If you’re worried that your dog might have pancreatitis (or you’re aware that they’ve received a diagnosis of pancreatitis and want to know how to treat it), you’re in the right place. Pancreatitis in dogs is a serious condition that every pet owner should be informed about. Its warning signs can often be subtle, and this can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment.
While the term “pancreatitis” simply means “inflammation of the pancreas,” the implications can be life-threatening. This is why early detection and proper management of this condition are so important, even with mild pancreatitis.
Understanding canine pancreatitis and the treatments that are available for it can make a huge difference when it comes to your dog’s well-being and comfort. Let’s talk about canine pancreatitis and the best treatment options for it below.
What Is Pancreatitis in Dogs?
The pancreas is a small but important organ that’s responsible for releasing enzymes that help with digestion. Normally, these pancreatic enzymes activate only when they reach the small intestine.
However, in a dog with pancreatitis, the enzymes activate prematurely, which often causes inflammation and damage to the pancreas and surrounding tissues. This can lead to abdominal pain and could potentially affect other organs as well.
The Best Treatment Options for Managing Pancreatitis in Dogs
When managing acute pancreatitis or chronic pancreatitis in dogs, incorporating the right products (e.g. supplements, bland diet dog food, etc.) can help alleviate your dog’s symptoms and support their recovery. Listed below are some treatment options we recommend:
Collagen Chews for Digestive Support
These chews from Under the Weather are specially designed to support digestive health, which means they’re an excellent choice for dogs recovering from pancreatitis. If you pair these collagen chews with a bland diet, your dog might feel a lot better — just make sure to ask your vet before giving your dog any supplements.
These chews contain collagen peptides and digestive enzymes that help with breaking down food more efficiently. This will help to reduce the workload on your dog’s pancreas. Also, collagen supports the repair of intestinal walls, which promotes gut health. Another added bonus is the improvement in your dog’s skin, coat, and joint health.
Colostrum Supplement for Immune Boost
For dogs recovering from chronic pancreatitis, a strong immune system is really important. This colostrum supplement is chock-full of immunoglobulins and growth factors that help bolster the immune system and promote tissue repair.
Lactoferrin, a bioactive component, has antimicrobial properties that further support gut health. This helps reduce the risk of infections and speeds up recovery. This supplement is suitable for dogs of all ages — but again, asking your vet before giving your dog this supplement is a good idea.
Chicken & Rice Bland Diet Dog Food
Dietary management is especially important for dogs with pancreatitis, and this bland diet is specifically formulated to be gentle on your dog’s digestive system. This blend is made from high-quality, human-grade ingredients (including freeze-dried chicken breast), and it’s fortified with electrolytes. This is more important than you might think, since pancreatitis can cause dehydration in dogs.
Understanding Pancreatitis in Dogs
Now, let’s talk about the clinical signs and symptoms of pancreatitis in dogs. The earlier you’re able to recognize these symptoms, the better. The most common symptoms and signs of pancreatitis in dogs include:
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Hunched back
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Repeated vomiting (frequent or periodic)
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Abdominal pain
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Diarrhea
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Loss of appetite
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Dehydration
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Weakness or lethargy
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Fever
If your dog exhibits multiple severe symptoms, you should seek supportive care immediately. Even mild dehydration or abdominal discomfort can escalate quickly in dogs with pancreatitis.
Causes and Risk Factors
Pancreatitis can be triggered by a few different factors, often seemingly out of the blue. Some of the most common causes of pancreatitis in dogs include:
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High-fat diets, particularly large servings in one sitting
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Dietary indiscretion (eating inappropriate foods like table scraps)
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Obesity
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Hypothyroidism and other endocrine disorders
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Certain medications or toxins
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Severe trauma
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Genetic predisposition in breeds like Miniature Schnauzers and smaller toy or terrier breeds
Human foods, particularly fatty leftovers from holidays or family dinners, are a significant risk. It’s important that you monitor your dog’s diet closely and avoid giving them table scraps (even if they give you “puppy-dog eyes”).
Treatment and Management Options
For acute pancreatitis, immediate veterinary care is really important. Supportive care typically focuses on:
Pain Management
Making sure that your dog is comfortable and giving them appropriate pain medications at the recommendation of your vet.
