Is this just tummy upset or something more?
Pancreatitis...
What is pancreatitis, you ask?
In short-- inflammation of the pancreas-- causing vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, lethargy, anorexia (lack of appetite), as well as subsequent dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
This is not just simple tummy upset. Pancreatitis does require medical intervention and often times, requires hospitalization and more intensive care than simple out-patient treatment can provide.
Pancreatitis can affect dogs, as well as cats, although symptoms in the cat can be much more subtle than in the dog.
This time of year, Pancreatitis is often caused by "spoiling" (whether intentional or not) our pets with treats of Valentine's, Easter or Halloween candy, Memorial Day or 4th of July cookout foods, Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas goodies or other types of "people food".
Remember, pets can't digest everything we eat the same way, especially fats from meats. To avoid this painful and potentially serious disease, avoid giving your pet most types of "people food" treats! Exceptions to this include most raw or steamed fruits & veggies
(NO grapes, raisins, nuts, onions or garlic, as these can be toxic to your pet).
To learn more about pancreatitis, check out this great article from VIN!
For a more indepth list of "people foods" you should avoid feeding your pet,
check out this great article from ASPCA's Animal Poison Control!
For other helpful information for pet owners,
check out our Clients' Corner in the lefthand menu!
In short-- inflammation of the pancreas-- causing vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, lethargy, anorexia (lack of appetite), as well as subsequent dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
This is not just simple tummy upset. Pancreatitis does require medical intervention and often times, requires hospitalization and more intensive care than simple out-patient treatment can provide.
Pancreatitis can affect dogs, as well as cats, although symptoms in the cat can be much more subtle than in the dog.
This time of year, Pancreatitis is often caused by "spoiling" (whether intentional or not) our pets with treats of Valentine's, Easter or Halloween candy, Memorial Day or 4th of July cookout foods, Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas goodies or other types of "people food".
Remember, pets can't digest everything we eat the same way, especially fats from meats. To avoid this painful and potentially serious disease, avoid giving your pet most types of "people food" treats! Exceptions to this include most raw or steamed fruits & veggies
(NO grapes, raisins, nuts, onions or garlic, as these can be toxic to your pet).
To learn more about pancreatitis, check out this great article from VIN!
For a more indepth list of "people foods" you should avoid feeding your pet,
check out this great article from ASPCA's Animal Poison Control!
For other helpful information for pet owners,
check out our Clients' Corner in the lefthand menu!
