Dogs being fed upright in high chairs. While it may seem like an odd trend to the untrained eye, parents of dogs with megaesophagus know this scene isn't just staged for social media — it's an everyday necessity.
Certain breeds are born with this condition, which makes it difficult for them to digest food unless they eat in an upright position. Managing megaesophagus in dogs can be achieved through a special diet and, in some rare cases, surgery.
What Is Megaesophagus in Dogs?
Normally when a dog swallows, a muscular tube called the esophagus moves the food from their mouth to their stomach to be digested. In megaesophagus, dogs are unable to swallow food normally because their esophagus lacks the muscular tone and motility needed to move food and water. Instead, their esophagus dilates and food backs up, causing them to regurgitate the meal.
This condition is the most common cause of regurgitation in dogs. It's a congenital condition, meaning some dogs are born with it. Megaesophagus is a heritable disease in miniature schnauzers and wire-haired fox terriers, Newfoundlands, German shepherds, Great Danes, Labrador retrievers, Irish setters, shar-peis and greyhounds are also predisposed.
This condition can also be acquired secondary to another disease, like neurological or hormonal disorders, as well as trauma to the nervous system, blockage in the esophagus, severe esophageal inflammation or exposure to toxins.
In many cases, unfortunately, the cause is never determined.
What Are the Signs of Megaesophagus in Dogs?
The main indicator of megaesophagus in dogs is regurgitation fairly soon after eating. One thing to note is that regurgitation looks different from vomiting. Vomiting usually involves audible retching where the contents that come back up originate in the stomach or small intestines. With regurgitation, food, water and saliva come back up without retching and originates within the esophagus, usually without warning.
Other signs may include weight loss despite a voracious appetite, poor growth in puppies, excessive drooling or bad breath. Dogs with megaesophagus are at risk for aspirating regurgitated food into their lungs and developing aspiration pneumonia. Signs of aspiration pneumonia include cough, nasal discharge, fever, poor appetite and lethargy.
If your dog is experiencing any of these signs, consider making an appointment with your veterinarian for further evaluation as soon as possible.
Tasty Tips
How Is Megaesophagus in Dogs Diagnosed?
Both megaesophagus and aspiration pneumonia are usually seen on a chest X-ray. There are no specific blood tests for megaesophagus; however, your vet may want to run additional tests to determine if the condition is secondary to another disorder. This may require an esophageal endoscopy.
Endoscopy is where a camera on the end of a tube is passed down the esophagus to look for abnormalities. Endoscopy is a useful procedure in cases of esophageal stricture, tumors or foreign bodies. This procedure will require dogs to go under anesthesia, but generally, your dog will be able to return home after the procedure.
If the underlying cause can be treated & intervention is early enough, the esophagus may regain motility and megaesophagus may regress. In many cases, however, megaesophagus is a lifelong condition that must be managed.
Managing Megaesophagus in Dogs
Preventing aspiration and allowing food to travel to the stomach is key in the management of megaesophagus in dogs. Dogs with this condition are often underweight and may require a high-calorie diet, which can be best satisfied with wet or canned food.
When these soft foods are hand-rolled into bite-sized meatballs, they can stimulate a dog's esophagus to contract and move solids. A therapeutic diet may be a good choice for dogs with megaesophagus; talk to your veterinarian to see if one might be right for your dog.
Dogs should be fed in an upright position, about 45 to 90 degrees to the floor, which is where high chairs come in handy. The Bailey chair is designed specifically for dogs who have megaesophagus, supporting them in the upright position for feeding. If your dog is only mildly affected, you may not need to invest in a special chair; however, food bowls must be elevated enough from the floor so that the dog does not have to bend down at all to eat.
Some dogs may be so severely affected that they cannot keep anything down. In these cases, a permanent stomach tube can be inserted by a vet to bypass the esophagus entirely. Stomach tubes are well-tolerated and generally easy to maintain.
It is very important to monitor dogs with megaesophagus daily for any signs of life-threatening aspiration pneumonia, such as difficulty breathing, fever and rapid heart rate. Aspiration pneumonia and malnutrition are the leading causes of death in dogs with megaesophagus. If your dog has this condition, be sure to check their weight every week and monitor for signs of aspiration pneumonia daily.
While megaesophagus can present some challenges, it doesn't have to interfere with your pet's quality of life. With appropriate management and monitoring, in conjunction with a strong partnership with your local vet, many dogs with megaesophagus can have a relatively normal life.
