REGURGITATION (NOT VOMITING)
WHAT THIS SYMPTOM USUALLY MEANS
Regurgitation is passive return of food/water — not active vomiting. It often indicates esophageal disease rather than stomach disease.
MOST COMMON CAUSES
MILD CAUSES
• Eating too fast
• Minor esophageal irritation
MEDICAL CAUSES
• Megaesophagus
• Esophagitis
• Foreign body in esophagus
• Acid reflux
• Stricture
• Hiatal hernia
EMERGENCY CAUSES
• Aspiration pneumonia
• Esophageal foreign body
• Severe dehydration
RED FLAGS: WHEN THIS IS AN EMERGENCY
• Coughing or difficulty breathing afterward
• Food/water comes right back up
• Weight loss
• Regurgitation + lethargy
AT-HOME CARE YOU CAN START NOW
• Feed small meals
• Keep pet upright after eating
• Use raised food bowl
• Offer soft/moist foods
WHAT A VETERINARIAN WILL CHECK
• X-rays (look for megaesophagus)
• Contrast studies
• Bloodwork
• Check for aspiration pneumonia
• Ultrasound if needed
MOST LIKELY DIAGNOSES
• Megaesophagus
• Esophagitis
• Stricture
• Acid reflux
• Esophageal foreign body
BREEDS OR AGES AT HIGHER RISK
• German Shepherds
• Great Danes
• Schnauzers
• Senior pets
WHEN YOU SHOULD SCHEDULE A VETERINARY VISIT
• Within 24 hours
• Sooner if breathing changes occur
EXPECTED RECOVERY TIME
• Esophagitis: days
• Megaesophagus: lifelong management
HOW THIS SYMPTOM RELATES TO LONGEVITY
Regurgitation increases risk of aspiration pneumonia — a major cause of premature death.