Evaluation of gastroesophageal reflux disease and related alimentary factors in dogs and their owners.

This study was aimed at evaluating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in dogs and their owners and to establish the relationship with alimentary factors. Sixty dogs belonging to a veterinary clinic were evaluated together with their owners to investigate their alimentary habits. A dietary questionnaire was given to the dog owners to fill in. A logistic regression model was performed to study any association between diet and GERD symptoms. The results showed an endoscopic GERD presence of 20% in dogs similar to that found in humans. A relationship between diet and GERD symptoms and between GERD symptoms in the dogs and owners was also present. In spite of the limited sample size, the feasibility of the alimentary questionnaire here tested may be useful for further more extensive prospective studies.