The holidays are full of rich meals, tasty treats, and lots of opportunities for pets to sneak a bite of something special — but sometimes, those indulgences can come with serious consequences. If you find yourself wondering why your dog or cat is vomiting, pancreatitis may be the cause. Pancreatitis is one of the most common post-holiday emergencies veterinarians see. It is an inflammation of the pancreas that can affect both dogs and cats. It’s a painful and potentially dangerous condition, but understanding the signs, causes, and treatment options can help you keep your pet safe and healthy throughout the year.

What Exactly Is Pancreatitis?

The pancreas may be a small organ, but it plays a big role in your pet’s health. It helps with digestion and regulates blood sugar levels. When it becomes inflamed, digestive enzymes can start leaking into the abdomen instead of staying where they belong — leading to irritation, pain, and, in severe cases, serious illness.

Pancreatitis can range from mild discomfort to a life-threatening emergency, so knowing what to look for is key.

Common Signs and Symptoms

Pancreatitis can be sneaky, especially at first, but there are a few telltale signs that something isn’t right:

  • Vomiting (sometimes repeatedly)
  • Loss of appetite
  • Abdominal pain — your pet may hunch over, refuse to move, or whimper when touched
  • Diarrhea
  • Lethargy or weakness
  • Dehydration
  • Fever

If your pet is showing a combination of these symptoms, it’s important to call your veterinarian right away.

What Causes Pancreatitis?

In dogs, the most common culprits are high-fat foods — think leftover turkey skin, gravy, buttery sides, or fatty scraps from the dinner table. Obesity, certain medications, trauma, or diseases like diabetes or Cushing’s disease can also make dogs more susceptible.

In cats, the story is often less clear. Pancreatitis in cats is frequently “idiopathic,” meaning there’s no obvious cause, but it can sometimes occur alongside other conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or liver disease.

How Veterinarians Diagnose Pancreatitis

Because the symptoms can overlap with other illnesses, your veterinarian will use a combination of methods to make an accurate diagnosis. Bloodwork can reveal elevated pancreatic enzymes, and imaging — like an abdominal ultrasound — can show signs of inflammation. In some cases, your vet may recommend a fine-needle aspiration to look at pancreatic cells more closely.

Treatment and Recovery

Treatment depends on the severity of the condition, but the goal is always the same: to rest the pancreas and support your pet’s recovery.

  • Fluid Therapy: IV or subcutaneous fluids help combat dehydration and restore electrolyte balance.
  • Pain Relief: Pancreatitis is painful, so managing discomfort is a top priority.
  • Nutritional Support: Pets are often fasted for a short time to rest the pancreas, then slowly reintroduced to a low-fat, easily digestible diet.
  • Medications: Anti-nausea drugs, antibiotics (if infection is suspected), and other supportive medications may be used.
  • Hospitalization: Severe cases may require intensive monitoring and around-the-clock care.
  • Addressing the Cause: If something like obesity or diabetes contributed to the pancreatitis, your veterinarian will help create a plan to manage it and prevent recurrence.

The Road to Prevention

Once a pet has experienced pancreatitis, they’re more likely to have it again — so prevention is key. That means keeping fatty foods, table scraps, and holiday leftovers out of reach, maintaining a healthy weight, and sticking to a vet-approved diet.

At Page Point Animal Hospital & Pet Resort, we see just how quickly pancreatitis can develop, especially during the holidays. There are a number of human foods that can be toxic to pets, and a well-meaning treat or an accidental indulgence can lead to a painful and expensive emergency. Despite the presence of these holiday pet hazards, a little awareness and restraint can prevent pancreatitis and other dangerous complications.

If you suspect your pet may have pancreatitis, don’t wait — call your veterinarian. Early intervention and supportive care make a significant difference in helping pets recover comfortably and stay healthy through the holidays and beyond.

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