Dogs cannot tell you when they are feeling unwell; they often rely entirely on their owners to notice subtle signs. Sometimes, when you see your dog vomiting, losing a significant amount of weight recently, or even losing interest in their favorite treats, it's time to pay close attention. These symptoms may not be caused by overeating or too much play—there's a possibility your dog could be suffering from pancreatitis.
Pancreatitis symptoms are very common and nonspecific, which often leads to owners overlooking them. Even for professional veterinarians, diagnosing pancreatitis can be a challenge.
Take the case of Pickles, a six-year-old Labrador. Earlier, Pickles' owner suspected he had eaten some weeds or corn cobs that caused him to vomit blood. After examining Pickles, the vet immediately performed blood tests and X-rays. The X-rays showed some unusual gas in Pickles' intestines, but the exact location was unclear. However, the vet confirmed there were no foreign objects in the digestive tract. While waiting for the blood test results, the vet suspected pancreatitis.
It's important to remember that even mild pancreatitis can trigger a systemic inflammatory response, and in severe cases, it can lead to multi-organ failure. There are many theories about what causes pancreatitis, but most relate to diet. Some dogs accustomed to low-fat or normal-fat diets may develop pancreatitis after suddenly consuming high-fat food. We can say with certainty that eating too much fat is a significant trigger for pancreatic problems or chronic pancreatitis.
Therefore, never respond to your dog's loss of appetite or lethargy by feeding them more treats. At such times, owners must carefully observe every behavior and movement of their dogs, or risk putting their dog's life in danger.
During Pickles' hospitalization, his owners took turns encouraging him. Although Pickles could not speak, their support likely played a key role in his recovery. After five days, with no more vomiting and the vet confirming his condition was stable, Pickles was discharged.
Dogs are different from us—they cannot choose how to care for themselves, nor do they understand why they must leave their owners to stay in an animal hospital. So, if you love your dog, it's essential to learn how to care for them properly and attentively.
