Home Treatment & Natural Remedies For Pancreatitis In Dogs
Pancreatitis in dogs can often be managed at home by feeding a low-fat, hypoallergenic diet along with digestive enzymes and probiotics. Although a diagnosis of pancreatitis may be scary, many pet owners have successfully controlled flare-ups and reduced the risk of recurrence by supporting their dog's digestive health. The goal of natural remedies for pancreatitis is to alleviate symptoms like loose stool, acid reflux, burping, abdominal pain, and indigestion. Supplements that are especially helpful include pancreatic enzymes, probiotics and CBD oil to improve your dog's digestion and relieve discomfort.
Why Digestive Enzymes Are Essential for Dogs With Pancreatitis
Digestive enzymes play a crucial role in managing pancreatitis in dogs. They help break down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, reducing the workload on the pancreas. By aiding digestion, these enzymes alleviate symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea. Enzymes such as LypoZyme are specifically designed to support digestion and improve nutrient absorption, making them an invaluable tool in home treatment.
Pancreatitis Support Kit - Our Pancreatitis Support Kit contains three supplements that work synergistically to provide comprehensive support for a dog's liver and pancreas: Power Probiotic, LypoZyme and Liver Support to improve digestion, support liver and gallbladder health and reduce gastric distress. Pancreatitis can affect your dog's liver function. The close proximity of the pancreas to the liver can affect bile flow, cause pancreatic enzymes to leak into the abdomen and affect liver function.
LypoZyme For Pets - This is a powerful powdered natural enzyme that can be mixed into food. It helps with the digestion of protein, fats and carbohydrates. It is veterinary-approved and has a stronger potency and purity than digestive enzymes purchased at a pet store. LypoZyme is gentle enough for a tiny pet and effective for larger pets. It’s easy to administer - just sprinkle on your dog’s food - and it’s safe and natural. It has NO FILLERS and is made in the USA.
 K9 Digestive Enzymes - This is the best digestive enzyme supplement to help maintain normal digestive function in dogs. It contains pancreatin, HCL and ox bile for increased absorption of protein and fats. It activates the digestive enzymes that break down foods. This unique combination of ingredients helps to relieve gas, bloating, burping and other symptoms associated with poor digestion and pancreatitis.
The Role of Probiotics in Supporting Digestive Health
Probiotics are essential for maintaining a healthy gut microbiome. For dogs with pancreatitis, probiotics help balance gut bacteria, reduce inflammation, and support overall digestive health. Power Probiotic is a top choice, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria that aid in digestion and reduce discomfort associated with pancreatitis. Regular use of probiotics can enhance digestion and support recovery.
Power Probiotic - LypoZyme works best when used in conjunction with Power Probiotic. Power Probiotic is the best probiotic for pets. Backed by scientific research, this powerful multi-strain supplement promotes the growth of friendly bacteria that are essential to a healthy digestive system. Power Probiotic helps relieve discomfort associated with pancreatitis. It’s critical to use if your pet has taken antibiotics and steroids. Most dogs love the taste - just open and sprinkle on food.
Supplements To Ease Your Dog's Pain At Home
Happy Paws Drops - Many pets with pancreatitis are in pain and don't want to eat. After eating, they may have an upset stomach, noises in the abdomen, lethargy and may eat grass in an attempt to relieve the discomfort. Happy Paws Hemp Oil can help to reduce the inflammation associated with pancreatitis and help relieve pain. Each 1oz bottle contains 550mg of full-spectrum hemp extract in an unflavored all-natural coconut oil base. 100% organic. Made in the USA.
 Soothing Digestive Relief - Many dogs with pancreatitis suffer with an upset stomach. Soothing Digestive Relief contains a special blend of herbs and plant enzymes that have been scientifically proven to calm and soothe the digestive tract. Ingredients such as papaya leaf, marshmallow root and a digestive enzyme blend can help your dog find relief from tummy rumbling, diarrhea, indigestion, upset stomach and gas. Easy to administer--just open the capsule and sprinkle on your pet's food. Veterinary approved and recommended.
Feeding a Hypoallergenic, Low Fat Diet to Manage Pancreatitis
A healthy diet is critical for managing pancreatitis in dogs. Opt for a fresh, clean, and low-fat diet to reduce inflammation and support pancreatic health. Avoid high-fat and processed foods, which can exacerbate symptoms. A hypoallergenic diet that is free from grains and fillers helps minimize irritation and supports overall well-being.
