If your dog has experienced vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloating, these may be warning signs of pancreatitis in dogs. Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas, a medical condition that is most commonly seen in dogs with a high-fat diet, overweight dogs, older dogs, and certain breeds.
In this guide by Sploot Vets, we explore the pancreatitis symptoms in dogs, triggers, what pancreatitis means for long-term canine health, and more.
Overview
- Canine pancreatitis involves an inflammation of the pancreas, an organ involved in digestion and blood sugar regulation.
- Pancreatitis in dogs can be acute (sudden) or chronic (recurring).
- Both acute and chronic pancreatitis can lead to flare-ups when the dog is exposed to triggers.
Acute vs. Chronic Pancreatitis in Dogs
Pancreatitis in dogs is an inflammatory condition involving the pancreas that needs emergency care.
Acute pancreatitis is a sudden onset of pancreatitis symptoms in dogs, which can happen even if the dog has not had a prior incident of pancreatitis. In some cases, this kind of pancreatitis can be cured if treatment is given promptly. However, if not treated promptly, this condition could become chronic pancreatitis.
Meanwhile, chronic pancreatitis in dogs is an ongoing and potentially recurring inflammatory condition that is linked to irreversible damage to the pancreas. Pancreatitis flare-ups in chronic cases can be mild or severe, depending on the trigger and the overall health of the dog.
Note: Sploot Vets offers emergency vet services in Denver and Chicago. Give us a call at 720-770-8656 to arrange an urgent intake.
What Can Trigger Pancreatitis in Dogs?
The most common trigger for pancreatitis in dogs is the consumption of high-fat food. A few examples of these include:
- Fatty meats – bacon, sausages, and fatty cuts of beef or pork.
- Rich table scraps —human food with butter, gravy, and fatty leftovers
- Fried foods – fried chicken, fried fish, or other deep-fried foods.
- Processed foods – salty, greasy snack foods, like chips or pizza.
Note: Though the above foods are NOT advisable to share with your canine companion, certain foods are safe for sharing. Learn more – Top 10 Healthiest Human Foods That Dogs Can Eat.
Aside from high-fat food, there are other factors that can make dogs more susceptible to experiencing pancreatitis—these include:
- Age – pancreatitis is more common in older dogs
- Weight – overweight dogs are more prone to pancreatitis.
- Medications – certain medications (e.g. steroids, diuretics, immunosuppressive drugs, anticonvulsants, chemotherapy drugs) can make dogs more susceptible to pancreatitis
- Physical trauma & pancreatic tumors – these can initiate inflammation in the pancreas
- Genetic predisposition – certain breeds are more susceptible to pancreatitis (e.g. miniature schnauzer, Yorkshire terriers, cocker spaniels, dachshunds, poodles, Cavalier King Charles spaniels, collies, boxers)
Note: Though the above factors increase the chances of triggering pancreatitis, any dog that has been exposed to high-fat food can develop pancreatitis.
Pancreatitis Symptoms in Dogs [Warning Signs]
What are the warning signs of pancreatitis in dogs? Since pancreatitis in dogs is closely linked to digestive processes, most of the symptoms involve the dog’s gut—along with behavioral signs resulting from pain.
The following symptoms can occur in both acute and chronic pancreatitis in dogs:
- Persistent vomiting and diarrhea
- Abdominal pain (sensitivity to touch and other signs of dog pain)
- Abdominal bloating (due to inflammation of the pancreas)
- A hunched back appearance (due to inflammation of the pancreas)
- Lethargy or weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Fever (in some cases)
A majority of these symptoms can also be caused by other medical issues (e.g. gastroenteritis, intestinal obstruction, inflammatory bowel disease). However, if symptoms occur after a pancreatitis trigger (e.g. consumption of a high-fat meal) or there is a history of pancreatitis, these increase the chances of a pancreatitis flare-up.
