How to Comfort a Dog With Pancreatitis
Nobody likes to be sick or in pain, and it can be very hard to watch your furry friend suffer. However, even after the vet visit, it can be hard to know how to do what’s best for them. This article talks about the best way to help soothe a dog who is sick with pancreatitis and make them comfortable.
Key Takeaway
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Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, often caused by fatty foods, leading to vomiting, pain, and lethargy; prompt vet care is vital.
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To care for a dog with pancreatitis, follow vet advice, feed a low-fat diet, keep your dog hydrated, calm, and monitor for recurring symptoms.
Table of Contents
Understanding Canine Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis in dogs is a common condition that occurs when the dog’s pancreas becomes inflamed and painful. The pancreas is an important organ that secretes digestive enzymes and insulin to help dogs digest food and control their blood-sugar levels.
In most cases, pancreatitis in dogs is caused by your dog overeating fatty foods. This can be from a poor diet, or from accidentally consuming a fatty human food from your trash, or one that was dropped in the park.
Canine pancreatitis occurs when the abundance of fat causes the pancreatic enzymes to activate inside the pancreas instead of the digestive tract, which damages the pancreas and can spread to nearby organs. It causes swelling of the abdominal cavity and severe pain. In severe cases, this can lead to organ failure and even death.
Symptoms of Pancreatitis in Dogs
Pancreatitis in dogs can be mild or severe. In mild cases, affected dogs may have mild abdominal pain, diarrhea, and unusual lethargy.
According to vets such as Dr. Steiner of Texas A&M University[1], acute pancreatitis symptoms can include:
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A hunched back
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Vomiting and diarrhea (Normally repeatedly)
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Bloated or swollen abdomen
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Abdominal pain (Whining, pawing, hiding, etc.)
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Loss of appetite
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Weakness and unusual lethargy.
Early diagnosis is crucial in recovering from severe pancreatitis, so get to a vet quickly if you suspect that your dog is suffering from it.
Acute and Chronic Pancreatitis
There are two main types of pancreatitis in dogs. While the symptoms are the same in both acute and chronic forms, it's important in diagnosing and treating pancreatitis to know which one it is.
Acute Pancreatitis
An acute pancreatitis attack is when your dog’s pancreatitis comes on suddenly with more severe symptoms. Normally, this will resolve with treatment, and your dog should return to normal after an acute pancreatitis attack.
Pancreatitis in dogs can return more than once, but there is normally a sizable gap between incidents.
Chronic Pancreatitis
Chronic pancreatitis can occur after a number of acute pancreatitis attacks, from an unresolved lifestyle issue, or from scarring of the pancreas.
This means that your dog’s pancreatitis may return numerous times in quick succession, or that the symptoms may take a long time to resolve - possibly lasting the rest of your dog’s life. Chronic pancreatitis symptoms may also show up more slowly than an acute attack.
Chronic pancreatitis in dogs can also affect the surrounding organs, which may need to be addressed after the treatment. This can range from a blocked bile duct to more serious issues like exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), which can permanently alter your dog’s ability to digest properly.
Causes of Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis in dogs can occur randomly at times, with no clear cause. However, there are some factors that increase your dog's chances.
High Fat Dog Food or Human Trash
A high-fat diet can cause an overproduction of digestive enzymes and cause your dog to develop pancreatitis.
This can be from chronic overuse of high-fat dog food and treats, or from a dietary indiscretion where your dog found and ate something that was very high in fat, like human table scraps or a high-fat meal.
Obesity
Obese dogs are more likely to have pancreas issues and have a higher-fat diet. They are also more susceptible to diabetes, which can also damage the pancreas.
Breed Type
Some dogs, such as Miniature Schnauzers, Cocker Spaniels, Dachshunds, and a number of toy breeds, are more genetically predisposed to developing chronic pancreatitis.
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Severe Blunt Trauma
A severe blow to your dog's side - such as getting hit by a car - can damage the pancreas and cause the enzymes to leak out or the organ to scar.
Medications and chemicals
Certain medications have potentially been linked to pancreatitis in dogs - especially certain sulfa-containing antibiotics, anti-convulsants, and certain chemotherapy treatments. Exposure to chemicals used in bug repellent and weedkillers may also contribute.[2]
Underlying Health Conditions
Some hormonal imbalances, such as Cushing’s disease, both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, and other endocrine disorders, can contribute to pancreatitis in dogs. Other conditions, such as diabetes or unrelated organ damage to the kidneys or stomac,h can potentially cause problems.
While somewhat rare, tumors and cancers (especially those of the pancreas) can cause pancreatitis.
Treatment for Pancreatitis in Dogs
Early intervention is critical in diagnosing and treating it. So get to a vet quickly if you suspect it. Even a mild case should be seen by a professional. In severe cases, the vet may keep them for monitoring for a few days.
