Pancreatitis in Dogs

Pancreatitis in dogs can be acute or chronic and ranges in severity. Discover how to tell if your pet is suffering from this condition and what to do next. 

Pancreatitis is defined as inflammation of the pancreas. In this article we explain what causes pancreatitis in dogs, how it manifests and what treatment is recommended. 

What is dog pancreatitis?

The pancreas produces enzymes involved in the digestion of protein, carbohydrate, and fat within the small intestine. It also produces the hormone insulin which helps to regulate blood sugar levels after a meal. 

In a healthy pancreas, the digestive enzymes remain inactive until they reach the small intestine. This prevents self-digestion of the pancreatic tissue. However, in cases of pancreatitis, the enzymes are activated too soon while they are still within the pancreas. The resulting auto-digestion of the organ leads to inflammation and pain. 

Pancreatitis is often categorised as acute or chronic – acute pancreatitis is when it develops suddenly, and chronic pancreatitis is when it continues over time. Individuals with chronic pancreatitis can also experience acute flare-ups. 

What are the symptoms of pancreatitis in dogs?

In mild cases of pancreatitis in dogs the symptoms can be subtle and include lethargy or loss of appetite. There is overlap with many other gastrointestinal conditions, including surgical emergencies such as gut obstructions. However, during an acute episode of this condition you are likely to see some of the following symptoms: 

Dogs will often show signs of abdominal pain by adopting the ‘praying position’ with head lowered to the ground and back-end standing. 

It’s important to contact your vet straight away, especially if pain or vomiting accompanies the symptoms. If left untreated pancreatitis in dogs can lead to shock and be a life-threatening condition. Veterinary diagnostics will often include blood tests and abdominal ultrasound. 

Dog pancreatitis shaking

Sometimes dogs with pancreatitis may shake due to abdominal pain, this may also be paired with a very bloated or tense abdomen. If you notice these symptoms, take your dog to the vet as soon as possible for treatment. 

What causes dog pancreatitis?

There are several possible causes of pancreatitis, but more research is needed to fully understand the condition. It is also unclear why some dogs are more prone to developing pancreatitis, and the initial trigger of an acute episode in a specific individual may be unknown. 

Some of the possible causes include:

• A diet high in fats
• Certain medication such as steroids
• Predisposing metabolic conditions such as diabetes or hypothyroidism
• Trauma

And the condition may also develop following surgery and anaesthesia. 

Dog pancreatitis diet

A diet high in fats is considered a risk factor, but so are occasional high-fat treats even if your dog’s diet is usually well-balanced. Consider talking to your vet about a veterinary diet for dog pancreatitis as these are scientifically formulated to help nutritionally manage your dog’s condition, alongside giving them everything they need to thrive. 

Avoid feeding your pet scraps from fatty meals, for example sausages. The high fat content can trigger a case of acute pancreatitis and send the owner and their pet on an emergency trip to the vet. So, make sure you keep an eye on what your dog munches on, especially if they like to go scavenging or if pancreatitis is already on their medical records. 

Is pancreatitis in dogs more common in certain breeds?

Pancreatitis can affect any dog, but certain breeds seem to be predisposed to the condition such as miniature schnauzers, cocker spaniels and miniature poodles. The exact reason why these breeds are more susceptible to pancreatitis is not fully understood ​and they may be particularly sensitive to certain contributory factors​, such as genetics, diet, or obesity. 

The exact reason why these breeds are more susceptible to pancreatitis is not fully understood. It’s unclear whether there is a direct genetic cause or whether there is a more indirect link, for example related to their response to certain diets. Some of these breeds are also more prone to gaining weight, which may contribute to their risk of pancreatitis.

It’s important to note that high-fat diets can increase their risk of developing pancreatitis.

What is the treatment for pancreatitis in dogs?

The treatment for pancreatitis in dogs depends on whether your pet is experiencing a mild or a severe case. If the dog is in pain or is vomiting the vet will prescribe medication to help manage these symptoms. For severe cases, the dog may need to be admitted to the veterinary hospital for pain management and IV fluids for a few days. 

How long does it take for a dog to recover from pancreatitis?

Most mild cases of pancreatitis in dogs will resolve within a few days of seeking veterinary treatment. For more severe cases you can expect up to a week of hospitalisation with an even longer recovery period. 

Some of the symptoms of pancreatitis are non-specific and can be indicators of other illnesses as well. It is important to arrange a vet appointment as soon as you notice any signs such as vomiting or reduced appetite.

You can also read our guides to discover what can cause vomiting in dogs and what to do if you notice loss of appetite in your dog.