Fatty Holiday Foods are a Leading Cause of Pancreatitis in Pets


Rich, indulgent foods are a part of celebrating the holidays. After all, it’s a time of celebration, home, and family. Our pets are part of the family, so we want them to be in on the celebrating too. It can be very tempting to share some special nibbles with our fur-babies, but they’re better off not eating these fatty holiday foods.

Consuming fatty foods is a leading cause of pancreatitis for dogs and cats. Sure, they love the rich food we serve around the holidays, but nothing can ruin your holiday faster than rushing a seriously ill pet to the vet.

Why Does Fatty Food Cause Pancreatitis in Pets?

When an animal consumes a high-fat meal, the pancreas may begin to leak digestive enzymes and become inflamed. The organ actually begins to digest itself, in a way. This condition is known as pancreatitis, and it’s common in pets who are consistently fed high-fat diets.

However, it only takes one high-fat meal to cause a pancreatitis flair up. Giving your dog just a tiny plate of Thanksgiving leftovers could lead to the symptoms of pancreatitis, including diarrhea, vomiting, depression, lethargy, and an excruciatingly painful abdomen.

How Pancreatitis is Treated

It’s going to take a lot of love and patience to get your pet through a bought of pancreatitis, and veterinary care will be required. Your vet will do his best to control your pet’s pain with medication. He will also administer fluids to prevent dehydration due to severe diarrhea and vomiting. The pet will need around the clock care until his pancreas has time to heal.

The Takeaway

The best way to prevent pancreatitis is to ensure that your pet’s diet isn’t too high in fat and to never give high-fat foods as a treat. We understand that giving your pet a special treat is a way to show love and it can be hard to say no. But, in this case, you are doing what’s best for your baby, even if he doesn’t know it. Spend time bonding with a walk or some cuddle time instead. It’ll be healthier and happier for both of you.