Dogs, Holiday Foods, and Pancreatitis
Thanksgiving and Christmas Treats Can Make Your Dog Sick
Oct 15, 2008
Fatty treats or fatty leftovers, such as gravy, turkey skin, or ham from holiday meals can cause pancreatitis in dogs. When families gather, there are a lot more fatty foods available and a lot more people to give treats to the dog. Sometimes dogs get into fatty candies or desserts left sitting out for guests, or they, unfortunately, raid a garbage can left within their reach.
What is Pancreatitis?
The pancreas has several functions. It makes insulin which helps control metabolism and blood sugar levels. The pancreas also produces digestive enzymes to break down food for absorption in the intestine. Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas that occurs when these digestive enzymes leak into surrounding tissues and the pancreas begins to digest itself.
Causes of Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis can be caused by a fatty diet, underlying diseases, parasites, some medications, and trauma. Any dog can get pancreatitis but it is more common and also more serious in overweight dogs. Older dogs are more prone to pancreatitis than younger dogs. Some breeds are predisposed, such as the Schnauzer, the Sheltie, and the Yorkshire Terrier.
Symptoms of Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is very painful to the dog and can be very serious. Dr. Mary Labato, DVM, internal medicine, Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine, North Grafton, MA. says, "It can run the gamut from mild with vomiting to life threatening and the cause of rapid death."
Dogs with pancreatitis may exhibit several symptoms including:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lack of appetite
- Depression
- Restlessness due to abdominal pain
When a dog is showing signs of abdominal pain, it’s important to withhold food for 24 hours or more to allow the digestive tract to rest. A veterinarian should be consulted as other treatments including fluid therapy, intravenous feeding, antibiotics, pain relief, and even surgery may be necessary.
Preventing Pancreatitis
According to Mike Richards, DVM, a moderate fiber, low fat diet may help prevent pancreatitis.
Dr. Richards says, “High fat diets apparently cause release of pancreatic lipase in the microscopic circulation of the pancreas which digests fats in the blood causing release of damaging fatty acids, which cause inflammation and release of more lipase, which eventually starts to digest the pancreatic tissue, leading to the severe inflammation that causes the signs of pancreatitis.”
He also recommends exercise and maintaining proper weight.
When families gather for holiday feasts, it’s a good idea to keep pets away from the table so they won’t be tempted to beg for rich and fatty treats. Garbage containers need to be securely covered and out of reach as well.
Dog owners may also want to learn why it’s not safe to give Scruffy bones and other table foods.
Related Reading:
Keeping Your Dog Safe at Christmas
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