Health & wellness
Pancreatitis in dogs happens when the pancreas (a small but important organ near the stomach) becomes inflamed. It can leave dogs feeling unwell, with signs such as vomiting, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain.
Some cases are mild and may improve with appropriate vet care. Others can be much more serious and may require urgent vet treatment or hospitalisation.
In this blog, we’ll look at what pancreatitis is, what may cause it, the signs to keep an eye out for, and how vets diagnose and treat it. We’ll also cover some practical tips that may help reduce your dog’s risk of developing pancreatitis.
Table of contents
- What is pancreatitis in dogs?
- What may cause pancreatitis in dogs?
- Are some dog breeds more at risk of pancreatitis?
- Signs of pancreatitis in dogs
- How is pancreatitis in dogs diagnosed?
- How is pancreatitis in dogs treated?
- Can pancreatitis be prevented?
- How pet insurance may be able to assist if your dog is diagnosed with pancreatitis
What is pancreatitis in dogs?
Your dog’s pancreas has two important jobs: helping with digestion and managing blood sugar. It produces enzymes that help break down food, as well as hormones such as insulin that help keep blood sugar levels in check.
Pancreatitis simply means this organ has become inflamed.
Vets generally describe pancreatitis in two ways:
- Acute pancreatitis, which comes on suddenly.
- Chronic pancreatitis, which develops over time and can cause changes to the pancreas.
Some dogs can also have a sudden flare-up when they already have underlying inflammation. This is known as acute-on-chronic pancreatitis.
Your vet can explain what type of pancreatitis your dog has and what this may mean for their treatment and ongoing care.
What may cause pancreatitis in dogs?
In many cases, it can be difficult to identify a single cause of pancreatitis. When no specific cause can be identified, it’s known as idiopathic pancreatitis.
However, there are certain things that may increase a dog’s risk, including:
- Eating fatty foods or foods that aren’t part of their usual diet
- Having high levels of fat in the blood
- Certain medications
- Some health conditions, including Cushing’s disease
- Severe trauma
- A predisposition due to breed or other individual factors
Your vet can help identify potential risk factors and advise on the most appropriate management for your dog’s individual circumstances.
Are some dog breeds more at risk of pancreatitis?
While pancreatitis can affect any dog, some breeds may be more predisposed to developing the condition than others. These breeds include Miniature Schnauzers, Yorkshire Terriers, Cocker Spaniels, Dachshunds, and Poodles.
However, it’s important to remember that pancreatitis can affect dogs of any breed. If you’re concerned about your dog’s health or risk of developing pancreatitis, speak with your vet for advice.
Signs of pancreatitis in dogs
The signs of pancreatitis in dogs aren’t always easy to spot. Some dogs become suddenly and obviously unwell, while others may show more subtle signs.
Common signs include:
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Weakness
- Abdominal pain
- Appearing uncomfortable, restless, or sensitive when their abdomen is touched
Other signs may also include:
- Diarrhoea
- Dehydration
- Fever
- Lethargy or low energy
- Unusual changes in behaviour
The signs aren’t always obvious. Your dog might simply seem quieter than usual, less interested in food, or generally not quite themselves.
If you’re concerned about any changes in your dog’s health or behaviour, contact your vet for advice.
How is pancreatitis in dogs diagnosed?
Unfortunately, there isn’t one simple test that can definitively diagnose pancreatitis in dogs. Instead, your vet will usually build up a picture of your dog’s health using a combination of information, including their medical history, the signs they have been showing, a physical examination and the results of any tests.
Your vet may recommend blood tests to look for changes that can be associated with pancreatitis, along with other diagnostic tests to help rule out other conditions that may be causing similar signs. An abdominal ultrasound may also be recommended, as it can sometimes identify changes associated with pancreatitis and provide additional information about your dog’s condition.
Because signs such as vomiting, loss of appetite, and lethargy can occur with a range of health conditions, diagnosing pancreatitis often involves considering several pieces of information rather than relying on a single test result. Your vet is best placed to interpret these findings and advise on the most appropriate next steps for your dog.
How is pancreatitis in dogs treated?
There’s no one-size-fits-all treatment plan when it comes to pancreatitis. The care your dog needs will depend on how unwell they are, any underlying health conditions they may have, and whether there are any complications.
Treatment is usually focused on supporting your dog while they recover and helping keep them comfortable. Depending on their individual circumstances, this may include fluid therapy, medication, pain relief, and dietary management.
Some dogs may require hospitalisation and closer monitoring, particularly if they’re more seriously affected. Your vet will recommend the most appropriate treatment and ongoing care based on your dog’s individual needs.
With prompt vet attention and appropriate care, many dogs can recover well from pancreatitis. Because every dog is different, your vet is best placed to advise on your dog’s outlook, treatment, and ongoing management.
Can pancreatitis be prevented?
There’s no guaranteed way to prevent pancreatitis. Many dogs develop it without a clear cause, so even very careful pet parents can’t remove the risk completely.
There are, however, some everyday things you can do to help reduce your dog’s risk of developing this condition.
