What Causes Pancreatitis in Dogs and How to Treat It

Has your furry friend been acting under the weather lately? Maybe they are not eating much, or seem more tired than usual. These could be signs of pancreatitis, a condition that affects many dogs. What do you know about the causes of this painful problem? How can you help your pup feel better?
 

What Is Pancreatitis?

Think of the pancreas as a little factory in your dog’s body. It makes important enzymes that help digest food and control blood sugar. When the pancreas gets inflamed, that is pancreatitis. It is like the factory workers go on strike, and the production line stops.
 

What Causes Pancreatitis in Dogs?

Picture yourself having a backyard barbecue, and your pup manages to snatch a greasy burger right off your plate. Next thing you know, he is not feeling well. That burger snack could be the culprit. Fatty foods can contribute to pancreatitis in dogs.
 

It is not always about fatty snacking. Maybe your dog has been packing on the pounds lately. Those extra rolls are not just cute — they can strain your dog’s insides, pancreas included.
 

Some dog breeds are just more likely to get pancreatitis. Schnauzers, for example, seem to suffer pancreas problems more often.
 

You know how some people cannot handle spicy food? Well, sometimes, a dog’s pancreas cannot handle certain medications. It is not your pup’s fault — their body just reacts adversely. Vets see this with drugs like steroids, some antibiotics, and even some flea treatments. If your dog is on meds and starts acting strange, give your vet a call.
 

Your dog may be dealing with other health issues that affect their pancreas. For example, diabetes or Cushing’s disease may appear uninvited and cause concerning symptoms. These conditions can affect the pancreas. If your canine friend has health issues, keep a close eye on them.
 

Sometimes, a dog’s pancreas acts up for no clear reason. Vets call this idiopathic pancreatitis, and it is actually very common. It is like your pup’s pancreas threw a tantrum out of the blue. It’s frustrating, for sure, but knowing it happens can help you stay alert to symptoms.
 

How Can You Yell If Your Dog Has Pancreatitis?

Your furry friend cannot tell you when they are not feeling well. So, it is important to watch for unusual signs. Here are some red flags:

• Loss of appetite.
• Vomiting.
• Diarrhea.
• Belly pain (your dog might yelp when you touch their tummy).
• Fever.
• Lethargy (acting tired all the time).
• Hunched back or “praying position” (front end down, rear end up).

If you notice these symptoms, it is time for a trip to the vet.
 

How Do Vets Diagnose Pancreatitis?

Your vet will likely start with a physical exam and ask about your dog’s symptoms. They might also recommend:

• Blood tests: These can show if certain enzymes are elevated, which can indicate pancreatitis.
• Ultrasound: This lets the vet take a peek at the pancreas to check for inflammation.
• X-rays: X-rays can rule out other possible causes or problems.

Treatment

When your dog gets pancreatitis, they often need a vacation at the vet’s office. The vet will give your pup’s tummy a break from food, hook them up to fluids, and give them meds to help with pain and puking. If things are really rough, they might need a special tube for eating. It is like a doggy hospital stay, but it usually helps them feel better pretty quickly.
 

Pancreatitis can be scary, but knowing the signs and acting fast can make a big difference. Keep an eye on your pup’s diet, weight, and overall health. If something seems off, do not hesitate to call your vet.
 

For more pet care tips, visit Dr. Mike’s Affordable Vet Care at our Arlington, Texas, office. Call (817) 663-8160 to schedule an appointment today.
 

https://www.webmd.com/pets/dogs/dog-pancreatitis-symptoms-and-treatment