If you’re worried your dog might have pancreatitis and you’re looking for advice then don’t worry, you have definitely come to the right place. Whether you have noticed some symptoms in your dog, or you’ve been doing a little bit of research and you’re starting to get worried, it’s important you know whether or not your dog needs further medical attention. Luckily, there are lots of things you can do to ensure you’re doing all that you can to keep them safe. From taking them to the vets to researching symptoms online, the more you’re doing for them the better. With that in mind, here is a short guide to pancreatitis in dogs:
What Are the Symptoms of Pancreatitis in Dogs?
One of the best things you can do is ensure you’re looking out for the symptoms in your dog. These include, but are not limited to, the following - nausea, vomiting, fever, lethargy, abdominal pain, diarrhoea and an extremely decreased appetite. You may also find that they’re more dehydrated and need a lot more water than normal.
If your dog is having an attack, they may take a ‘praying position', which means their rear end will be up in the air while their front legs and head are lowered onto the ground.
Pancreatitis in Dogs Treatment
Luckily, there are lots of different ways in which to treat pancreatitis in dogs. This could include:
- Antiemetic medication is great if your dog experiences vomiting
- You can withhold food and drink for 24 hours to rest the pancreas (upon a vet’s recommendation)
- Monitor their overall fat intake, which means no table scraps allowed
- Spread their meals out throughout the day, rather than having them all in one go
- Have them checked over by a vet regularly
- Consider the dog food that you are feeding them
- If they have a severe case, IV fluid therapy is a great treatment option
Although this list is not exhaustive, it’s a great place to start if you’re looking to aid your dog in their recovery.
The Ideal Dog Pancreatitis Diet
If you want to ensure your dog has the ideal pancreatitis diet, you should visit your vet as they will be able to suggest the best possible options available. In most cases, this will be food that contains less than 18% fat.
How to Comfort A Dog with Pancreatitis?
If your dog is having an attack, the best thing you can do is to comfort them. While you may not be able to ease the pain entirely, make sure they have everything they need, including lots of love and attention. If it’s really bad, consider taking them to an emergency vet.
With lots of great advice to bear in mind when it comes to pancreatitis in dogs, you can be sure you’re doing everything it takes to give them the best possible care.
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