathyroidism. Will be rechecking in August. The next step would be ultrasound and surgery to remove the parathyroid gland/s.
Oscar was still gulping/smacking/swallowing more and more and having funky breath. A prior vet insisted I do an endoscopy as she was certain it had to do with his GI. I was positive it was his teeth because of the symptoms. She said she looked at them and they were fine. Oscar was muzzled for the vet to examine him. Yeah, right she could examine his teeth properly.
I made an appt. to have his teeth looked at with our current vet. Yup, that’s the problem. He had 4 teeth removed as they were fractured at the root. This also happened last August and he had 4 teeth removed then (by another vet but didn’t do x-rays). We just thought it was from chewing on a knuckle bone. Our current vet has a dental x-ray machine and showed me his poor little teeth. It’s because of the hypercalcemia.
He has his teeth extracted on Wednesday and his gulping thing has disappeared by 98%. He used to hack a lot to, even after drinking water or getting excited. That’s gone too.
I look forward to the future and enjoying many years with my wonderful Poochie.
Thank you for your advice and help. 🙂
I will update you after the next round of blood work is done.

[Rita M]

HI all …. just an update … Ace finished his 21 days of the two antibiotics and prilosec, then two days later it happened again … yes the frantic licking swallowing and all… i called the vet and she told me to do another 21 days of the triple treatment.

my question is .. does it ever stop ?? or do you have episodes with your dogs every now and then ?? Also do you leave your dog in a crate when you are at work ?? and if you do how long is he confined . I just hate the thought that he will eat something and not pass it … but as this only happens occassionally i would hate to have him crated all the time while i am at work . What do you do?

[Susan]

Hi Rita,
this happened with my Patch, poor thing, what does he eat?? may need a diet change, what I did was I found a lower carb, gluten free, grain free kibble with limited ingredients, no beet pulp, or grains, I feed “Taste Of The Wild” Sierra Mountain, Roasted Lamb kibble, Patch started to do real well & then I kept Patch on the Losec 20mg given 8.30am every single morning with water to wash the tablet down his throat other wise the tablet stays in his throat….he was taking the Losec 3 days on then 3 days off but he was better while taking the Losec & I had to think about quality of life, just remember once he’s taken the Losec for 14-20 days you CAN NOT just stop taking the Losec it’s a “Protein Pump Inhibitor” (PPI) your vet should know this, this may have been why he was swallowing & licking he got real bad acid reflux & he needed the Losec & will probably need it for the rest of his life.. so just make sure when you stop the triple therapy again he stays on the Losec you stop the antibiotic but continue the Losec & see how he goes & change his diet while he’s on the Metronidazole..
Then when Patch start grinding his teeth & swallowing, being real clingy, whingy & it doesn’t stop after 5-7 days I put him back on the Metronidazole a low dose 200mg every 12 hours for 5 days then he’s back to normal, then I reduce the Metronidazole & he just takes 200mg at night with a meal for another 5 days to get rid of the Helicobacter, then he continues to take his Losec, some days he has bad days still then the next day he’s OK…

Do you have the money to do an Endoscope + Biopsies to see what your dealing with, my vet that knows a bit about IBD (Helicobacter-Pylori) she said, she has a few dogs that stay on a low dose of the Metronidazole & the Losec but cause Patch starts to have side effects when he takes the Metronidazole longer then 21-28 days I stop then restart when he seems unwell again. I don’t do the Amoxicillin anymore just the Metronidazole 200mg for a 37lb dog when he’s un well & give the 20mg x Losec permanently now.. first see how he does just taking the Losec then if his licking & swallowing continues he may need to be low dose of Metronidazole.. you’ll need to try a few different thing to see what he does best taking…
Can he stay in a section of the house where he can’t get into anything even if you leave his crate in a room open but he can play with toys lay in a bit of sun then sleep in his crate & if a dog walker could come maybe 2-3 times a week & take him on a 15-20mins walk to break up his day, I get a neighbour to walk Patch when I’m away from home more then 2 hours cause Patch is in a routine with his poos & if it’s Patches poo time I start having a panic attack knowing he’s locked up when it’s his poo time, he has the sun streaming thru the lounge room window & I leave his cat inside with him & tell her to wash & look after Patch & he has company while I’m out…I hope your work all this out your 1/2 way there.

[anonymous]

I would continue to work closely with your vet regarding medication and treatment.
However, I would ask for a referral to a veterinary neurologist. From your posts I don’t see that a seizure disorder (indicated by the symptoms you describe) has been ruled out?
Has your vet suggested anticonvulsants? Ask the vet if she thinks a low dose of something would stop the episodes? Do you have a diagnosis? Her problems may not even be GI related? I assume Lyme disease has been ruled out, as that can also cause neurological symptoms.

Maybe you could gate him in a small room (when your out) where there is nothing he can get into, except a bowl of fresh water. Good luck.

