We’ve all had that one friend who insists on sharing their fries… or, if you’re a dog, the whole plate of bacon grease from the trash can. While that post-feast bellyache might seem harmless, sometimes what’s happening inside your pet’s body is far more serious. Enter: Pancreatitis — the ultimate “I shouldn’t have eaten that” situation.

What is the pancreas anyway?

The pancreas is a small but mighty organ tucked up near your pet’s stomach and small intestine. Its two main jobs?

1. Digestive aid – it releases enzymes to help break down fats, proteins, and carbs.

2. Blood sugar control – it produces insulin, which keeps glucose levels in check.

When the pancreas becomes inflamed, those digestive enzymes can “leak” and start digesting the pancreas itself (ouch), leading to pain, inflammation, and a cascade of other issues in the body.

What causes pancreatitis?

Sometimes pancreatitis strikes out of nowhere — what we call idiopathic — but certain risk factors can stack the odds:

  • Fatty meals or sudden diet changes (looking at you, table scraps)
  • Obesity
  • Certain medications (like some seizure or chemotherapy drugs)
  • Endocrine diseases like diabetes or Cushing’s disease
  • Trauma or underlying illness

In dogs, it’s often linked to dietary indiscretion (a polite term for “ate something they definitely shouldn’t have”). Cats are trickier — pancreatitis in cats is often more subtle and may be linked to other organ inflammation, like liver or intestinal disease (we call this triaditis).

Symptoms: What you might see at home

Pancreatitis can range from mild to life-threatening. Here’s what might tip you off that something’s wrong:

In Dogs

  • Vomiting (often repeatedly)
  • Loss of appetite
  • Abdominal pain (they may hunch, whine, or resist being picked up)
  • Diarrhea
  • Fever or lethargy
  • Dehydration

In Cats

  • Lethargy or hiding
  • Loss of appetite
  • Vomiting (sometimes mild or absent)
  • Weight loss or just a general “off” attitude

Cats are notorious for suffering in silence — their signs can be so subtle you might just think they’re being antisocial.

Diagnosis: How your vet figures it out

Because pancreatitis can look like a lot of other things (GI upset, liver issues, even kidney disease), your veterinarian will usually start with:

  • Physical exam and history (that “what did they eat?” question isn’t small talk)
  • Bloodwork to check for systemic abnormalities, +/- elevated pancreatic enzymes
  • Imaging, such as an abdominal ultrasound, to visualize inflammation or rule out other causes
  • Pancreatic-specific tests like the Spec cPL (dogs) or Spec fPL (cats)

Treatment: No magic pill, but plenty of support

There’s no single “cure” for pancreatitis — treatment focuses on rest, hydration, pain relief, and allowing the pancreas to heal. Typical care may include:

  • Hospitalization with IV fluids to prevent dehydration
  • Antiemetic medications (to stop nausea and vomiting)
  • Pain control (because pancreatitis hurts)
  • Nutritional support – in dogs, a low-fat diet; in cats, early feeding is often encouraged to support recovery
  • Antibiotics if infection is suspected (though typically not needed)

Most pets start improving in a few days with good supportive care, but severe cases may require more intensive treatment or longer hospitalization.

Long-term management and prevention

Once a pet’s had pancreatitis, they’re more likely to get it again — so prevention is key:

  • Stick to a consistent, balanced diet (no table scraps, even at Thanksgiving!)
  • Avoid fatty treats — look for low-fat alternatives
  • Keep them at a healthy weight
  • Work closely with your vet if your pet has diabetes, Cushing’s, or other metabolic issues

For dogs, a low-fat prescription diet may be recommended long-term. For cats, the focus is on regular, high-quality meals and addressing any underlying conditions.

Bottom line

Pancreatitis is more than just an upset stomach — it’s a painful, potentially dangerous condition that needs veterinary attention. If your pet suddenly stops eating, starts vomiting, or just seems “off,” don’t wait it out. Call your vet.

Because while they might forgive you for forgetting dinner once… their pancreas might not forgive that stolen slice of pizza.