Pancreatitis is one of those health issues that you will never want a dog to have to deal with. The pancreas is one of the most important organs in the dog’s body and has a lot of vital functions, among which are the production of insulin and other hormones, as well as the secretion of digestive enzymes. If you notice any symptoms that could point to a medical condition related to the pancreas, then you should go to the vet with your dog for a consultation.
Comforting a Dog with Pancreatitis
There are a few things you can do, which will surely comfort your dog while he is trying to recover, aside from giving him the necessary medication and treatment.
Give the dog a diet that is super bland
During the first 14 days of recovery, it will be very important for you to give your dog bland food, and this is likely to be the first piece of advice you get from your vet as well. As a general rule, figure out a diet easy to digest by your dog. Among the easiest foods that your dog will likely enjoy eating are white rice and boiled chicken meat. Keep in mind that this diet doesn’t offer the needed nutritional balance, which is why you should try to avoid overdoing it.
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The bland food will have to be swapped out slowly and gradually with proper food that has enough nutrients, as soon as you notice a change for the better in the dog’s health. Make sure you also give your dog meals that are split into smaller amounts. This is to make sure that you don’t put a lot of strain on the dog’s inflamed pancreas.
You should also refrain from giving your dog human food
If it is not unusual for you to give your dog food you cook for yourself, then you should really consider not doing this for a while. Dogs suffering from pancreatitis should really avoid high-fat diets, and no food has a higher content of fat than food intended for humans.
Ensure your dog has a healthy lifestyle
Another very important thing you can do, aside from giving your dog proper food, is to take him on enough walks, if you aren’t already doing this. In general, pancreatitis is linked to dogs who are overweight, which is why a healthy lifestyle will ensure that your dog won’t develop pancreatitis again.
FAQs on Dogs with Pancreatitis
Below you will find some of the most common questions dog owners have about pancreatitis.
Can I cure a dog’s pancreatitis at home?
Pancreatitis has a whole range of severity, with some dogs having milder forms, while others fighting severe types of the illness. While this condition is still in its first stages, some dog owners think they can cure it at home. I am strongly against this.
If left untreated for too long, or not treated properly as early as possible, pancreatitis can easily become life-threatening, which is very important to get a proper diagnosis and treatment route from your vet. A vet is also able to figure out the best treatment to ensure that the risk of the illness progressing into more serious stages is reduced to the max.
Should dogs with pancreatitis eat sweet potatoes?
Sweet potato is a great choice of carbohydrates that you can give your dog, although white rice is still better and should always be your first choice. Before you give sweet potatoes to your dog, make sure you peel its skin off first.
How long should Pancreatitis recovery take?
This will depend on several factors, of which the most important is the severity of the illness that your dog is dealing with. As long as the dog has a good prognosis and the treatment and diet are followed properly, recovery of mild cases shouldn’t take more than a few days. On the other hand, It will take some weeks to deal with a more serious condition.
