04.23.2025

Pancreatitis in Dogs: Symptoms, Treatments, and Prevention

Understanding the signs, risks, and options for treatment for pancreatitis in dogs is the first step to preventing it.

Veterinarian examining abdomen of puppy.

What is Pancreatitis in Dogs?

Pancreatitis means inflammation of the pancreas, a vital organ responsible for producing enzymes that aid in digestion and regulate blood sugar levels. While any animal with a pancreas can get pancreatitis, including cats and humans, it more commonly occurs in dogs.

Inflammation of the pancreas can occur suddenly and is classified as either acute (severe or intense symptoms) or chronic (continuing over a period of time, usually with more subtle symptoms). Depending on the type of pancreatitis and severity of the inflammation, pancreatitis in dogs can have several symptoms and effects on your dog’s health and well-being.

Signs and Symptoms of Pancreatitis

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of pancreatitis is crucial for early detection and intervention. Symptoms of pancreatitis on their own can often be overlooked or mistaken for a different illness, which can delay treatment and worsen your dog’s overall condition.

Symptoms of Chronic Pancreatitis in Dogs

Chronic pancreatitis is described as an inflammatory condition that continues over time and causes damage to the pancreas. This inflammation persists for an extended period and could lead to recurrent flares of symptoms such as:

· Abdominal pain and tenderness
· Dehydration
· Lack of appetite
· Rapid weight loss
· Oily, pungent stool

Symptoms of chronic pancreatitis in dogs may be less severe and occur more intermittently compared to acute.

Symptoms of Acute Pancreatitis in Dogs

Acute pancreatitis tends to develop suddenly and is characterized by severe inflammation of the pancreas. Symptoms exhibited can be intense and have a sudden onset, often requiring immediate veterinary attention.

Dogs with acute pancreatitis may exhibit symptoms including:
· Abdominal pain and tenderness
· Lethargy
· Decreased or lack of appetite
· Pain that spreads to the back, typically accompanied by back arching, praying posture, or downward dog posture
· Vomiting
· Diarrhea
· Fever
· Dry mouth
· Excessive drooling
· Thick, ropey saliva

These symptoms can present themselves quickly and are often more severe. If you notice your dog exhibiting any of the above symptoms, bring them to your nearest Lovet location immediately for treatment.

Dog Pancreatitis and Shaking

Another symptom that can occur in both acute and chronic pancreatitis is shaking. In dogs, shaking or trembling is often associated with discomfort, pain, or weakness.

Pancreatitis can cause intense abdominal pain, nausea, and general discomfort, which may lead to trembling or shaking as a response. Additionally, dogs with pancreatitis may shake or tremble due to associated weakness or lethargy.

However, just because your dog is shaking or trembling doesn’t mean they automatically have pancreatitis. Shaking and trembling are also associated with other conditions such as pain, anxiety, or neurological issues. If you notice your dog shaking or trembling, especially if it's accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal discomfort, it's important to consult with your Lovet veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Causes of Pancreatitis in Dogs

Several factors can contribute to the development of pancreatitis in dogs. While the exact cause may vary, some common triggers include:

High-fat diet

Some dogs are more sensitive to fat than others, so consuming dog food or treats that are high in fat can trigger inflammation of the pancreas, whether it’s a single instance or a change in diet.

Most often, however, we see pancreatitis in dogs who eat table scraps or something outside their usual diet. While some individual ingredients and whole foods for humans are safe to share with your dog, foods like bacon, ham, turkey or chicken skin, seasoned or fatty meat, cheese, and cold cuts can bring on a pancreatitis attack.

Obesity

Excess bodyweight is a factor that may contribute to metabolic changes in your dog, increasing the likelihood of pancreatic inflammation. While every dog’s ideal weight is different, an obese dog usually has rounded hips, a flat “coffee table” back, and a lack of tuck at the ribcage. Your Lovet team can give you personalized advice about your dog’s weight at your next appointment.

