Pancreatitis Recovery: Helping Your Dog Heal at Home

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Your guide to caring for your pup and nursing them back to health after an inflamed pancreas
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When your vet diagnoses your dog with pancreatitis, it can be scary. You obviously want the best for your pup, and seeing them in pain and discomfort isn’t easy. Fortunately, there are some ways you can speed up the healing process and encourage them to eat as they recover at home with you. Read on as we share our expert tips on helping your dog with pancreatitis.

This article is based on an interview with our board certified veterinarian, Ray Spragley, founder of Zen Dog Veterinary Care. Check out the full interview here.

Things You Should Know

  • Offer your dog several low-fat foods per day, like chicken, bone broth, and pumpkin puree.
  • Give your dog pain medicine if it was prescribed by your vet to help ease discomfort. Give them anti-nausea medication to help settle and soothe their stomach.
  • Cuddle your dog and give them extra love if they want it, or give them space if they don’t.
Section 1 of 5:

Comforting Your Dog

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    Pancreatitis is often caused by a long-term diet of high-fat dog food. [1] As your dog recovers, they may have less of an appetite than usual. Try tempting them with low-fat foods 4 to 5 times per day for several weeks. Try foods like: [2]
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    Your vet may send you home with anti-nausea medicine for your pup, since pancreatitis can make them feel a bit queasy. Follow the recommended dosage from your vet to help soothe your dog’s discomfort and get them to eat. [3]
    • If your dog is still throwing up, hold off on offering them food, and instead, give them access to lots of fresh water.
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    Pancreatitis can be painful, especially in severe cases. Your vet may give you pain medication to take home with you. [4] If that’s the case, follow the recommended dosage for your dog to soothe them and make them feel more at ease.
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    When dogs are sick, they often want to be closer to their humans than ever before. Stay near your dog, and offer them lots of cuddles and pets to comfort your sick pup . [5]
    • Some dogs may not want to cuddle while they’re sick, and that’s okay. Pay attention to your dog’s body language: if they’re baring their teeth, growling, or trying to get away from you, they probably just want some alone time instead.
    • As your dog recovers, avoid straining them by taking them on short walks instead of doing strenuous exercise.
    EXPERT TIP

    Colleen Demling-Riley, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, CDBC

    Canine Behavior Consultant
    Colleen Demling-Riley (CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, CDBC) is a Canine Behavior Consultant and the Founder of Pawtopia Dog Training. With more than 20 years of experience, she specializes in creating and customizing dog management programs for dog owners. She is a Certified Pet Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed, Certified Behavior Consultant Canine-Knowledge Assessed, Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, and American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. Colleen is a member of the International Association of Canine Professionals and has been a featured expert in national media including the New York Times, Woman’s Day, Readers Digest, Cosmopolitan, and Yahoo.com.
    Colleen Demling-Riley, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, CDBC
    Canine Behavior Consultant

    When your dog is having health issues, give them extra care and attention. Make your dog as comfortable as possible. Put them on a soft bed or blankets in a quiet spot where they can rest peacefully, like a crate in a quiet corner of the family room. Give them space and avoid forcing them to walk or play. These comforting gestures can make a big difference in how your dog feels while they're sick or uncomfortable.

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Section 2 of 5:

What is pancreatitis?

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    The pancreas produces digestive enzymes to break down your pet’s food. When it becomes inflamed, it can cause a lot of digestive issues and discomfort. [6]
    • If left untreated, pancreatitis can lead to dehydration, diabetes, or organ damage. In severe cases, it can become life-threatening.
Section 3 of 5:

Signs of Pancreatitis

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    Since the pancreas is an integral part of digestion, an inflamed pancreas means your pup won’t be as hungry as they usually are. You might notice that they stop eating their kibble or refuse the treats that you give them. [7]
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    One of the primary ways you can spot signs of pancreatitis in dogs is by seeing if their stomach is upset. While occasional gastrointestinal distress is normal, if your dog is throwing up or having diarrhea for multiple days, it could be a sign of pancreatitis. [8]
    EXPERT TIP

