Supporting Dogs With Pancreatitis
The pancreas is the vital organ on the right side of the abdomen, above the stomach that produces enzymes to help digest food and produces hormones such as insulin. The pancreas secretes the enzymes into the small intestine and releases hormones into the bloodstream. Pancreatitis occurs when your dog's pancreas becomes inflamed due to the early activation of enzymes within the organ itself. Therefore, this premature process causes the pancreas to attempt to digest itself.
Pancreatitis can manifest in two forms: a mild, edematous form (i.e., observable through swelling from excessive fluid accumulation) and a severe, hemorrhagic form. Besides, the inflammation will cause digestive enzymes to spill into other body areas (e.g., abdominal cavity) and cause secondary damage to adjacent organs (e.g., liver, gallbladder, and intestines).
Causes of Pancreatitis In Dogs
It is difficult to point fingers at a single pancreatitis cause. As a rule of thumb, an excessively fatty meal or corticosteroid administration can cause the onset of the disease. Other causes, such as obesity, hypothyroidism (i.e., underactive thyroid), medications, toxins, and genetic predispositions, infections or injury can also be found on the list of potential causes. Even excess carbohydrates can be contributing factors.
We may also see a dog with an acute inflammatory response as a result of eating something they should not or over-consumption of fatty or starchy foods that are difficult to digest. These are often medical emergencies requiring veterinary care for fluids and medications to control.
Your dog’s breed might suggest a predisposition toward pancreatitis. For example, Miniature Schnauzers’ issues with high blood triglyceride levels and English Cocker Spaniel’s abnormal immune system activity can put the pancreas at an elevated risk. However, that does not mean other breeds are safe; all dogs can suffer from pancreatitis, both big and small, young and old.
Acute Pancreatitis In Dogs
This is a medical emergency in most cases. Your dog is in pain and literally, the pancreas is trying to digest itself. We often see it triggered by getting into the trash or being shared some fatty food item(s).
Chronic Pancreatitis In Dogs
64% of "normal" dogs showed signs of chronic pancreatitis at the time of death. (Post-mortem study). Data shows that 85-90% of symptoms will NOT appear until the dog's pancreas has already shut down. (source: Feeding Dogs, Dr. Connor Brady)
This is to say, our dogs may be suffering without us knowing. And that by the time we see an issue -- we're in big trouble.
So that fatty piece of steak you shared with your dog last night that triggered the acute pancreatic flair-up, was probably just the straw that breaks the camel's back. Your dog may have had a problem that has been brewing under the surface for a long time. As a rule fats are not an evil food item. In fact, they are necessary, even for our seniors. But if the digestive system is in trouble, it could be a complication for sure. An inability to tolerate fats in the diet suggests a bigger root cause.
Symptoms of Pancreatitis In Dogs
Pancreatitis symptoms mainly depend upon the disease’s potency. For example, dogs with a mild form of pancreatitis could experience:
Vomiting
Loss of appetite
Lethargy
Pain in the abdominal area
While dogs with severe forms of pancreatitis may instead experience:
Lethargy
Diarrhea
Severe dehydration
Collapse
Shock
All of these pancreatitis symptoms point toward an overburdened system; feeding excessively fatty meals or high carbohydrates to your dog could eventually overwhelm its pancreas and cause pancreatitis. If your dog is struggling with pancreatitis, what it needs is fresh food, raw animal fats, lower-carbohydrate diet, that can take the pressure off of the pancreas and restore balance to its internal system.
Reduce Your Dogs Risk of Pancreatitis
Fresh Food Diets. Lower fats may be suggested but it’s important to note that raw animal fats in a healthy balanced diet significantly reduce the frequency of pancreatic issues.
Supplements: like supports like so adding Glandulars with pancreas should be considered.
Antioxidants: We suggest regular rotation of fruits, vegetables and supplements that offer antioxidant benefits.
Mushrooms: 5 Defenders as a complex blend with three key mushrooms ( (Reishi, Chaga, Maitake)) that will support the pancreas and reduce inflammation, while also offering antioxidant support
Avoid Table Scrap Treats. We’re firm believers that “people” food isn’t a bad thing for your dog when it’s real food from the grocer or butcher in a balanced recipe for your dog. But if your dog is kibble-fed, adding cooked fatty foods or high carbohydrates to their meals or snacks could trigger a problem. Rendered & processed fats are a significant issue.
Manage healthy weight.
Heal the gut and address underlying medical conditions like diabetes.
Monitor medications & their side effects and go natural in as many ways as possible with real foods, supplements, essential oils, herbs and homeopathy.
Supporting Pancreatic Health In Dogs:
It’s important to consider digestive enzymes, probiotics, antioxidants, essential oils, and supplements including Chaga Mushrooms for a dog with pancreatic conditions. It’s also equally important to look at support for the entire digestive system with fresh foods, supplements, and essential oils that support the liver, kidneys, and other digestive organs. They are a “digestive system” and when one struggles the others will be affected.
Your vet is likely to recommend a dietary change to reduce fat intake. And this is a good step to take. However, we don’t want to have a fat-free diet — so gentle healing is important! But you may also be led to diets that include fat to many carbohydrates which can also be a big tax on the pancreas — think about all that insulin.
Emotions Associated With The Pancreas
Worry is the emotion pancreas. The pancreas is part of 5 Element Theory Earth Element. Excessive worrying and insecurity can weaken our ability to digest foods, thoughts, and emotions. It may be described as knotted energy. For dogs with chronic pancreatitis issues, working through this emotion with emotional release work, essential oils, Reiki, and Animal Communication is going to be an important step to whole dog resolution.
Take Action Today:
Let’s get you on a fresh food diet with the right supplements & essential oils support! It makes a huge difference.
Schedule a 1:1 consult to review your dog’s unique needs and let’s dig into my Guide To Support Dogs With Pancreatitis.
Personal Experience with Pancreatitis In Dogs
I lost my own 13-year old dachshund many years ago to acute onset pancreatitis. A careless accident leaving out a bowl of food. The food my dog had access to was both a rich fatty sauce and high carb pasta. His death was horrific to watch. I was guilt-ridden — and even today feel responsible. But I’ve learned more and share in the hopes of preventing it for someone else. I fed crap food — I didn’t know better at the time. Interestingly enough — I didn’t even know enough back them to make adjustments for my other dogs! Based on the data and knowledge available today — he probably had been in chronic pancreatitis prior to the “fatty food” incident. I’ll never know for sure — but I’ll keep learning and sharing.
content includes modified text from Volhard Dog Nutrition Blog excerpt from Raw Marrow Bones)