Genetics and underlying health conditions

Certain breeds have a higher predisposition to developing pancreatitis. Breeds such as Dachshunds, Miniature Schnauzers, Cocker Spaniels, Poodles, and some terrier breeds all fall into this category.  

In addition, dogs with underlying health conditions, such as hyperlipidemia (elevated blood lipid levels), diabetes mellitus, Cushing's disease, or hypothyroidism, may have an increased risk of developing pancreatitis.

Toxins

Chocolate, a well-known toxin for pets, poses a serious risk of pancreatitis. Additionally, lilies, often associated with acute kidney failure, can also lead to pancreatitis.

Zinc ingestion presents another grave concern, with its potential to trigger intravascular hemolysis and subsequent pancreatitis. Moreover, certain organophosphates like disulfoton and diazinon (often found in pesticides) have been implicated in severe pancreatitis cases.

Less common factors

Certain bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections — like babesiosis, a tickborne parasitic disease — can lead to inflammation of the pancreas. Certain medications such as antibiotics, immunosuppressants, and chemotherapy drugs won’t outright cause pancreatitis, but can increase your pet’s susceptibility to other more direct factors. In addition, trauma caused to the abdomen area such as blunt force injuries or surgical procedures that involve the pancreas can directly cause inflammation or lead to the introduction of infection to the area.

How is Pancreatitis Diagnosed?

Diagnosing pancreatitis in dogs involves a comprehensive combination of clinical evaluation, laboratory tests, imaging studies, and sometimes more invasive procedures.

Clinical evaluation

If your dog is beginning to show symptoms that suggest pancreatitis, your Lovet vet will typically begin diagnosis with a thorough, nose-to-tail examination. During the exam, your vet may lightly press on the abdomen to check for signs of abdominal discomfort or distention, which can be indicative of pancreatitis. However, a physical exam is only one piece of the diagnostic puzzle as many gastrointestinal conditions can produce symptoms of discomfort or bloating.

Laboratory tests

In addition to a physical exam, your vet will likely recommend a lab test or blood draw. In the results of these tests, your vet will be looking at pancreatic enzyme levels, white blood cell count, electrolyte levels, and markers of inflammation to help assess the severity of the condition and rule out other potential causes of the symptoms.

Imaging studies

Imaging studies, particularly abdominal ultrasound, are valuable tools in diagnosing pancreatitis in dogs. Ultrasounds can help to visualize the pancreas and detect changes such as swelling, inflammation, and the presence of fluid-filled cavities known as pancreatic pseudocysts.

Additionally, ultrasounds can assess the surrounding abdominal organs for signs of complications such as bile duct obstruction or pancreatic abscesses. While ultrasounds are a useful tool for detecting pancreatitis, other imaging modalities such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used. X-rays may also be performed to rule out any foreign bodies that may be inside your dog's gastrointestinal tract.

Additional procedures

In some cases, more invasive procedures may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis of pancreatitis or evaluate its severity. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) or biopsy of the pancreas may be performed under ultrasound guidance to obtain a sample of pancreatic tissue for analysis.

However, these procedures carry some risks and may not be feasible for all patients, especially those with severe illness or other underlying health conditions. Additionally, exploratory abdominal surgery may be considered in cases where the diagnosis remains uncertain despite other diagnostic tests, or when there is a suspicion of complications such as pancreatic necrosis or abscess formation.

Treatments for Pancreatitis in Dogs

Treatment for pancreatitis in dogs typically involves supportive care to manage symptoms, reduce inflammation, support pancreas function, and promote healing. Treatments for pancreatitis may include:

Treatment at your veterinary hospital

After your vet makes the pancreatitis diagnosis, depending on the severity, they may recommend a few treatments in-hospital to help fast-track your dog’s healing and reduce any discomfort. This might include placing an IV to provide fluids if your dog is dehydrated, or they may provide an initial dose of pain management, anti-inflammatories, or anti-nausea medication for abdominal discomfort or vomiting. If acute symptoms are severe enough, your dog may need to be hospitalized for a few days to allow for consistent monitoring and symptom management.

