Is Your Dog at Risk for Pancreatitis?

Veterinarians know that, especially during holidays, dogs are more likely to suffer from pancreatitis — a painful, potentially life-threatening condition most commonly caused by overindulgence in rich or fatty foods. And what kitchen isn’t overflowing with such foods during special occasions? Is your dog suddenly vomiting, tired, or not eating? It could be pancreatitis — here’s what it is, how to spot it, and how to help your pet feel better.

What is pancreatitis in dogs?

Pancreatitis in dogs is the painful inflammation of your dog’s pancreas, which can mess with everything from their digestion to their energy levels. 

The pancreas is a thin, delicate-appearing, boomerang-shaped organ that lives in the abdominal cavity, tucked up against the stomach and small intestine. Although the pancreas may be diminutive in appearance, its actions are strong. This organ is the body’s source of insulin and enzymes necessary for food digestion.

When a dog eats, enzymes are released from the pancreas into the small intestine, where they are activated for digestion. Sometimes, for reasons we do not understand, these enzymes are activated within the pancreas itself, resulting in pancreatitis.

When canine pancreatitis is chronic or particularly severe, this little factory might permanently close down, resulting in diabetes mellitus and the need for insulin shots. Or it may lead to exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, requiring digestive-enzyme replacement therapy.

Causes of pancreatitis

In addition to rich or fatty foods, certain drugs, hormonal imbalances, and inherited defects in fat metabolism can cause pancreatitis in dogs. And for some dogs diagnosed with idiopathic pancreatitis, an underlying cause is never found. 

Symptoms of pancreatitis in dogs

Classic pancreatitis symptoms include vomiting, abdominal pain, and decreased appetite and activity levels. Here are other symptoms to watch for if you’re worried your dog might be having a pancreatitis flare-up:

• Nausea

• Vomiting (sometimes more than once)

• Fever

• Low energy or just acting off

• Belly pain — they may flinch or tense if you touch their stomach

• Diarrhea

• Not eating or only picking at food

During an actual attack, some dogs get into a weird, but telling pose: Their front half lies low to the ground, with their back end sticking up, kind of like a play bow.

Signs of worsening pancreatitis in dogs

Signs that pancreatitis is getting worse and requires emergency vet care include repeated vomiting that won’t stop, severe abdominal pain (especially if your dog cries when touched), collapsing, or a visibly swollen belly. If your dog is showing multiple symptoms at once, such as lethargy, weakness, restlessness, and ongoing vomiting, it’s time to get help right away.

Diagnosing pancreatitis in dogs

Short of performing a pancreatic biopsy (an invasive, risky procedure), diagnosing pancreatitis can be challenging. This is because noninvasive tests are fraught with false-negative and false-positive results. Veterinarians must rely on a combination of the following:

• A history of dietary indiscretion, vomiting, and lethargy

• Physical examination findings (particularly abdominal pain)

• Characteristic complete blood-cell count (CBC) and blood chemistry abnormalities

• A positive or elevated Spec cPL (canine pancreas-specific lipase) blood test

• Characteristic abdominal ultrasound abnormalities

How do you treat pancreatitis in dogs?

For mild cases of pancreatitis, treatment is mostly about keeping your dog comfortable. This is best accomplished by allowing the pancreas to rest, which means giving nothing orally (not even water) to prevent digestive enzyme secretion. Small amounts of water and a fat-free diet are typically offered once vomiting has stopped and abdominal pain has subsided.

More severe cases of pancreatitis in dogs require:

• Hospitalization to administer intravenous fluids

• Injectable medication to control vomiting, pain, and stomach-acid secretion

• Antibiotics to prevent secondary infection or abscess formation

Your dog should be monitored around the clock for the life-threatening complications that sometimes accompany pancreatitis, such as kidney failure, heart-rhythm abnormalities, respiratory distress, and bleeding disorders.

Your veterinarian can perform a blood test and/or ultrasound to confirm that the inflammation has calmed down. If your dog has pancreatitis, count on a minimum of two to three days of hospitalization, and be sure to ask who will be caring for your dog during the night.