Feeding a complete and balanced diet that’s appropriate for your dog’s age and life stage, while avoiding fatty off-cuts, trimmings, and table scraps, may help reduce the risk of pancreatitis.
A few simple habits can help, too:
- Keep bins, leftovers, food scraps, cleaning products, and garden products securely out of your dog’s reach
- Avoid feeding foods that aren’t part of your dog’s usual diet
- Introduce any new foods gradually rather than changing your dog’s diet overnight
- Check with your vet before introducing new treats or supplements, particularly if your dog has had pancreatitis before
- If your dog is overweight, talk to your vet about a safe, gradual weight-management plan
If your dog has already experienced pancreatitis, your vet can advise on the most appropriate diet and ongoing management plan for their individual circumstances.
How pet insurance may be able to assist if your dog is diagnosed with pancreatitis
When your dog becomes unwell, getting them the care they need is vital. But an unexpected trip to the vet, diagnostic tests, or several days in hospital can also come with unexpected costs. And if pancreatitis becomes chronic or comes back again, your dog may need further vet visits and ongoing care.
That’s where pet insurance may be able to help, covering a portion of eligible vet bills so you’re not left to pay for everything yourself.
With RSPCA Pet Insurance, you can also customise your pet’s cover by choosing the annual cover limit, benefit percentage, excess, and optional extras that suit your pet and budget. And with every policy supporting vital RSPCA animal welfare initiatives, it’s protection with purpose. For your own pup and thousands of others across Australia.
To learn more about how RSPCA Pet Insurance could support you and your pet, click here. Or, if you’re ready to take the next step, you can fetch a commitment-free pet insurance quote online.
Disclaimer
As with any insurance, terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Please read the Product Disclosure Statement to make sure the cover suits your needs.
References
[1] Merck Veterinary Manual. Pancreatitis in Dogs and Cats. Available from: https://www.merckvetmanual.com/digestive-system/the-exocrine-pancreas/pancreatitis-in-dogs-and-cats
[2] Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine. Advances in the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis in dogs. Available from: https://academic.oup.com/jvim/article/35/6/2572/8492653
[3] dvm360. Hot Literature: What’s the relationship between hypertriglyceridemia and pancreatitis in miniature schnauzers? Available from: https://www.dvm360.com/view/hot-literature-whats-relationship-between-hypertriglyceridemia-and-pancreatitis-miniature-schnauzers
[4] Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. Management of acute-onset pancreatitis in dogs: a Narrative Review. Available from: https://avmajournals.avma.org/view/journals/javma/262/9/javma.24.02.0107.xml
[5] RSPCA Australia. What should I feed my dog? RSPCA Knowledgebase. Available from: https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/dogs/caring-for-my-dog/what-should-i-feed-my-dog
[6] Pet Poison Helpline. Fertilizers Are Toxic To Pets. Available from: https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/poison/fertilizers/
[7] MSD Veterinary Manual. Pancreatitis and Other Disorders of the Pancreas in Dogs. Available from: https://www.msdvetmanual.com/dog-owners/digestive-disorders-of-dogs/pancreatitis-and-other-disorders-of-the-pancreas-in-dogs
FAQs
The signs of pancreatitis can vary between dogs, but common signs include vomiting, loss of appetite, low energy, and signs of abdominal discomfort or pain. Some dogs may appear generally unwell or behave differently than normal.
If your dog is vomiting, refusing food, or seeming uncomfortable, or if you’re concerned about any sudden change in their behaviour, contact your vet for advice. They can help determine whether your dog needs to be seen and how urgently.
Many dogs with acute pancreatitis can make a good recovery with appropriate vet care. In some cases, ongoing management may be needed, particularly if pancreatitis becomes a recurring or long-term problem. Your vet can explain the treatment options available and what they may mean for your dog’s individual circumstances.
Vets may recommend a low-fat, easily digestible diet while a dog recovers from pancreatitis. In some cases, this might be a specially formulated diet. What works best can vary from dog to dog, particularly if they have other health conditions, so it’s always best to follow your vet’s advice about what to feed your dog and when.
While pancreatitis can affect any dog, some breeds may be more predisposed to developing this condition than others, including Miniature Schnauzers. If you’re concerned about your dog’s risk or health, speak with your vet for advice.
Pancreatitis can involve vet consultations, diagnostic tests, medication and, in more serious cases, hospitalisation which may involve ongoing costs of vet care. Depending on your policy and cover terms and conditions, pet insurance may help cover some of these costs, so you don’t have to face them alone.
With RSPCA Pet Insurance, you can also customise your pet’s cover by choosing the annual cover limit, benefit percentage, excess, and optional extras that suit your pet and budget.
And with every policy supporting vital RSPCA animal welfare initiatives, it’s protection with purpose. For your own pet and thousands of others across Australia.
To learn more, visit the RSPCA Pet Insurance website or click here for a quick, commitment-free quote.
As with any insurance, terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Please read the Product Disclosure Statement to make sure this cover suits your needs.
