Pancreatitis In Dogs: Symptoms and Treatment

Pancreatitis In Dogs: Symptoms and Treatment

Alpha Paw Sale

Jan 09, 2024

Signs and Symptoms

Pancreatitis in dogs is a condition where the pancreas, the organ that releases digestive enzymes, becomes inflamed and irritated. If your dog has suddenly started vomiting excessively, this may be a sign that your dog has pancreatitis.

These are the most common signs include:

What Causes Canine Pancreatitis?

Sometimes it can occur for no apparent reason while other times there is an underlying culprit. Most commonly, pancreatitis is brought on by a high-fat diet. This could include if your dog gets into the trash and eats a lot of very fatty foods.

The AKC suggests that some of the most common causes of pancreatitis include:

What Foods Can Cause Pancreatitis in Dogs?

Any food that is extremely high in fat content can potentially trigger the painful condition. Human food can be potentially dangerous for dogs because a lot of human food contains very high levels of fat. I do not recommend giving your dog any table scraps because this can increase the risk of pancreatitis.

Do Not Give Your Dog Table Scraps During The Holidays

In addition, around the holidays, don’t give your dog any leftovers or table scraps because this could trigger an episode of pancreatitis. Additionally, certain foods can also be toxic to dogs.

Difference Between Acute and Chronic Pancreatitis

Acute means sudden and short onset, so acute pancreatitis starts suddenly and often without warning. Dogs with acute pancreatitis will exhibit severe symptoms when they otherwise seemed normal just moments before. Chronic means a long duration, so chronic pancreatitis usually occurs when the symptoms of pancreatitis wax and wane over a long period of time. Some dogs can develop chronic pancreatitis after an initial episode of acute pancreatitis.

Pancreatitis in dogs: symptoms and treatment

Diagnosing Pancreatitis

Your veterinarian will diagnose your dog with pancreatitis based on history, physical exam, and a few diagnostic tests. Your vet will wish to rule out any surgical conditions that may be causing the vomiting, so they will likely recommend x-rays and bloodwork. Your vet may run a pancreatitis test which can help diagnose a case of pancreatitis. In addition, your veterinarian may want to ultrasound your dog’s belly to see if there is any evidence of pancreatitis.

Treatment

After your vet has diagnosed your dog with acute pancreatitis, they will likely recommend hospitalization and supportive care. Pancreatitis is an extreme condition that requires early and aggressive treatment for the best outcomes. Pancreatitis dogs dare usually treated with a low-fat diet, pain medications, antiemetics, and IV fluid support.

Dogs with pancreatitis are usually very painful, so your vet will give them medications to relieve their pain. Antiemetics are used to decrease the level of vomiting your dog is experiencing. The most common antiemetic used to treat this condition is a medication called Cerenia. IV fluid support is particularly important for dogs with pancreatitis to keep them hydrated because excessive vomiting can quickly lead to dehydration and shock if left untreated.

Dog Pancreatitis Diet

Your veterinarian will place your dog on an extremely low-fat diet. This diet helps to decrease the strain on the pancreas because it is very easily digestible. Fat stimulates the pancreas so diets for dogs with pancreatitis are low in fat. Your vet may recommend that you keep your dog on a prescription low-fat diet long-term.

Recovery Time

The recovery time for pancreatitis is variable depending on how severe a case your dog has. For milder pancreatitis cases, your dog will need to be hospitalized for aggressive treatment for 2-4 days. After that, your dog will be discharged on medications and low-fat food, and it will probably take 1 to 2 weeks for your dog to achieve a full recovery. For dogs with moderate to severe cases, hospitalization may last 1-2 weeks.

The Prognosis

The prognosis for dogs with mild forms of pancreatitis is very good if aggressively treated quickly. For dogs with severe cases of pancreatitis, the prognosis becomes guarded. The key is early and aggressive veterinary care. If a dog with pancreatitis is left untreated, the prognosis can quickly become poor because your dog will likely become extremely dehydrated and go into shock.

Can Dogs Survive Pancreatitis?

Most dogs with mild pancreatitis will survive if brought into the vet early for aggressive treatment. Some dogs are at risk of dying of pancreatitis if treatment is delayed or if your dog has a very severe form of pancreatitis.

How To Comfort a Dog With Pancreatitis

After your pet has been discharged from the hospital, you will want to keep them nice and calm. Provide them a nice soft calming dog bed to lay on for a recovery spot. Give them lots of love, and follow your veterinarian’s instructions for medication and feeding. Most commonly, your vet will ask you to feed small frequent meals of low-fat prescription dog food. Allow your dog to rest, recharge, get plenty of sleep, and avoid any strenuous activity for the next few weeks.

Pancreatitis in dogs: symptoms and treatment

Top Dog Supplements for a Strong and Resilient Immune System

Empower your furry friend’s health with our carefully selected range of top dog supplements, specifically formulated to fortify and bolster their immune system. A robust immune system is crucial for dogs to ward off illnesses and maintain overall well-being. Our curated selection includes immune-boosting ingredients such as vitamins C and E, antioxidants, and probiotics, known for their ability to enhance immune function and support a resilient defense against infections.

