Licking The Floor:

[CavsRcute]

Started on Losec which is a human medication and was much more comfortable :)

I think reflux might be the problem. When I went downstairs earlier today, I noticed a big grass and other greenery throw up where he'd been licking.

Unfortunately, I think he's given it to me :D . A long time ago I was diagnosed with chronic reflux oesophagitis after every test known to man for heart problems, a doctor sent me for an endoscopy . I was on losec for some years and it eventually "went away". I think it has come back with a vengeance.

Anyway, if he experienced anything like I am at the moment, a trip to the vet will be a priority.

He has had a dental recently and while I don't think he is suffering from dementia, he is exhibiting some effects of old age and increasing stubbornness.

I'm also on Losec for oesophagitis :)

[westiemum]

So glad you might have a solution. While it sounds hilarious to read about all these rampant lickers of course you don't want them in pain and if it is treatable then the prognosis seems good.

Our rampant licker was like that all her life and poor mum used to cop the worst of it. She would practically pin her down and lick every bit of skin she could find. Mum started wearing eucalyptus oil on her knees when she visited and the licker didn't like the smell of it and left her alone. I used to think she was one of those dogs who just loved to groom everyone (the cat loved having her ear insides licked clean!) but maybe it was hiding another problem we were ignorant about? She rarely vomited but would walk around dry heaving in a very dramatic fashion. Since she was always like that we would of course be concerned for her and check to see if she needed help but we thought it was because she was like me and hated to actually vomit (and also hit with the drama queen stick). She did go on to develop chronic pancreatitis as well but still lived a very long life. It's funny to look back and see how this all may have been linked. I don't know if untreated reflux could lead to pancreatitis but it's all part of the digestive process I guess? She was under close vet supervision for her pancreatitis but I don't think we ever felt the licking and heaving needed medical treatment so probably never raised it.

Today I have learnt that a dog can get heartburn and reflux!

Me too LG - I didn't know that either. I'm going to take a closer look at Mac and Sarah.

Part of the problem is the training of human medical practitioners and vets in the medical model means they operate in a compartmentalised medical rather than a holistic person/dog model - so they don't always connect dots - what appears to be disparate symptoms might actually be connected. Eg in my case Sarah 's yeasty ears, paw licking and upset tummy might all be connected.

[westiemum]

In thinking about this - if licking is possibly connected to reflux/indigestion - then it follows that something in their diet might be triggering it - doesn't it?

[Little Gifts]

Yep, you'd have to think so. I'm assuming that dogs can develop allergies and intolerances to food or ingredients just like humans. But there could also be an intestinal imbalance or inflammation that causes stomach juices to bubble, leak, under or over produce as well. (can you tell I have no medical training???)

Edited January 26, 2014 by Little Gifts

[Her Majesty Dogmad]

I take Nexium for reflex as nothing else works ... I hope Heather doesn't end up on it too, the pharmacist will be most amused. They already wondered what was going on when I presented my vet's prescription for Lomotil when Echo developed airway disease last year. :)

[Kajtek]

If it's heartburn "Quick Eze" tablet may help.

[trifecta]

In thinking about this - if licking is possibly connected to reflux/indigestion - then it follows that something in their diet might be triggering it - doesn't it?

Not might be, must be. What are you feeding - are you feeding raw? I would definitely begin with looking at diet.

Do you have access to a holistic vet? To me it sounds like Sarah would particularly benefit from a visit as it sounds there is quite a lot going on :)

[Loving my Oldies]

Thanks for all the considered responses. I'll update after I've taken the dogs walking. Unable to respond yesterday as I spent all afternoon in Hornsby Emergency ....... my very own reflux . All better and hard to recall that this time yesterday I was in great pain, sick as, wrapped in blankets on the couch with a bucket handy :laugh: :laugh:

[Rosetta]

Oh dear DD - hope you are feeling better As a sufferer of severe reflux myself I sympathise with any human or animal who experiences it.

I had never thought of dogs getting this but have often wondered why my little poodle licks and swallows the way he does - food for thought.

[Loving my Oldies]

Thanks Rosetta. Much better (she says through gritted teeth as waves of pain go through gut).

Considering that a lot of medications dogs receive are the same as those given to humans, we can suppose that they suffer from the same illnesses that humans do, including reflux. I am one who has never given it much thought except to think from time to time that one dog or another might have an upset tummy. I will certainly be keeping a much closer eye on them in future, because reflux is just so painful .

I will also be bringing it up at the vet to see if there is something to have on hand if or when it happens to any of them again.

The only change I have made to my dogs' diet of late ( and one which I will be stopping) is to rinse out the Dine containers (for my cat) and pour the water into the dogs' food. It isn't much, obviously, but sometimes even a tiny bit of something is enough to tip the balance.