Pancreatitis in Pets: The Holiday Condition You’ve Never Heard Of
It’s common to overindulge around the holidays. We might even be tempted to share our fall feasts with our pets. Sure, you might suffer a stomachache or two this time of year, and you could think the same would be safe and normal for your dog or cat. But you should be aware of a gastrointestinal issue that’s more than just tummy trouble: pancreatitis.
What Is Pancreatitis?
The pancreas is the insulin-producing organ. When everything is working as it should, the pancreas produces digestive enzymes that only start to work once they reach the intestines. In pets with pancreatitis, however, the enzymes are activated while they’re still inside the pancreas. This means the enzymes break down the organ and essentially digest it and all the tissue around it. As you can imagine, this is both painful and dangerous. In fact, this condition can be fatal.
Domestic dogs and cats fare best with a stable diet. This means safe pet food (and the occasional safe treat). That certainly does not include turkey, gravy, stuffing, or pie! Unfortunately for our pets, just one indulgence of fatty food could cause a pancreatitis flare-up. So pancreatitis in pets can occur if just one person sneaks some table scraps to a four-legged family member.
Signs of a Holiday Pet Emergency
Keep an eye on your dog or cat during holiday festivities. Signs such as vomiting or lethargy in pets may indicate that they have eaten something too rich or unsafe, which could lead to pancreatitis. Other signs of this emergency situation are:
- Abdominal pain or swelling
- Diarrhea
- Labored breathing
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Fear or aggression, especially if you attempt to touch the stomach
If you notice any of the above, it helps to know what and how much your dog or cat ate, but even if you can’t identify which festive food might be to blame, get in touch with your veterinary team or the closest animal emergency hospital right away. The medical team will use diagnostics such as X-rays, ultrasound, or endoscopy to investigate and determine if IV fluids, medications, or a temporary prescription diet can help resolve your pet’s condition.
Don’t forget that common holiday foods such as onions, raisins, and chocolate are toxic for pets, whether they develop pancreatitis or not.
Thanksgiving Pet Safety Tips
If you can avoid GI trouble in the first place, you’ll be a lot more thankful this season. Set yourself up for success by restricting your dog or cat’s access to the kitchen and dining room, and be sure to dispose of trash securely. Instruct all of your holiday guests to respect your rules to keep your beloved pets safe.
Your pets can still enjoy their own holiday treats, and you can cook for them just like you do for your family and friends! Check out our recommendations for homemade treats designed for health and safety. Of course, you don’t have to add another recipe to your holiday prep; you can always provide a regular treat or dental chew to your pet at the same time that you sit down for the family meal.
We adore seeing our patients and clients, but we don’t want you to come to our office for a holiday emergency. Contact us with your questions, but use this info to avoid a veterinary visit over Thanksgiving!