Zesty paws 8-in-1 multivitamin mini soft chews for small dogs – glucosamine & chondroitin for hip
9.4
  • Zesty Paws Multifunctional Bites are made with premium ingredients that support physical performance, antioxidants, hip and joint, heart, immune, skin, liver and gut health.
  • For animals with sensitive skin, this formula contains cod liver fish oil and vitamin E to help maintain normal moisture plus CoQ10 to help reduce oxidative stress.
  • Each dog chew features a premium form of MSM for muscular support, which works synergistically with glucosamine HCl and chondroitin sulfate for hip and joint support—plus, cod liver oil and B-complex vitamins support normal physical performance.
  • These chews also contain a six-strain gut health blend—with over 500 million CFU per chew—and a digestive health blend to promote gut flora while supporting normal bowel function for dogs.
  • Paw-fect for dogs of all ages, breeds and sizes.
Zesty paws multifunctional bites
9.4
  • Zesty Paws Multifunctional Bites are made with premium ingredients that support physical performance, antioxidants, hip and joint, heart, immune, skin, liver and gut health.
  • For animals with sensitive skin, this formula contains cod liver fish oil and vitamin E to help maintain normal moisture plus CoQ10 to help reduce oxidative stress.
  • Each dog chew features a premium form of MSM for muscular support, which works synergistically with glucosamine HCl and chondroitin sulfate for hip and joint support—plus, cod liver oil and B-complex vitamins support normal physical performance.
  • These chews also contain a six-strain gut health blend—with over 500 million CFU per chew—and a digestive health blend to promote gut flora while supporting normal bowel function for dogs.
  • Paw-fect for dogs of all ages, breeds and sizes.
Googipet 10 in 1 dog multivitamin with dog probiotics for gut health, dog vitamins and supplements w
9.4
  • Tasty chicken and veggie flavored chews offer 10 benefits and are paw-some for small, medium and big dogs.
  • Glucosamine supports joint health, mobility and flexibility.
  • Probiotics, pumpkin and vitamins support improved digestion for happier tummies.
  • Egg shell meal and omegas from krill oil and flaxseed help to heal dry skin and support coat strength, shine and health.
  • Vitamin blend supports immune system and heart health.
Nutri-vet senior-vite chewables for dogs - daily vitamin and mineral support for senior dogs to help
9.4
  • Made in the USA with your dog’s wellbeing in mind.
  • Paw-fect for boosting the general health of all ages, breeds and sizes.
  • Packed with vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids.
  • The delicious taste of liver makes it hard to turn down these chewables.
  • Created from quality ingredients with the highest standards.
Ancient elements 8-in-1 bites for dogs - joint, skin, gut, immune, heart, antioxidant, performance &
9.4
  • Ancient Elements 8-in-1 Bites are a multifunctional soft chew that supports 8 areas of dog functional wellness for any small, medium, and large breed.
  • Includes Glucosamine, Chondroitin Sulfate, and OptiMSM support hips, joints, and cartilage. B-Complex vitamins in this daily pet formula aid muscles, mobility, and physical performance.
  • Includes DE111 a proprietary digestive health blend (with Amylase & Bromelain) and vitamin C to support digestion and immune function.
  • Each chew provides antioxidants for free radical support, while Vitamins A, C, and E maintain liver function for dogs.
  • Vitamins E, B Complex vitamins (including Biotin) support skin health, while Kaneka Q10 (CoQ10) and Vitamin D3 support cardiovascular health.

Preventing Pancreatitis

If your dog has had pancreatitis once before, your veterinarian may recommend feeding a prescription low-fat diet for the rest of your dog’s life to prevent future episodes of pancreatitis. My main recommendation for preventing pancreatitis is to avoid feeding any foods high in fat. Do not feed any people food because these foods can contain very high levels of fat.

One hamburger or a small fry could trigger an episode in dogs. It is important to avoid feeding any table scraps and keep your trash can out of reach from your dog. Many episodes start with a dog venturing into the trash when you aren’t home.

More Vet Expert Advice You May Enjoy…

If you enjoyed reading this article, head over to our Vet Corner where more articles can be found.

Alpha Paw Sale
author image

Dr. Addie Reinhard, DVM

Member of Alpha Paw’s Board of Pet Experts

Dr. Addie Reinhard is an experienced companion animal veterinarian who lives in Lexington, KY with her husband, greyhound, and four cats. She graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, and currently practices in the central Kentucky region. Dr. Addie has special interests in preventative care, dermatology, and diseases, and she enjoys creating helpful educational resources related to these topics to help pet parents keep their four-legged family members happy and healthy. We love Dr. Addie’s passion for providing reliable veterinary insight and medical advice to help pet parents like us give their pups the happy & healthy lives they deserve!

Disclaimer

The medical, nutritional, or behavioral advice we provide is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Our editorial content is not a substitute for formal or personalized medical advice from a veterinary professional. Only board-certified veterinary specialists who have examined your pet should diagnose medical conditions, provide personalized treatment, or prescribe appropriate medication. For questions regarding your pet’s health, or if your pet is exhibiting signs of illness, injury, or distress, contact your veterinarian immediately. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on our site.