At-home treatment

Once your vet makes the diagnosis, administers any in-hospital treatments, and clears your dog to go home, you’ll need to continue treatment at home as directed. This usually includes administering prescribed medication and making lifestyle changes to reduce the workload placed on the pancreas and decrease inflammation.  

 Closely following your vet’s recommendations and prescribed treatment plan is necessary to reduce the risk of pancreatitis recurrence and manage any underlying health conditions which could be affecting your dog’s risk levels. Regular follow-ups with your vet are also important, so that your team can monitor your dog’s condition and adjust treatment if necessary.

Can a Dog Recover from Pancreatitis?

While pancreatitis can be life-threatening in severe cases, with quick treatment and proper management, many dogs with pancreatitis go on to recover completely from their symptoms and live happy, healthy lives. For dogs with chronic pancreatitis, ongoing care and monitoring is necessary to prevent long-term complications and maintain a good quality of life.

However, as with all medical events, your dog’s life expectancy with pancreatitis and recovery outlook depends on the severity of the inflammation, how quickly they were treated and how well they responded, and the presence of any other underlying health issues.

How to Comfort a Dog with Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis symptoms can be uncomfortable and distressing for you and your dog. With proper care and attention, you can help your best friend feel better and start healing.

Create a healing environment. Make sure your pup has a comfortable, quiet place to rest while they heal.
Administering medications as prescribed. Proper pain and nausea management helps your dog get back to their normal self faster.
Consistent and proper feeding. Small, frequent meals of bland, easily digestible, low-fat food can help prevent further irritation of the pancreas and reduce the risk of vomiting.
Provide plenty of fresh water. Dehydration can worsen your dog’s condition, especially if they’re experiencing vomiting or diarrhea.
Spend quality time. Offering attention, gentle affection, and soothing words can help alleviate anxiety and help your dog feel safe.
Monitor symptoms. Let your Lovet vet know right away of any changes or worsening symptoms.

How to Prevent Pancreatitis in Dogs:

Preventing pancreatitis in dogs involves implementing a combination of dietary, lifestyle, and preventative measures to minimize the risk of inflammation and promote overall health.

Maintain a healthy weight

Obesity is a significant risk factor for pancreatitis in dogs. Help your dog maintain a healthy weight by providing a balanced diet and regular exercise. Avoid overfeeding and limit treats, especially those high in fat.

Feed a balanced diet

Choose high-quality, balanced dog food that is appropriate for your dog's age, breed, and activity level. Choose low-fat dog foods and treats and avoid feeding table scraps or fatty treats, as these can trigger pancreatitis episodes in even small amounts.

Avoid sudden dietary changes

Gradually transition your dog to their new diet to avoid gastrointestinal upset and reduce the risk of pancreatitis. Sudden changes in diet can stress the pancreas and increase the likelihood of inflammation.

Prioritize regular exercise

Regular exercise helps your dog maintain a healthy weight, promotes digestion, and reduces the risk of obesity-related health issues, including pancreatitis. Take your dog for daily walks, engage in interactive play sessions, and provide opportunities for physical activity.

Monitor medications

Some medications can increase the risk of pancreatitis in dogs. Always administer medications as prescribed by your veterinarian and be vigilant for any adverse reactions or signs of illness.

Avoid toxins

Certain toxins, such as certain medications, household chemicals, and poisonous plants, can trigger pancreatitis in dogs. Keep these substances out of reach and ensure your home environment is safe for your dog.

Regular veterinary check-ups

Schedule regular wellness exams with your veterinarian to monitor your dog's overall health and detect any potential issues early on. Your Lovet veterinarian can provide personalized recommendations for your dog's diet, exercise, and preventative care based on their individual needs.

Stay informed

Educate yourself about pancreatitis and its risk factors, symptoms, and preventative measures. (This article was a great start!) By staying informed, you can make informed decisions about your dog's health and well-being and take proactive steps to prevent pancreatitis.