If your dog has been diagnosed with pancreatitis, it is important to feed a diet that is low in fat, hypoallergenic and grain-free to reduce inflammation and help to prevent future flare-ups. Thus, feeding a hypoallergenic dog pancreatitis diet can quiet GI inflammation, which, along with a lower fat diet, can help your dog feel better overall. Certain foods such as allergens and grains can be pro-inflammatory, meaning they can increase inflammation, so eliminating them from your dog’s diet is helpful. Ask Ariel Pet Nutritionist Susan Blake Davis offered holistic consultations in conjunction with veterinarians at VCA hospitals for over 10 years. Her canine pancreatitis diet and digestive enzyme supplements for dogs with pancreatitis can be used along with conventional treatments recommended by your veterinarian. Many pet owners might not realize that many foods (even the highest-quality, grain-free, premium diets) are contributing to their dog’s health issues. Please be sure to include the food and treats you are feeding your dog on the order form at checkout. We will include FREE diet tips for dogs with pancreatitis on the packing slip that comes with your order.
What Is Pancreatitis in Dogs?
Pancreatitis in dogs is a life-threatening condition that occurs most often when pets overindulge in too many high-fat foods. While certain breeds such as schnauzers and Yorkshire terriers are more susceptible to pancreatitis (and have a lower tolerance to fats), any dog can develop it. Pancreatitis-related emergency visits occur most frequently the days after Thanksgiving and Christmas. Dogs are scavengers and are well known for tearing through trash bags or sneaking food from the counter. Well-meaning guests may treat your dog to a piece of fatty meat or pumpkin pie under the table. Overconsumption of table scraps can have deadly consequences. Smaller pets such as teacup Yorkies are especially vulnerable.
It’s important to know the symptoms of pancreatitis so that quick action can be taken if your pet shows the signs. Pancreatitis in dogs occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed or swollen. A healthy pancreas is essential for the production of insulin to regulate blood sugar and enzymes that help with nutrient absorption during digestion. High-fat-content diets can cause the pancreas to overproduce digestive enzymes. These excess enzymes can start digesting the pancreatic tissue, which results in pain and swelling.
Symptoms of Pancreatitis in Dogs
During an attack, many dogs will assume a “praying position,” with their front legs and head lowered to the ground and their rear end up in the air. They are trying to relieve the pressure in the abdomen. Other symptoms of pancreatitis in dogs may include:
- Abdominal pain and upset stomach
- Swollen abdomen
- Arching of the back
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Fever
- Restlessness and depression
- Gagging
Please call your veterinarian right away if you notice your dog displaying these symptoms of pancreatitis. Dogs can have two forms of pancreatitis: acute (sudden onset) or chronic (the more common form where the dog has bouts or periodic episodes). Both forms of pancreatitis can be helped long-term with the use of digestive enzymes that break down nutrients, along with probiotics to support gastrointestinal health.
What Are Some of the Causes of Pancreatitis in Dogs?
- Nutritional - A high-fat diet and insufficient exercise can lead to obesity. Obese dogs are more prone to developing pancreatitis. Other nutritional factors that may trigger onset are lipemia, high levels of fat in the blood, and hypercalcemia, high levels of calcium in the blood. The reported incidences of acute pancreatitis increase during the holiday season, as a large helping of fatty foods can cause an attack.
- Genetics – Certain breeds are more likely to develop pancreatitis: schnauzers, cocker spaniels, Yorkshire terriers, miniature poodles, Cavalier King Charles spaniels, collies and boxers.
- Trauma – Being hit by a car or a high fall can trigger the onset of pancreatitis.
- Disease – Dogs with conditions such as diabetes, Cushing’s disease (hyperadrenocorticism), kidney disease and hypothyroidism have a higher likelihood of developing pancreatitis.
What Type of Pancreatitis Does My Dog Have?
Acute Pancreatitis in Dogs
Acute pancreatitis occurs suddenly. The most common symptoms are a loss of appetite, vomiting and abdominal pain. If not treated, the inflammation can spread to other organs and become a life-threatening emergency. Acute pancreatitis sometimes requires hospitalization and intravenous fluids along with antibiotics and pain meds. All forms of food and liquids (even water) are withheld to give the dog’s pancreas a chance to rest. Some dogs that recover from an acute episode will end up with chronic bouts of pancreatitis.