Intravenous Fluid Therapy
This is sometimes necessary in cases of severe pancreatitis. It helps to restore hydration and balance electrolytes.
Resting the Pancreas
Withhold food and water from your dog for 24-48 hours, as advised by your vet. Don’t switch up your dog’s diet or avoid feeding them food and water without asking your vet.
Long-Term Management of Pancreatitis in Dogs
After the initial stages of pancreatitis, you’ll need to think about long-term management of your dog’s pancreatitis. Recurrence and flare-ups are likely, but there are a few things you can do to prevent it:
Low-Fat Diet
Prescription or ultra-low-fat diets will be essential. This is because a low-fat diet will help reduce the pancreas’ workload.
Frequent Small Meals
Feeding your dog smaller, more frequent meals will help regulate their digestion. It’ll also be easier on their pancreatic enzymes.
Regular Monitoring
After the development of pancreatitis and during the treatment of pancreatitis, periodically check your dog’s amylase and lipase levels. By doing so, you’ll be able to detect any potential issues early.
Weight Management
Keeping your dog at a healthy weight also helps to reduce stress on the pancreas. Feeding your a low-fat diet will make it easier for you to manage their weight.
Can Supplements Really Help With Canine Pancreatitis?
While no supplement can replace professional veterinary care, certain products can help dogs with pancreatitis feel better. Here are a few examples (other than the specific products we listed above):
Digestive Enzymes
Supplements containing pancreatin may reduce the pancreas’ workload and the risk of pancreatitis by helping with digestion.
Fish Oil
High-quality fish oil can help lower blood lipid levels, particularly in dogs with high triglycerides. Make sure to pair fish oil with vitamin E to balance antioxidant levels.
Antioxidant Vitamins
Vitamins E, C, and beta-carotene, along with selenium, may support your dog’s pancreatic health in some cases. Always consult your veterinarian before introducing supplements to your dog’s diet.
Acute vs. Chronic Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis in dogs tends to be either acute or chronic. Let’s take a closer look at the differences between acute and chronic pancreatitis below:
Acute Pancreatitis
This sudden-onset condition often comes with severe symptoms. Without treatment, inflammation can spread to other organs, which makes it potentially life-threatening.
Chronic Pancreatitis
Chronic pancreatitis develops gradually, often without obvious symptoms until significant damage has already occurred. Repeated acute episodes can lead to chronic pancreatitis. Both forms require careful management and close monitoring to prevent recurrence and complications.
How to Prevent Pancreatitis in Dogs
Preventing pancreatitis in dogs is all about taking the necessary steps to protect their health and well-being. By following these tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of your dog developing this painful condition:
Maintain a Healthy Diet
A balanced diet is your dog’s first line of defense against pancreatitis. Avoid feeding them high-fat foods, since fatty foods can put a lot of strain on the pancreas. Instead, stick to a veterinarian-approved diet. Look for high-quality dog food with the right balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats to keep your dog’s digestive system functioning as it should.
Monitor Your Dog’s Weight
Obesity is a major risk factor for pancreatitis, so keeping your dog at a healthy weight is super important. Regular exercise, combined with portion-controlled meals, will be the most effective way to manage their weight. You can also ask your vet for advice regarding this.
Avoid Dietary Indiscretions
Dogs are natural scavengers, but letting them eat table scraps or get into the trash can have serious consequences. Human foods (especially fatty or spicy foods) can trigger pancreatitis in dogs. Make sure to dog-proof your home by keeping your garbage cans secure and storing food out of reach.
Follow Your Vet’s Recommendations
If your dog has a history of digestive issues or other risk factors for pancreatitis, don’t hesitate to ask your vet for advice. Make sure to follow the prescribed dietary plans and medications carefully. Regular check-ups will be necessary since they’ll allow your vet to monitor your dog’s health and adjust their care plan if necessary.
Conclusion
Pancreatitis is a challenging condition for both people and dogs to deal with. As a pet parent, it’s always hard to watch your fur baby suffer from the symptoms of pancreatitis, which is why we’ve provided you with this guide that includes some of the best treatment options.
With early detection and proper veterinary care, you can help your dog recover from pancreatitis and prevent future episodes. Make sure that you’re continuing to be protective in managing their diet, and reach out to your vet if you have any questions. And don’t forget to rely on Under the Weather as your go-to pet resource!
