Pancreatitis in dogs is a painful condition caused by inflammation of the pancreas, an organ that sits near the stomach.
The pancreas produces hormones, including insulin, that helps control blood sugar and digestive enzymes that help break down starch and fat from the diet. Its key role in supporting the digestive system means that dogs can easily become ill when they are suffering from pancreatitis.
Read on to explore signs of pancreatitis in dogs, its causes and how it's treated.
Signs and symptoms of pancreatitis in dogs
Symptoms of pancreatitis in dogs include:
Lethargy/depression
Loss of appetite
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Abdominal pain/tenderness
If your dog shows any of these symptoms for more than 24hrs, or they keep coming back, you should take them to the vet. Your vet might be able to diagnose based on the symptoms alone but may need to perform blood tests or an ultrasound to rule out other causes.
What breeds are more susceptible to pancreatitis?
The severity of pancreatitis in dogs can range from mild to severe, but the condition is relatively common, with some breeds being more prone than others:
Miniature Schnauzers
Yorkshire Terriers
Cocker Spaniels
Miniature Poodles
What causes pancreatitis in dogs?
There are many possible causes of pancreatitis in dogs, including endocrine diseases (such as underactive thyroid), medications, acid reflux, obesity and a high-fat diet. Identifying the specific cause can often be difficult, but once the condition is triggered, the pancreas releases digestive enzymes into its own tissue, causing pain and inflammation.
The condition will often be chronic or long-term; once a dog has suffered from a bout of pancreatitis, they are much more prone to it in the future. The best defence against a repeat occurrence is to look out for symptoms and control the factors that you can to reduce risk.
Treating and preventing pancreatitis in dogs
Treatment for pancreatitis in dogs is focused on providing pain relief and if possible, addressing the underlying cause. While there’s no definite way to eliminate the chance of pancreatitis in dogs, there are some steps you can take with your dog’s diet to reduce the risk:
Don’t let your pooch become overweight! A healthy lifestyle and weight are just as important for dogs as they are for humans.
Dog pancreatitis diet = avoid high-fat! When choosing a dog food for pancreatitis, look for a food that is low in fat, Ideally no more than 8-10%.
Health 
With pancreatitis in dogs, the pancreas will be less efficient at fulfilling its purpose in aiding digestion. Choose a dog food that isn’t too high in fibre, contains easily digestible ingredients and added pre/probiotics to help stable digestive function. Pre/probiotics help support digestion by increasing 'good' bacteria in the gut. These can become depleted if your dog suffers from pancreatitis. Prebiotic FOS (a natural prebiotic) increases the activity of ‘friendly bacteria’ in the gut and aids the ratio of good to bad bacteria ensuring that the digestive system works properly.
Bionic Biotic
A gentle, easy-to-use probiotic powder for dogs, designed to support digestive health and maintain a balanced gut. Perfect for puppies and adults, this dog probiotics formula helps promote overall wellbeing and comfort.
-
Aids digestion
-
Antioxidant rich
-
Money back guarantee
Current price: £10.99
Bionic Biotic
When it comes to pancreatitis in dogs, it is always best to check food and supplements with your vet. Each case of the condition can affect your dog differently because, as we know, each dog is different.