Short Term Care
Once the vet has released them, you will want to keep your dog as comfortable as possible until the attack passes. This may mean keeping them away from food for a day or two if your vet prescribes it. Afterwards, you may reintroduce some low-fat, easy-to-digest meals.
In severe cases, a vet may resort to a feeding tube if your dog has stopped vomiting but still refuses to eat. This is rare for out-of-patient care, and will normally be handled by a vet.
Your vet may provide an ultra-low-fat diet for your dog. Otherwise, stick to low-fat homemade foods such as lean meats, organ meats, and vegetables such as broccoli. You can incorporate some easy-to-digest starches, such as rice, to bulk up the food.
Try to avoid excessive exercise, and stick to your dog’s pain medications. If your dog is anxious from the pain, try providing them with a pair of dog pajamas - which can provide a swaddling effect, or a light weighted-blanket.
It's also important to make sure your dog stays hydrated. Encourage them to drink water, but you may also need to incorporate some wet foods, such as low-fat tinned food, into their diet to meet their water requirement.
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Long Term Care
Most acute cases should resolve with treatment within a week or two, but they may run the risk of another attack happening later. Whether acute or chronic, treating the risk factors is your best bet at managing pancreatitis.
Your vet may be able to tell you what risk factors trigger pancreatitis in your dog; otherwise, you may just have to be careful with your dog’s diet, making sure to keep them at a healthy weight and keeping fatty foods to a minimum. Some vets may prescribe you specialized, low-fat dog food.
Making sure your dog eats smaller, more frequent meals may also be easier on their digestion and put less pressure on their pancreas.
Keep an eye on your dog’s stomach for signs of bloating or discomfort that may indicate the pancreatitis is coming back.
Your vet may suggest frequent blood tests to monitor how your dog’s pancreas is producing digestive enzymes to make sure that things have returned to normal - and that they stay at a non-life-threatening level.
Providing Comfort
After the vet has completed your dog's treatment, they may still feel sick for a few days. You can help them by:
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Creating a quiet environment. Make sure your dog has a calm, quiet environment to rest and recover. This may mean keeping them away from other dogs, pets, or children. They may still enjoy being near you.
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Limit activity. Follow your vet’s instructions and reintroduce exercise very slowly. Movement should be kept to a minimum.
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Listen to your dog. Some dogs may feel needier and want to be cuddled more when they are feeling sick - other dogs may prefer to be left in peace to heal. Some dogs enjoy nesting with a blanket, others may not. Try to gauge their personal preferences.
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Keep necessities close. Consider keeping their water and new diet food close by. This may be less stressful if there are other pets around, and may encourage them to hydrate or eat a little bit even if they don't feel well.
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Follow your vet’s instructions for medicine. Pancreatitis can be painful, so try to ensure they are getting their pain medication as they need it. Do not try to supplement any human pain medication, as it could make the issue worse.
Conclusion
Knowing how to comfort a dog with pancreatitis means creating an environment that supports healing. Follow your vet’s advice closely, offer a low-fat, easily digestible diet, and keep your dog calm and hydrated. A lot of treatment involves trying to prevent pancreatitis flare-ups, as the condition is usually handled by a vet.
It can be a good idea to provide a quiet, cozy space where they can rest without stress, and listen to their cues for comfort or alone time. Some anxious dogs may do well with a blanket or a comfortable pair of pajamas to soothe them. You can find such pajamas at Sparkpaws’ Dog Pajamas Onesies Collection.
With attentive care, compassion, and consistency, your dog can recover more peacefully and regain their strength and happiness.
Ext Links
[1] https://www.msdvetmanual.com
[2] https://veterinarypartner.vin.com
[3] https://avmajournals.avma.org
Frequently Asked Questions
Is walking good for pancreatitis in dogs?
Frequent exercise may help keep your dog at a healthy weight and reduce the risk of pancreatitis. However, if your dog is sick, then avoid having them move too much for at least two weeks.
How do I know if my dog's pancreatitis is getting worse?
Diagnosing pancreatitis in mild cases can be tricky. Keep an eye out for worsening vomiting, extreme weakness, dehydration, or pale gums, as this can mean that the pancreatitis is very severe or life-threatening. All cases should be seen by a vet.
What is the best pain medication for dogs with pancreatitis?
Many vets may recommend full μ-opioids (eg, methadone, morphine, fentanyl), though some partial μ-opioid agonists (eg, buprenorphine), and anti-inflammatories can be used for milder cases. In severe cases, a vet may prescribe a nerve blocker.
How many days does pancreatitis last in dogs?
Sudden-onset acute pancreatitis may resolve in a few days to a week or two, but chronic pancreatitis can take a long time to correct. Possibly weeks or even months.