Note: Only a licensed veterinarian can conclusively diagnose pancreatitis in dogs. If you observe any of the above symptoms, contact a vet promptly. Sploot Vets offers emergency vet services in Denver and Chicago. Give us a call at 720 770 8656 to arrange an urgent intake.
Signs of Worsening Pancreatitis in Dogs
The main sign that pancreatitis is worsening in a dog is the continuation or increasing severity of pancreatitis symptoms. This includes increased vomiting and diarrhea, severe dehydration, abdominal pain, and bloating.
Additional symptoms may also appear if pancreatitis is worsening or severe; these include:
- High fever or low body temperature
- Jaundice or yellowing of the eyes and gums (due to a bile obstruction caused by pancreatic inflammation)
- Collapse and shock (due to severe dehydration and systemic complications)
Note: Both mild and severe cases of pancreatitis in dogs are a medical emergency. If you encounter any of the above symptoms, contact an emergency vet.
Canine Pancreatitis Treatment
Pancreatitis in dogs is typically treated with a combination of the following:
- IV Fluids – to prevent dehydration and keep electrolytes balanced
- Pain medication – pancreatitis is a painful condition, requiring pain management to keep dogs comfortable throughout treatment
- Anti-vomiting medications – these prevent the further loss of fluids
- Nutritional changes – a period of fasting and low-fat prescription diet may be recommended
- Hospitalization – may be recommended for severe cases that need further monitoring and supportive treatment
→ Learn more – Pancreatitis in Dogs & Cats [Prevention & Treatment]
Frequently Asked Questions About Canine Pancreatitis
How Long Does a Pancreatitis Flare-Up Last in Dogs?
Flare-ups or recurrence is more common in chronic canine pancreatitis. Whether mild or severe, pancreatitis flare-ups must be brought to the vet for treatment. Without treatment, pancreatitis flare-ups can worsen or become life-threatening.
After outpatient treatment (for mild cases) or hospitalization (for severe cases), dogs will need 1 to 2 weeks or more to recover from a flare-up.
Can A Dog Recover From Pancreatitis?
Most dogs that experience acute canine pancreatitis can recover completely. Meanwhile, chronic pancreatitis can also recover (i.e., be restored to their normal health) but typically can NOT be cured completely. In both cases, veterinarians will give recommendations on how to avoid future pancreatitis triggers.
How Long Can A Dog With Pancreatitis Live?
As mentioned earlier, if acute pancreatitis is treated promptly, dogs can make a complete recovery—with no lasting impact on the dog’s lifespan.
On the other hand, chronic pancreatitis has lasting damage to the pancreas; therefore, it can impact a dog’s lifespan. However, with appropriate treatment during flare-ups and consistent dietary regulation, dogs with chronic pancreatitis can live a long, healthy life too.
Sploot veterinarian, Dr. Amy Casali adds: “Pancreatitis is one of the most common causes of diabetes in dogs — about 1 in 3 canine diabetes cases are caused by pancreatitis, so it's super important that we get it under control.
Final Thoughts on Pancreatitis in Dogs
This wraps up our article on pancreatitis in dogs. As a final reminder, we recommend scheduling a routine dog wellness exam once or twice a year.
Though pancreatitis in dogs is often difficult to detect until symptoms appear, wellness exams allow you to get personalized recommendations for your dog’s nutrition, exercise, and other aspects of health to help keep illness at bay.
Sploot Vets: Your Trusted Vet for All-in-One Care
Whether you are looking for preventative care, urgent care, or emergency vet services, Sploot Vets offers top-tier all-in-one vet care that you can count on. With our experienced veterinarians, state-of-the-art facilities, and unparalleled availability, we provide next-level veterinary care when you need us most.
For urgent and emergency cases, give us a call at 720 770 8656 to arrange an urgent intake, available 365 days a year during our extended clinic hours.
As for regular appointments, you can conveniently book an appointment online or through the Sploot Vets app. As always, we’re with you every pounce of the way!
