The warm season is here—which means family get-togethers, cookouts, and all sorts of yummy foods and sweets, with some major holidays approaching!
Between holiday meals and snacks, the average American may consume twice the daily recommended calories. Of course, this isn’t good for our health. It’s no wonder the first week of the new year brings resolutions to lose weight and strong marketing campaigns by health food companies.
The pancreas is the organ that produces insulin and enzymes which aid in digestion. Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas which is usually caused by obesity or a high-fat diet. But even if your dog isn’t obese or eating a high-fat diet, the introduction of a lot of high-fat foods over a short period can cause acute (sudden) pancreatitis. Veterinarians see a sharp rise in canine pancreatitis over the holiday season due to the vast amounts of food that are available.
The best way to treat any ailment is to prevent it from happening in the first place. But even if you’re doing the right thing and not giving your pup “special treats” or table scraps, your guests may be. It is best to be aware of the symptoms of pancreatitis, how to treat it, and most importantly how to prevent it.
Symptoms of Canine Pancreatitis:
The initial treatment of canine pancreatitis is hydration, pain management, and fasting which gives the pancreas an opportunity to rest and slow the production of enzymes. Depending on the severity of the case, there may need to be a hospital stay to allow for pain management and hydration through IV. For more severe cases with sustained symptoms, your vet may prescribe some different medicines to help return your pup to some form of normalcy. After this, a low-fat diet will likely be prescribed.
There are not any “at-home” remedies for pancreatitis. It can only be effectively treated by your vet. And even knowing this, the initial treatment isn’t a one-time miracle cure. As a matter of fact, most dogs who have suffered from acute pancreatitis end up on a specialized low-fat diet for the rest of their lives.
Some products that can be helpful in treatment are fatty acid supplements and an all-natural raw food diet. As always, consult with your vet before changing your dog’s diet or administering supplements.
The best way to avoid canine pancreatitis is to prevent it.
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