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight with Joint Support Large Breed Dog Food
This weight management and mobility support dog food was created with Hill’s unique understanding of the biology of overweight dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Small & Mini Chicken Meal & Rice Recipe Dog Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Salmon, Whole Oats, and Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small Bites No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe dog food
Supports healthy immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful coat
Hill's Science Diet Adult No Corn, Wheat, Soy Savory Stew with Chicken & Zucchini Dog Food
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Small & Mini Chicken Recipe Dog Food
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Small & Mini dry dog food is tailored nutrition for Small & Mini dogs while being gentle on stomachs. Nourishes skin & promotes a lustrous coat.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Chicken & Rice Entrée Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe
Gentle on stomachs while nourishing skin & supporting development in growing puppies
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Chicken Meal, Barley & Rice Recipe Dog Food
Supports energy level and beautiful coat in mature dogs
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small & Mini Beef & Barley Entrée
Beef & Barley Entrée with great taste and precisely balanced nutrition to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight & Joint Support Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food
This weight management and mobility support dog food was created with Hill’s unique understanding of the biology of overweight dogs.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small & Mini Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
For the faster metabolism of Small & Mini dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult Light Small & Mini Chicken Meal, Barley & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
Low calories for less active small & mini dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult No Corn, Wheat, Soy Savory Stew with Beef & Zucchini dog food
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Large Breed
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Large Breed dry dog food is gentle on stomachs while nourishing skin & promoting a lustrous coat. In a delicious large bite size for large breed dogs.
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Chicken & Rice Recipe Dog Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
Supports lean muscle and beautiful coat for adult dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Chicken & Barley Entrée Dog Food
Chicken & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to support mobility and muscle mass for older dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult 6+ Large Breed No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe dog food
Supports energy & beautiful coat. Helps keep immune system, joints, heart & kidneys healthy
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Small & Mini Chicken & Vegetable Stew Dog Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Related articles
Recognizing Dog Obesity, Causes and Signs
Do you think you might have an overweight dog? Learn the signs of dog obesity, as well as causes, potential effects and tips for prevention.
Adopting Two Dogs at Once: Key Considerations
You've always wanted a pet, and you're wondering if you should adopt one or two dogs. Learn more about what you need to consider before deciding.
Is it Safe to Feed My Dog a Banana?
Are bananas good or bad for dogs? Find out if it's safe too feed him a banana treat and what to do if he's eaten a whole one, peel and all.
Why Do Dogs Howl?
Learn some possible reasons for your dog's howling, which breeds are most active howlers, and some training tips for getting them to stop.
Velcro Dogs: Managing Your Dog's Clinginess
Velcro Dogs: Managing Your Dog's Clinginess
Dog Sprained Leg: Signs, Diagnosis and Treatment
Learn signs for recognizing a dog's sprained leg, how vets usually diagnose the condition, treatment options and how to help prevent sprains in the future.
Do I Have Time for a Dog?
For potential first-time dog owners, learn whether you realistically have time for a dog and what a typical day may look like with a new pup.
3 Steps to Prepare Your Apartment For a Dog
Learn tips to think about if you're considering a dog for apartment living, including ideal breeds/characteristics & how to make your space dog-friendly.
Is My Dog Too Skinny?
Learn how to tell if your dog might be too skinny, common reasons why they could be underweight, and tips for getting them to a healthy weight.
Why Dogs Roll in Poop (and Other Smelly Things)
Learn why dogs roll in poop and other stinky things, what you can do to stop this behavior, and how to clean them up when they do.
Dog Depression: How to Tell If Your Dog Has the Blues
Learn how to recognize signs of depression in your dog, the underlying reasons he might be feeling down, and what you can do to help lift his spirits.
Recognizing Common Signs of Aging in Your Dog
Aging is a part of life, and it is no different in dogs. Learn to detect the signs of aging in your dog, so you can be prepared to help ease the transition.
Are Dog Vitamins and Supplements a Good Idea for My Dog?
Dog vitamins are not right for every dog. Dig into common types of vitamins your vet might prescribe and why some supplements are not good for your pup.
How to Handle Dogs Who are Picky Eaters
You feed tasty and nutritious dog food, yet your dog only sniffs and licks at it. It’s time for the next meal, but the previous meal still isn’t finished. You might have a finicky dog!
My Dog Ate Raw Chicken: What Should I Do?
My Dog Ate Raw Chicken: What Should I Do?
Aggression in Dogs: How to Train It Out of Them
Learn tips for identifying an aggressive dog, causes of aggression, and training methods to alleviate aggression toward an owner, other people & other dogs
Why Do Dogs Hate Baths? (& Tips for Bathing a Scared Dog)
Learn why some dogs hate baths so much, as well as the importance of bathing and tips for comforting a scared dog when it's time to take a bath.
Sled Dogs Amazing Story of Strength and Beauty
Learn more about sled dogs and their role in today's wilderness treks, as well as their rich history helping to settle the Alaskan frontier.
How to Perform the Heimlich Maneuver on a Choking Dog
Learn what to do if your dog starts choking, including how to perform the Heimlich maneuver on a dog, and how to prevent choking hazards in the future.
Things to Consider When Adopting An Older Dog
Before adopting an adult dog from a local pet shelter, be sure to consider this list of questions to ensure you are ready to properly care for them.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.