Pancreatitis in Dogs: The Painful Price of the Fatty Scrap
What it is
The pancreas produces digestive enzymes; in pancreatitis it inflames and effectively begins digesting itself. Painful and sometimes life-threatening, it classically follows a fatty meal — trimmings, gravy, a raided trash bag — though some breeds like miniature schnauzers are prone regardless.
The signs
Repeated vomiting, refusing food, a hunched or 'praying' posture (chest down, rear up), belly pain, lethargy and sometimes diarrhea or fever. If this follows a rich meal, tell the vet exactly what was eaten.
Treatment
There's no instant cure — treatment is supportive: IV fluids, strong anti-nausea and pain medication, and careful early feeding of an ultra-low-fat diet. Mild cases recover in days; severe cases need intensive hospital care.
Prevention
No fatty scraps, secure trash, and warn holiday guests. Dogs with one episode are prone to repeats and often stay on low-fat diets for life — worth it, because chronic pancreatitis can lead to diabetes and ongoing pain.
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