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My dog regurgitates only after evening meals. Why and what can I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | English Mastiff | Female | spayed | 1 year and 10 months old | 120 lbs

1 year old English Mastiff regurgitates only after evening meal. She has been seen by a vet and they recommended eating from an elevated bowl and recommended her dog food. We have been doing this and it continues to happen. She eats the same in the morning but not regurgitating. Wondering why this is only happening at evening feeding and what we can do about it.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 17th, 2017

Poor girl. She may have a condition that is causing this such as megaesophagus. I am not sure if your vet has ran any tests yet, but I would recommend starting with thoracic radiographs and perhaps even a barium series will need to be done to detect a possible megaesophagus. Form there the vet will prescribe medication if this conditon is confirmed. The main concern with a pet that regurgitates is aspiration pneumonia. This is why they suggest to elevate the food bowl to allow gravity to help keep the food down. However most owners have to make a gruel (water mixed with food and then puréed) and also give pro-motility drugs (i.e. Metoclopramide) in addition to help manage this condition. Here is more information on megaesophagus if this is confirmed to be the cause of your pet regurgitation episodes. http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=3480 I hope this helps you with Cozy’s regurgitation episodes. Best wishes and take care.

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    Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 1st, 2019

    Poor Kiwi. So when this happens, do it just come up without any abdominal effort? Like it just "falls" out? If so, then this may be true regurgitation and could be a sign of megaesophagus. I would definitely talk to your vet about this. If your vet thinks this is the cause, they may recommend some x-rays. It is recommended to feed these dogs in a elevated position. You have build or buy a "Bailey Chair" which is used for this purpose. They are suppose to eat small frequent meals and kept in the bailey chair for ~30 minutes after eating to help with digestion. If there is abdominal effort then it is likely vomiting which could be caused by acid reflux. I would feed her last meal about 30 minutes prior to bedtime and then give her an antacid medication at bedtime. This helps to decrease the acid in her stomach overnight to help prevent the morning vomiting. I would ask your vet which antacid would be safe for her and what dose they suggest. I hope this helps !

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