Should I put my dog down if he has pancreatitis? Euthanasia of a pet is a tricky choice, and it should only be used as a last option when your dog has an extreme condition.
If you own a dog that is diagnosed with pancreatitis or a fluffy one that snatches fatty items whenever you’re having something, then you need to understand the dietary care and prevention of pancreatitis in dogs.
Here’s everything you might want to note down about pancreatitis in order to treat it the right way.
In this article:
Dog pancreatitis recovery time
The duration of recovery is determined by the complexity of your pet’s pancreatitis. For mild conditions, your pet will have to stay at the clinic for 2 to 4 days. Once your pet gets discharged from the clinic, it would be completely healed in one to two weeks. Your pet might also be admitted to the clinic for up to two weeks if he has serious pancreatitis.
Unfortunately, some dogs might experience pancreatitis multiple times over their lives or might get additional health problems in the future. In certain situations, chronic pancreatitis could result in diabetes.
Should I put my dog down if he has pancreatitis?
Dogs with only moderate or occasional pancreatitis could have a long and happy life. It all relates directly to the pet’s standard of living and the veterinarian’s prognosis. Since pancreatitis is in many cases curable, it’s important to listen to your veterinarian’s advice for your pet’s current condition. In case of severe suffering, discuss all the alternatives with your vet before thinking about Euthanasia, there’s no turning back.
Dog pancreatitis death rate
Despite improved research, understanding, and modern medical tools for pancreatitis in dogs, the death rate is unfortunately more than 40%. Similar dogs frequently develop systemic symptoms related to chronic, complex pancreatitis that need extensive medication and hospitalization instead of a moderate, self-limiting condition. Schnauzers and also senior, overweight dogs are more susceptible to the disease.
How do you calm a dog with pancreatitis?
1. Give your dog a bland diet
The veterinarian would most probably recommend this; however, during the initial 1 or 2 two weeks of treatment, it’s necessary to give your dog bland food. Preferably, you should offer your pet a meal that is highly digestible. The best bland meal for your dog is cooked white chicken with white rice. Unfortunately, since this food fails to provide balanced nutrition, you should not continue with this diet for a long time.
As your pet’s condition progresses, you should eventually replace the bland meal with nutrient-dense dog feed. Keep in mind to offer food to your dog in small portions. The goal is to relieve the pressure on the swollen pancreas.
2. Feed your pet less quantity but more frequently
When your dog is fit to eat normally, give smaller but regular meals rather than 1 or 2 big meals. It should include 4-6 light meals in a day. It might be something you have to do for a long time.
3. Offer a low-fat diet
Once you’ve started feeding, make absolutely sure that you’re offering him a low-fat meal. Try to keep overall fat content around 8% or below. If your dog suffers from chronic pancreatitis, the vet may suggest a prescription meal or a low-fat weight-loss plan for him. Although they are normally more expensive, they are often the only thing that can save your dog’s life.
4. Pamper your dog
Ensure that they get a place to rest because your dog would most likely want to relax and disappear to a peaceful place. It also implies that if you have small kids as well as other animals inside the home, keep them apart so that everyone could rest. If they’re in pain or can’t stand and walk, move their dishes nearby and, if required (only if permitted), take them outdoors for toilet purposes if you can minimize exerting force on their abdomen.
5. Keep an eye on their tummies
It leads us to the second point: avoid lifting up your dog during an attack if it involves handling their abdomen. Pets with pancreatitis often have incredibly painful stomachs.
6. Consider using puppy pads
When your dog’s chronic pancreatitis acts up, he generally always seems to have incidents that generally involve diarrhea. Even if your dog is a potty-trained grownup, he could have problems during this stage.
If necessary, have a dog pad nearby for him to use. Don’t ever punish your dog for doing so at home; he can’t really help himself.
7. Keep a supply of water handy
Although you need to avoid giving meals to your pet for at least 24 hours, ensure he has access to water. You might also want to add a spoonful of pure Pedialyte to their water dish.
8. Get the proper medicine for your dog
Your veterinarian would be ready to provide you with painkiller and nausea medications if necessary. Your dog might have to stay at the veterinarian’s office taking IV fluids; therefore, carrying a backpack of his belongings to make him feel comfortable would be quite helpful.
How can I treat my dog’s pancreatitis at home?
Always seek advice from your veterinarian. But, what food and the time you serve your dogs can have a significant influence, so here are a few helpful tips:
- Fast your dog for 24-48 hours: Relaxing the gastrointestinal system can help minimize irritation and discomfort in your pet immediately, and he would appreciate it. Limit the fast for less than 24 hours if your dog is really sick and fatigued due to long-term nausea, diarrhea, or dehydration. Consult your veterinarian to see if an infusion is required.
- Reintroduce foods slowly: Many dogs experiencing IBS, severe diarrhea, and occasional pancreatitis are incapable to process most foods efficiently. Cooking (while your pet recovers) may help break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. It would also lower the possibility of microbial, fungal, and parasite diseases.
- When it comes to supplements, the vet recommends two highly effective adaptogenic mushrooms. Cordyceps (Reishi) and Hericium (Lion’s mane) enhance the digestive system’s health and microbial stability.
- Start introducing your pet to a raw nutritious meal after 1–4 weeks if there are no more complications. Your pet should only be served food one time a day and the other time in the late evening to give the stomach time to recover and process the meals effectively.
Conclusion – dog pancreatitis
Pancreatitis resembles that annoying cousin who refuses to leave: even if he’s gone, the possibility of his return is always high. Sadly, after your dog has experienced pancreatitis, the chances of it happening again are high.
Your biggest prevention against a recurring occurrence of this unwanted visitor is a two-pronged strategy: Keep an eye out for alarming symptoms and take action against whatever you can. Do not allow your pet to get overweight (training is excellent for its health), carefully follow your veterinarian’s dietary guidelines, and, if necessary, give your pet’s medicine on time.
Pancreatitis with mild symptoms typically has a higher survival rate. Because of the possibility of systemic risks, extreme infections get a more detailed diagnosis. However, as an attentive, caring, and most importantly, educated dog parent, you should understand what you could do to lower your pet’s chances of pancreatitis, ways to detect it if it occurs, and methods to control it in the future.