Managing chronic pancreatitis in dogs

Long-term treatment for pancreatitis typically involves feeding your dog a low-fat or fat-free diet. This may be a lifelong recommendation, especially if your dog has been a “repeat offender.” Most dogs fully recover with appropriate therapy. However, some succumb to the complications associated with this disease.

Is there are cure for pancreatitis in dogs?

There is no cure for pancreatitis. The inflammation must resolve on its own.

What can I do to prevent pancreatitis in dogs?

How to prevent pancreatitis during food-oriented times of the year? Start with being real about what ends up in your dog’s bowl — and what they’re sneaking off the counter. You can avoid feeding them leftovers altogether (this would cause canine mutiny in my household), or you can heed the following recommendations.

• New foods should be fed sparingly and only if well tolerated by your dog’s gastrointestinal tract and waistline.

• Keep in mind that whether offered a teaspoon or a tablespoon of something delicious, most dogs will gulp it down in the same amount of time and reap the same psychological benefit.

• Don’t offer tidbits from the table while you are eating. This is a setup for unwanted behaviors. Offer a treat only after you’ve left the table. 

• If you shouldn’t be eating the food yourself (emphasis on shouldn’t), please don’t feed it to your dog.

Sure, you can share a little plain turkey breast — just skip the skin, buttery mashed potatoes, and creamy gravy. The same goes for brisket: A bite is fine, but steer clear of latkes and sour cream.

Remember: Most dogs are just thrilled they’re getting anything at all. They’re not picky — it’s the gesture that counts.

Commonly asked questions

Is shaking a symptom of pancreatitis in dogs?

Yes, shaking or trembling is a symptom of pancreatitis in dogs. They may be shaking due to pain or weakness.

Can stress cause pancreatitis in dogs​?

Although stress is not a direct cause of pancreatitis in dogs, it may indirectly contribute to it. Research indicates that chronic stress can alter the gut microbiome, potentially leading to inflammation and digestive issues, which could increase the risk of pancreatitis. A study by UT Southwestern researchers found that participants with pancreatitis were deficient in a stress hormone (which is released in response to stress). Its deficiency may play a role in the development of pancreatitis.

Can cheese cause pancreatitis in dogs?

Yes, as a high-fat food, cheese can certainly cause pancreatitis in dogs. Dogs are also lactose intolerant, so cheese, being dairy-based, can cause imbalances in their gut. Cheese should not be a regular part of your dog’s diet. As with other dog treats, it should be given only in moderation (less than 10 percent).

Is pancreatitis contagious in dogs​?

No, pancreatitis isn’t contagious in dogs. It’s caused by inflammation of the pancreas, usually triggered by things such as high-fat diets. It cannot be passed from one dog to another. 

Is pancreatitis fatal in dogs?

Yes, pancreatitis can be fatal in dogs. The mortality rate for acute pancreatitis is high, somewhere between 27 and 58 percent.

References

‌“Could Pancreatitis Be a Stress Hormone Deficiency?” Utsouthwestern.edu, 8 Jan. 2020, www.utsouthwestern.edu/newsroom/articles/year-2020/pancreatitis.html. Accessed 16 July 2025.

Fox, Amy. “Can Dogs Eat Cheese?” Kinship.com, 2023, www.kinship.com/dog-nutrition/can-dogs-eat-cheese. Accessed 16 July 2025.

Garden. “Pancreatitis in Dogs: Warning Signs Your Dog’s Condition Is Getting Worse.” Garden State Veterinary Specialists, 2025, gsvs.org/blog/signs-dog-pancreatitis-worsening/. Accessed 16 July 2025.

Hunter, Tammy. “Pancreatitis in Dogs.” Vca_corporate, 2022, vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/pancreatitis-in-dogs.

‌Lim, Sue Yee, et al. “Management of Acute-Onset Pancreatitis in Dogs: A Narrative Review.” Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, vol. -1, no. aop, 5 June 2024, pp. 1–10, avmajournals.avma.org/view/journals/javma/aop/javma.24.02.0107/javma.24.02.0107.xml, https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.24.02.0107.

Walton, Stuart. “Diagnosing Acute Pancreatitis in Dogs.” Today’s Veterinary Practice, 19 Dec. 2019, todaysveterinarypractice.com/hepatology/diagnosing-acute-pancreatitis-in-dogs.