[Dennis M]

Rita,

Hi — totally agree with anon101 above. You definitely should consult with a neurologist. Sounds like the same thing our boy struggles with, and we finally got a “gustatory seizure” diagnosis. Our regular (general practice) vet was stumped for years, and it’s really best to go to a neurology specialist. If you can, take a video to share with the doctor — that helps with diagnosis. Also if you can keep a log of when it happens, how long, what was your dog doing just before it starts, etc.

If your dog starts to have a seizure and you can’t stay home to supervise, although it seems harsh, you definitely want to crate your dog with no blankets, beds, or toys. If it is a gustatory seizure, it makes them eat inedible objects, which can be extremely dangerous. Please keep us posted and good luck!

Dennis

[anonymous]

Dennis
Thanks, for your post. Pica is serious. They (the dogs) are definitely out of it when they do these things. The expertise of a specialist is needed. Not internet, Dr Google crap.

[Wendy C]

Hi Dennis,

I have a question after your dog has the swallowing/gulping episode, does it turn into coughing and retching? Have you noticed any episodes that start with a reverse sneeze?

It seems like some, not all, we have an episode that triggers around a reverse sneeze. I’ve thought possible that was due to a reflux issue.

[Dennis M]

Hi Wendy,

I wouldn’t say the seizure “turns into” coughing and retching. His seizures typically last up to 48 hours (untreated) and during them, he would occasionally cough (and sometimes vomit if he eats something he shouldn’t). The coughing might come from licking carpet fibers etc and gets a tickle in his throat. Or also could be from the rapid swallowing that causes a gagging-like effect. It’s awful to watch, but glad we have a treatment now and knowing what it is brought us so much peace. The not knowing was the worst!

From what I know about seizures, a reverse sneeze itself probably wouldn’t trigger a seizure to begin — since a seizure is a neurological event. But if your dog is having a seizure, it’s possible that a reverse sneeze-like symptom is part of it. Seizures can take many forms — I always thought seizures meant being unconscious, but I was wrong. Dogs can be having a seizure and be totally conscious and look at you when you call their name. Ours just happens to be a gustatory, meaning rapid swallowing over and over again, and looking for anything to eat.

Sometimes right before a dog has a seizure, they have a “pre-ictal” stage — our dog doesn’t do anything that noticable, other than being somewhat lethargic. Hope that answers your question!

[Susan]

Dennis, Anon,
why would Rita pay more money to see a Neurologist when the meds I suggest she ask her vet to try “Metronidazole, Amoxicillin & Prilosec” (triple therapy meds) have clearly helped her dog, then when the triple therapy 21 day course had finished 2 days later Ace starts his frantic licking & swallowing again…. Prilosec & Metronidazole are taken for stomach & intestinal stress they stay in the body for 24-36 hrs after you stop taken them….

All dogs react differently to pain & discomfort, some dogs chew & chew things, some dogs paw lick, lick floors, walls & windows, some dogs chew & lick rocks, some dogs like my boy grind their teeth & chews his toys aggressively when in pain, he has IBD (stomach) not seizures…it all depends on the dog what he does to help with his discomfort & pain…

Patches vet told me, paw, window, floor licking, chewing & chewing, grinding teeth, all these things set off a dogs endorphin’s when they are having pain…
If Ace was having seizures then WHY has the triple therapy meds that are given for Helicobacter, Acid Reflux & Ulcers worked on him? the triple therapy drugs wouldn’t have worked if Ace was having seizures..
Dennis what drugs is your seizure dog taking now?

Rita once the vet works out what meds to leave your dog on (best to leave him on Prilosec when this 2nd round of triple therapy is finished, see how he goes if he’s still having licking /swallowing episodes he may need a low dose of the Metronidazole or might need to take both drugs…..Once vet works out which meds to take, he will settle down & he will stop chewing things cause he won’t have his pain, acid reflux/discomfort no more & he should settle down….
If you do have the money an Endoscope + Biopsies will give your vet more answers to what’s happening with Aces stomach but all drugs will need to be stopped first then after 5-10 days an Endoscope + Biopsies can be done… you might be happy with him taking the Prilosec then maybe low dose of Metronidazole or he might just need low dose of Metronidazole, you’ll have to work out which drugs are helping him the best each dog is different….

[anonymous]

“my question is .. does it ever stop ?? or do you have episodes with your dogs every now and then ?? Also do you leave your dog in a crate when you are at work ?? and if you do how long is he confined . I just hate the thought that he will eat something and not pass it … but as this only happens occassionally i would hate to have him crated all the time while i am at work . What do you do?”
@ Rita M
See my above posts and Dennis M’s. Of course no one here is a veterinarian that has examined your dog. Nor is anyone here in a professional capacity.
I strongly encourage you to work closely with your vet, ask questions, ask about anticonvulsants. Maybe your vet has a veterinary neurologist she could consult with that will offer some recommendations if you are hesitant to do a lot of testing on a senior dog.
Some of us have owned dogs with neurological disorders and know what they look like, that’s why we suspect seizures, as there are many types. Often a low dose of medication (daily) does the trick and the episodes stop 🙂
This is not veterinary advice; consult your veterinarian.

[Author]

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