Skip the Brat, Save the Yorkie: What You Need to Know About Pancreatitis in Dogs
The grill is sizzling. The table is full. Your dog is giving you those eyes. You’re just about to sneak them a little bite of sausage, steak, or bacon-wrapped something…
But here’s a friendly piece of advice from the veterinary side of the fence: Skip the brat. Save the Yorkie. Because what seems like a tasty treat could trigger a serious, painful—and expensive—medical emergency: pancreatitis.
At PetMed of Key West Veterinary Clinic in Dubuque, we see a spike in cases of pancreatitis in dogs around the holidays and summer months—right when backyard cookouts are in full swing.
What Is Pancreatitis?
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, the small organ responsible for producing enzymes that help digest food. When it’s working normally, everything’s fine. But when it gets inflamed—often from a fatty meal—it can release those enzymes too early, essentially digesting the pancreas itself. Ouch.
Pancreatitis can range from mild to life-threatening. And once a dog has had it once, they’re more likely to suffer from recurrent episodes in the future.
Common Causes of Pancreatitis in Dogs
- Fatty foods (bacon, sausage, table scraps, turkey skin, gravy)
- Sudden diet changes
- Garbage gut (raiding the trash)
- Obesity
- Certain medications or metabolic conditions (like diabetes or Cushing’s disease)
- No known cause (in some cases, it just happens—we don’t like it either)
Symptoms to Watch For
Pancreatitis symptoms can vary from subtle to severe. Watch for:
- Vomiting (sometimes repeatedly)
- Diarrhea
- Lack of appetite
- Lethargy or weakness
- Abdominal pain (may arch their back or whimper when touched)
- Fever
- Dehydration
Some dogs just “don’t seem right”—but with pancreatitis, early care is critical to prevent things from spiraling.
How We Diagnose and Treat It
If we suspect pancreatitis, we may run:
- Bloodwork, including a specific pancreatic enzyme test (Spec cPL)
- Abdominal radiographs or ultrasound to assess internal inflammation
- Hospitalization to provide IV fluids, pain relief, anti-nausea medications, and nutritional support
Mild vs. Severe Cases
- Mild cases may respond well to outpatient treatment, a low-fat diet, and rest.
- Severe cases require intensive hospitalization, round-the-clock monitoring, and supportive care for multiple days.
In these cases, we often recommend transfer to a 24/7 emergency and critical care facility, such as:
- BluePearl in Cedar Rapids
- VCA-VES in Middleton, WI
Yes, that means multiple days of hospitalization… and yes, multiple thousands of dollars. So while we love a good cookout as much as the next Midwesterner—please don’t let your pup be part of the feast.
Long-Term Management
Dogs who’ve had pancreatitis are more prone to future episodes, so we recommend:
- Low-fat prescription diets
- No table scraps or high-fat treats (sorry, no more sausage snacks!)
- Regular monitoring and body condition management
- Discussing medication changes if your dog is on drugs that can impact the pancreas
Prevention Is the Best Medicine
We love grilling season, too—but some things are best left on the human plate.
That one bite of buttered corn or grilled brat might seem harmless, but pancreatitis is painful, dangerous, and expensive—and it’s entirely preventable. Call PetMed of Key West Veterinary Clinic in Dubuque if your dog isn’t acting right after a fatty meal or holiday gathering. We’re here to help you get ahead of the problem—and to help your pup feel better fast. And remember: Skip the brat. Save the Yorkie.