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While many dogs eagerly anticipate their meals, for others, eating can be a distressing and dangerous experience. This is due to a rare condition known as megaesophagus, where the esophagus becomes enlarged, making it hard for a dog to swallow food. The condition can be present from birth or develop later due to other health issues or aging. It often leads to vomiting and choking, particularly if food enters the lungs.
Fortunately, there’s a solution—and it adds a touch of elegance to mealtime. Specially crafted highchairs help dogs keep their food down. Watch as Tickles, a young pup, enjoys her meal in one of these chairs at the Pure Paws Veterinary Care office in Manhattan:
“The highchair (or manually supporting the pet after eating) works by using gravity to guide food into the stomach,” explains Dr. Stephanie Liff, owner and medical director of Pure Paws Vet, to mental_floss. “Tickles is also fed small, soft meatball-shaped portions of dog food to ensure it reaches the stomach without lingering in the esophagus.”
Caring for dogs with megaesophagus requires special attention during meals, but Tickles is always eager to cooperate with her highchair as long as there’s food involved.
“Once she’s in the chair, her love for food keeps her content, and she’s happy to stay put as long as the meals keep coming,” says Dr. Liff. “She needs to remain seated for 15 to 30 minutes after eating to allow the food to reach her stomach, and she’s generally cooperative, especially if someone stays by her side.”
Currently, Tickles is getting accustomed to her chair and will be available for fostering starting April 17. Dr. Liff recommends that dogs with megaesophagus be fed four smaller meals daily, followed by 15 to 30 minutes of sitting upright in the chair. “She’s also a puppy, so she has plenty of energy to burn between meals,” Dr. Liff adds.
The chair being used at the office was loaned by a pet owner, but similar chairs can be purchased online for dogs in need. Dr. Liff also highlights that “there are many online guides available for building a chair or a similar device at home.” For those interested in fostering Tickles, more information can be obtained by contacting Shelter Chic.