    Ray Spragley, DVM

    Veterinarian
    Dr. Ray Spragley is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and the Owner/Founder of Zen Dog Veterinary Care PLLC in New York. With experience in multiple institutions and private practices, Dr. Spragley’s specializations and interests include non-surgical management of cranial cruciate ligament tears, Intervertebral Disk Disease(IVDD), and pain management in osteoarthritis. Dr. Spragley holds a BS in Biology from SUNY Albany and has a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree (DVM) from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. He is also a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist (CCRT) through the Canine Rehab Institute as well as a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA) through Chi University.
    Ray Spragley, DVM
    Veterinarian

    Get prompt vet care for pancreatitis signs. Vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and other flu-like symptoms are potential signs of pancreatitis requiring prompt veterinary attention, as lasting damage can occur if left untreated. Definitive diagnosis requires bloodwork, biochemical panels, and abdominal imaging.

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    A swollen pancreas is painful, and your pup might act lethargic or like they’re in discomfort. You might also notice swelling in your dog’s abdomen and stomach area. [9]
    • When dogs have abdominal pain, they will often go into the “prayer position,” where their front legs are on the ground but their back legs are in the air. This is a sure sign that something is wrong and that your dog is in pain.
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    Your dog may not be drinking enough fluids because they’re in pain, which can lead to severe dehydration. Signs of dehydration include: [10]
    • Dry nose
    • Thick saliva
    • Reduced energy levels
    • Sunken, dry eyes
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Section 4 of 5:

Causes of Pancreatitis

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    The most common cause of pancreatitis is a high-fat diet over multiple years. [11] If your dog eats dog food that has more than 20% fat in it, it can put stress on the pancreas, leading to pancreatitis.
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    “Dietary indiscretion” is the medical terminology for when your dog eats anything. Studies have shown that dogs who eat garbage, human food, or dirt are more likely to develop pancreatitis. [12]
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    When your dog is overweight, it puts a strain on all of their organs, including the pancreas. If they have been overweight for a while, they could develop pancreatitis as a result of that. [13]
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Section 5 of 5:

Pancreatitis Prognosis

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    The prognosis of pancreatitis really depends on how severe it is. The good news is that if it’s caught and treated quickly, your dog will likely recover and be back to normal in just a few days. If they have a severe case of pancreatitis, your vet may recommend a stay at the vet or long-term care measures. [14]
    • Pancreatitis can recur after it’s happened once. To avoid it in the future, keep your pup on a low-fat diet and don’t let them eat unusual foods.

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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.amcny.org/pet_health_library/pancreatitis-in-dogs/
      2. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/six-foods-to-feed-your-dog-when-hes-sick/
      3. ↑ https://www.aaha.org/your-pet/pet-owner-education/ask-aaha/Pancreatitis-in-Pets/
      4. ↑ https://www.aaha.org/your-pet/pet-owner-education/ask-aaha/Pancreatitis-in-Pets/
      5. ↑ https://www.cesarsway.com/to-cuddle-or-not-to-cuddle-2/
      6. ↑ https://www.aaha.org/your-pet/pet-owner-education/ask-aaha/Pancreatitis-in-Pets/
      7. ↑ https://www.amcny.org/pet_health_library/pancreatitis-in-dogs/
      8. ↑ https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/pancreatitis-in-dogs
      9. ↑ https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/pancreatitis-in-dogs
      1. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/warning-signs-dehydration-dogs/
      2. ↑ https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/pancreatitis-in-dogs
      3. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2808289/
      4. ↑ https://www.pethealthnetwork.com/dog-health/dog-diseases-conditions-a-z/acute-pancreatitis-dogs
      5. ↑ https://www.amcny.org/pet_health_library/pancreatitis-in-dogs/

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