Chronic Pancreatitis in Dogs
Chronic pancreatitis is the more common form in dogs. It involves long-term, low-grade inflammation. Some dogs do not even show any visible symptoms. The signs may be as subtle as skipping a meal or not wanting to play. Other signs include vomiting after eating, weight loss and depression. Chronic pancreatitis needs to be managed by diet as flare-ups can occur, resulting in acute episodes. Many pet owners are not aware that the "premium" food they are feeding is actually contributing to their dog's condition. Most pet foods contain fillers such as corn, wheat, rice and legumes that can cause inflammation over time. Avoiding chemicals, fillers and food allergens can make a tremendous difference. Natural supplements can help take the burden off of the pancreas. Adding digestive enzymes for pancreatitis in dogs will help the dog’s system to digest food by breaking down the protein and fats.
Diagnosis of Pancreatitis in Dogs
To diagnose pancreatitis in dogs, a veterinarian may run laboratory tests, including blood work, X-rays and possibly an abdominal ultrasound. There is no single test that will provide a definitive diagnosis for pancreatitis in dogs. It is generally diagnosed from the clinical signs. The goal of treatment is to minimize the severity of flare-ups and prevent future occurrences. Pancreatitis in dogs can be well managed with diet changes and natural supplements to support pancreatic and liver function.
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI)
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) is a condition in which the pet is unable to produce sufficient pancreatic enzymes. This lack of enzymes inhibits the digestion of fats, carbohydrates and proteins, and the resulting malabsorption of nutrients often causes weight loss despite consumption of large amounts of food. Some breeds are more prone to the condition, and it is more often seen in German shepherds, chows, Cavalier King Charles spaniels, and rough-coated collies. The main cause is thought to be a progressive loss of pancreatic cells, but EPI can also be due to chronic pancreatitis. The condition can be diagnosed by your vet through blood and fecal testing. Many pets with EPI often have IBD as well, and may have many food sensitivities. K9 Digestive Enzymes is a comprehensive digestive enzyme for dogs that contains pancreatin, oxbile and HCL from animals to naturally replace the missing enzymes dogs with EPI need.
Pancreatic Cancer in Dogs
Pancreatic cancer in dogs occurs when tumors form in the pancreas, the organ responsible for regulating sugar and digesting food. It is a rare disease, accounting for only 5% of all cancers in dogs. Symptoms of both pancreatic adenocarcinomas and insulinomas are vague and nonspecific. They may include abdominal pain, vomiting, lethargy, weight loss, anorexia, loss of appetite, loss of coordination, seizures and hair loss. If tumors are caught early, surgical removal may be an option. A special diet, medications and natural supplements would be needed to prevent the cancer from returning.
Layla
"Layla was diagnosed with pancreatitis. Our vet wanted Layla to be put on canned prescription formula to manage this and I knew I couldn't do that because I didn't agree with the ingredients in these foods. I talked to a friend who had used Ask Ariel in the past for her Yorkie with great success. Our vet was quite sure that Layla's issues could not be managed with diet but we were determined to try. From the moment I contacted Ask Ariel, I knew that Layla was in good hands and that through their help, everything would be fine. Layla was put on a strict diet, along with Ask Ariel's Lypozyme and Power Probiotic. Layla's Spec numbers went from 740 (under 400 is considered normal) in October, down to 164 in February. Our family is beyond thankful to Ask Ariel and all that they have done to save our girl from a lifetime of horrible canned food. I recommend Ask Ariel to anyone I meet who is dealing with a dog with health issues. I just can't say enough about how knowledgeable they are and how deeply they care." - The Pluss Family, California
Why Use Ask Ariel Supplements To Help Your Pet With Pancreatitis?
Many pet owners have seen the benefits of using supplements for their own health and now want the same for their pets. Our premium natural pet supplements have been used successfully in veterinary hospitals since 2005. Ask Ariel's remedies are selected based on quality, scientific research and proven results. A holistic approach with supplements and diet changes (FREE diet tips on the packing slip with your order) will give your pet the best chance of healing and recovery. Many veterinarians have seen the proven results of our products with their patients, which is why Ask Ariel pet supplements are recommended by veterinarians nationwide.
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