Pancreatitis in dogs is a serious condition that requires immediate attention. It can be distressing to watch your furry friend experience pain, but understanding the condition and how to manage it can make a huge difference when it comes to their recovery.
In this article, we'll talk about how long chronic and acute pancreatitis typically lasts in dogs, what to feed your dog during this time, and more, so stick around!
The Best Bland Diet Dog Foods for Dogs with Pancreatitis
One of the most important things to manage and keep in mind if your dog has pancreatitis is their diet. Below, we’ve listed some of the best bland diet dog food options for dogs with pancreatitis:
Turkey, Oatmeal, Sweet Potato, and Slippery Elm Bland Diet
This specialized bland diet is ideal for dogs recovering from pancreatitis. It’s designed to be gentle on the stomach, and its main ingredient, slippery elm, helps soothe the digestive tract. The simple, easy-to-digest ingredients ensure minimal strain on your dog’s pancreas while still providing essential nutrients.
Ingredients: Oats, cage-free turkey breast, sweet potato powder, slippery elm powder, electrolyte blend.
Preparation: Mix the contents of the package with boiling water, let it cool, and serve. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 72 hours.
This diet is particularly suitable for dogs experiencing acute pancreatitis flare-ups or chronic sensitivity.
Chicken & Rice Bland Diet
This bland diet dog food combines freeze-dried chicken with rice, and is another excellent option for managing pancreatitis in dogs. It’s easy to prepare and provides electrolytes to keep your dog hydrated while they’re recovering.
Ingredients: White rice, freeze-dried cage-free chicken breast, electrolyte blend.
Preparation: Add boiling water, let it rehydrate, cool, and serve. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 72 hours.
This recipe is great to have on hand for emergencies, since it has a long shelf life. If your dog has a sudden pancreatitis flare-up, you’ll be able to start helping them immediately.
What Is Canine Pancreatitis?
Pancreatitis refers to inflammation of the pancreas — an organ that’s located near your dog’s stomach and intestines. The pancreas has two main roles:
Regulating Blood Sugar
The pancreas produces insulin, which helps manage blood sugar levels.
Helping with Digestion
It also releases digestive enzymes into the small intestine to break down carbohydrates and fats.
In both acute and chronic pancreatitis, these digestive enzymes don’t follow their normal path. Instead of aiding digestion, they activate within the pancreas, which causes inflammation and even self-digestion. This triggers a cascade of issues, and could potentially impact other organs. This is one of the reasons why canine pancreatitis should always be taken seriously.
Symptoms of Pancreatitis
It can sometimes be difficult to determine whether or not a dog has pancreatitis. Here are some clinical signs of pancreatitis to watch out for. If your dog is experiencing any of these pancreatitis symptoms, contact your vet immediately.
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Vomiting and nausea
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Abdominal pain
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Diarrhea
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Loss of appetite and/or refusing to eat
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Lethargy
In mild cases, your dog may still eat and drink but they will probably experience abdominal discomfort afterward. In severe cases, your dog might refuse all food and water, show signs of dehydration, and could even develop complications involving nearby organs like the liver.
How Is Pancreatitis in Dogs Diagnosed?
Pancreatitis symptoms overlap with other gastrointestinal (GI) issues (like inflammatory bowel disease, for example). This makes diagnosis a bit tricky. Your vet might perform blood tests, ultrasounds, or X-rays to identify the condition and rule out other causes of your dog’s upset stomach (like foreign objects, diabetes, or kidney disease).
Can Dogs Recover From Pancreatitis?
Yes, most dogs can recover from pancreatitis with appropriate care. The severity of the condition determines the recovery timeline. Let’s take a closer look at what this timeline might look like below:
Mild Cases
Dogs experiencing common symptoms may recover in 1–2 weeks with outpatient treatment, including medications and a specialized diet.
Severe Cases
Severe pancreatitis cases may require hospitalization for intensive care. While in the hospital, your dog might receive intravenous fluids to maintain their hydration. Recovery can take several weeks and may involve long-term dietary and lifestyle changes. Unfortunately, some cases become chronic, and will require ongoing management to prevent flare-ups.
Diet Recommendations for Dogs With Pancreatitis
Diet plays a very important role when it comes to helping your dog manage and recover from their pancreatitis. High-fat foods are a major risk factor for pancreatitis, so we’d recommend feeding your dog a low-fat diet while they’re recovering. Here are some recommended diet options:
Veterinary Diets
Your vet may prescribe a low-fat, easily digestible diet specifically formulated for pancreatitis. These diets provide balanced nutrition without overburdening the pancreas.
