Is a Gastro Intestinal (GI) acid reflux which is a build-up of ‘gas’ and/or acid. The medical term is Aerophagia.
This can occur in any breed of dog and is commonly referred to as ‘Gulpies’, or as 'Lick Fits'.
The following Zoom webinar is produced by SCWTCA Endowment Inc.
(Zoom is not needed to view). This webinar is on the topics of Gulpies, IBD
and Food Allergies, presented by Dr Meryl P. Littman VMD, DACVIM,
Professor Emeritus of Medicine (Clinician-Educator), University of Pennsylvania
School of Veterinary Medicine, which can be viewed on this
link
Dr Littman has also wrote an important Gulpies article in October 2019, which
is available on this link.
The page can be printed, or the link given for use by your Veterinarian.
The recommended list of food which Prof. Littman refers to in the second paragraph of her 'Gulpies' Article 2019 (above), is attached on this link.
This information includes recommended hypoallergenic diets to help Gulpies and also for dogs needing a renal diet as well as a hypoallergenic diet. The document also has Prof. Littman's contact details.
For one owner's account of her experience with Gulpies, go to Annie's
tale
Dogs with ‘Gulpies’ may have one or more of the following:
Uncontrolled licking of lips, 'gurgling' in the stomach, gulping in air and they may also vomit and can be quite distressed.
When the dog has one of these episodes it may want to eat anything in a frenzied manner, but it is important to stop your dog ingesting: grass, leaves, twigs, paper, carpet, dog blankets/beds or anything else.
Gulpies appear to happen more frequently after food, it may be an allergy to certain foods, or feeding a 'low fat' diet.
It could be helpful to split the food into smaller portions and feed 2, 3 or 4 times a day. Feed the last meal later in the evening so that the dog does not have an empty stomach for too long.
Increase the height of food and water bowls.
Trying a 'Slow Feeder' bowl.
Lightly rubbing the throat and tummy.
Taking the dog for a walk on the lead.
Suggested Over the Counter (OTC) remedies (but check with your Vet if not sure)
Pepcid, Imodium, Sulcrate and Pepto Bismol, with their recommended dosages can be found on this link provided by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
Using a daily probiotic helps, Fortiflora or Plain Organic Goat Kefir are popular products.
Slippery Elm - use 2 capsules.
Slippery Elm powder - use ½ teaspoon per 10 pounds (4.5 Kgs) of body weight.
Homeopathic Nux Vomicus is also reported as useful for this condition. Three of the Nux Vomicus 30c, crush between two spoons and put into the side of the mouth. It is important not to touch homeopathic pilules with your hands and no food or drink ten minutes before or after the dose. Repeat if needed.
Videos:
YouTube has quite a number of videos showing dogs with ‘gulpies’ on this link for one of these.
Healthy Pets at Mercola - 'Causes of Gastroesophageal Reflux in Pets' by Dr Karen Becker provides valuable information on this link
WSU research project statement on the use of viagra as a treatment (February 2022), on this Link
(opens in new tab)
Although the Washington State University School of Veterinary Medicine Survey ended on 7 August 2020, there is some useful information about Gulpies, including a video of a Wheaten experiencing a gulping episode (opens on a new page).
Survey details on this page.