Bland Diets
During acute pancreatitis flare-ups, bland diets can help ease digestive distress. Products like Under the Weather’s bland diets are excellent options for when your dog is going through this particular phase of pancreatitis.
How Long Does Recovery Take?
The recovery timeline for pancreatitis can vary, but generally, your dog will recover within 1-2 weeks, especially if they have mild pancreatitis. Your vet will be able to provide you with advice on when to transition back to regular food.
In severe pancreatitis cases, hospitalization may last 1–2 weeks, with additional recovery time at home. Chronic pancreatitis may require lifelong management, which will include feeding your dog a low-fat diet and administering pain medications (follow your vet’s advice).
How to Prevent Pancreatitis in Dogs
It’s possible to prevent pancreatitis in dogs. Here’s what you can do to help your dog manage their pancreatitis symptoms and flare-ups:
Monitor Your Dog’s Diet
A high-fat diet is one of the most common triggers for pancreatitis, so it’s important to avoid feeding your dog fatty foods or table scraps, no matter how much they beg. Instead, focus on providing them with a balanced, low-fat diet.
Stick to vet-approved diets and treats that are specifically designed to support digestive health and reduce the strain on the pancreas. Remember, even a single fatty piece of meat can increase the risk of pancreatitis for a susceptible dog, so it’s best to be cautious.
Prevent Your Dog From Ingesting Toxins
Another important aspect of prevention is keeping harmful substances out of your dog’s reach. Many human foods and medications can be toxic to dogs and may increase their risk of developing pancreatitis or other serious health conditions.
Foods like chocolate, onions, and fatty food scraps can be especially harmful, as can certain medications, including over-the-counter pain relievers and vitamins. Store these foods and medications securely, and educate everyone in your household about what is and isn’t safe for your dog to eat.
Regular Vet Checkups
Regular veterinary checkups are also super important for early detection and prevention of pancreatitis. Annual exams and routine blood tests will allow your vet to monitor your dog’s health and catch potential issues before they get worse.
If your dog is already at a higher risk for pancreatitis due to their breed, age, or pre-existing conditions, your vet may recommend more frequent visits.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Is Pancreatitis in Dogs Diagnosed?
Pancreatitis in dogs is typically diagnosed using a combination of diagnostic tools. Blood tests are often the first step, as they can reveal elevated enzyme levels and help rule out other conditions with similar symptoms.
Imaging techniques, like X-rays or ultrasounds, are also commonly used to confirm inflammation or identify any additional issues, such as blockages or abnormalities, in the pancreas or surrounding organs. These methods allow veterinarians to pinpoint the problem and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Are Certain Dog Breeds More Prone to Pancreatitis?
Yes, certain dogs are more prone to developing pancreatitis due to a few different risk factors. Some breeds, like Miniature Schnauzers, Miniature poodles, and Yorkshire Terriers, are genetically predisposed to the condition. Lifestyle factors also play a role, though.
For example, dogs that are overweight or eat a high-fat diet are at a greater risk. Also, certain medications or underlying conditions like diabetes mellitus can increase the likelihood of pancreatitis.
What Is the Long-term Outlook for Dogs with Chronic Pancreatitis?
The long-term outlook for dogs with pancreatitis depends on the severity of the condition and the care they receive. Most dogs recover fully with quick treatment and proper management, but chronic pancreatitis may require ongoing attention.
This typically involves keeping your dog on a specialized bland, low-fat diet, monitoring them for flare-ups, and scheduling routine checkups with your vet. Don’t be afraid to ask your vet questions if you need help with managing your dog’s chronic pancreatitis — that’s what they’re there for.
Conclusion
Pancreatitis in dogs is very serious, and in some cases, it can be life-threatening. The good news is that with prompt veterinary care and careful monitoring, most dogs can recover fully from pancreatitis.
For dogs with chronic conditions, managing their diet is incredibly important. We’d recommend investing in high-quality, specialized dog foods (like the bland diet dog food options from Under the Weather that we discussed above.
If you notice any signs of pancreatitis in your dog, consult your veterinarian immediately. If you’d like to learn more about managing canine pancreatitis, feel free to check out our blog.
