Pancreatitis and Pets: The Shocking Truth Every Owner Must Know
Though any dog or cat can develop pancreatitis, Miniature Schnauzers, Yorkshire Terriers, and Dachshunds are particularly susceptible to this condition.
Siamese cats are commonly reported to be more susceptible to pancreatitis and other gastrointestinal issues. Also cats related to the Siamese, such as Oriental Shorthairs, may also have a higher risk.
The dis-ease can range from acute to chronic and severe cases can be life threatening.
What is Pancreatitis?
The pancreas is an organ responsible for producing enzymes for digestion and hormones like insulin.
- Dogs are scavenger carnivores, they are ideally designed to eat a diet of raw meat, fat, bone and organ meat in a proper ratio.
- Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their bodies are biologically designed to thrive on a diet of high-protein animal-based foods. Their natural prey-based diet includes raw meat, fat, organs, and small amounts of pre-digested carbohydrates from their prey’s stomach contents.
Processed dry pet food is enzymatically dead (this is also true for canned food too), and it is exceedingly high in carbs, and if not organic it is loaded with hormones, chemicals and pesticides.
Since the natural enzymes in living food are destroyed in the processing, there is an increased strain on the pancreas to provide all the digestive enzymes. This, along with the constant demand for insulin to reduce the excessive carbohydrates, results in the pancreas becoming inflamed.
Pancreatitis can manifest as:
Acute pancreatitis: Sudden and severe, requiring hospitalization and supportive care.
Chronic pancreatitis: Recurrent or persistent inflammation that can lead to long-term damage.
How does Pancreatitis Develop?
Key contributors include:
High-fat diets or sudden ingestion of fatty foods.
Inappropriate diets such as kibble or processed foods.
Obesity or metabolic disorders, including diabetes.
Breed predispositions, with Miniature Schnauzers, Yorkshire Terriers, and Dachshunds at higher risk. This is similar for Oriental breeds of cats such as Siamese cats.
Medications or toxins that stress the pancreas.
Trauma or infections.
Prevention:
The traditional western medicine approach is to recommend a “special diet” to manage the condition. Sadly, these so-called therapeutic diets are highly processed and exceedingly high in carbohydrates (sugar), grains, fillers, hormones, chemicals and pesticides (glyphosate), ingredients that contribute to pancreatitis.
The Holistic Solution
The holistic approach addresses the root causes of pancreatitis, rather than masking and suppressing symptoms with specialty diets. Integrative strategies focus on improving overall health, testing for deficiencies in toxicities, reducing inflammation, and supporting digestion and the gut microbiome. The following are strategies for prevention:
Stop doing the things that are contributing to the problem!
Feed a Species-Appropriate Diet
Use organic, raw, grass-fed, and grass-finished meats combined with appropriate fats, bone, and organ meats. This type of diet supports biological needs and reduces inflammation. Click Here to learn more!
Supplement with essential vitamins and minerals your pet’s body can’t produce on its own. These include essential vitamins, minerals, amino acids and fatty acids. Click Here to learn more!
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Prevent obesity, which places strain on the pancreas.
Avoid Table Scraps
Fatty human foods can trigger episodes.
Support Digestive Health
Digestive Enzymes: Provide supplements that aid in breaking down food, reducing the pancreas’s workload. Click Here to learn more!
Probiotics: Promote a balanced gut microbiome to support digestion and reduce inflammation. Click Here to learn more!
Real organic kefir or organic sauerkraut juice is a great option! Click here to watch how to make your own Kefir!
Address Inflammation
Anti-Inflammatory Supplements: Supplement your pet’s diet with supplements that target inflammation, such as Cold Pressed Milk Thistle Oil and Licorice root to soothe the digestive tract and support detoxification. Click Here to learn more!
Reduce Toxins
Detoxification Protocols: Support liver and kidney health through gentle detox methods, ensuring harmful substances are effectively eliminated from the body. Detoxification is not a one and done activity, it is a lifestyle. Click Here to learn more!
Regular Vet Check-Ups
Specific blood tests can identify risk factors early.
Take Action!!!
Don’t let fear or old belief systems dictate your pet’s health. A raw, species-appropriate diet has helped millions of dogs and cats recover from pancreatitis and live full, vibrant lives.
Take the Empowered Pet Parent Course and learn how to implement a lifestyle that will help your fur baby thrive!
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Read MoreResources:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7995362/?utm
https://bettervet.com/resources/pet-health-care/pancreatitis-in-dogs
https://scij-tmvm.com/vol./vol.5/2/vol-5-2_2020-10-14.pdf
Wiberg, L. (2020). Pancreatitis in dogs: Causes, symptoms, and treatment. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 34(5), 1461-1471.
This paper explores the role of diet, breed predispositions, and other factors in the development of pancreatitis in dogs.
Link to article
Niemi, J., & Mills, D. (2019). Holistic approaches to treating pancreatitis in dogs. Integrative Veterinary Medicine, 22(3), 37-45.
This study examines integrative approaches like diet modification and supplementation to manage pancreatitis symptoms and prevent recurrence.
Link to article
Dr. Jean Dodds, DVM. (2018). Understanding the impact of nutrition on pancreatitis in dogs. Veterinary Nutrition Journal, 8(2), 12-17.
Dr. Dodds discusses the significance of feeding a species-appropriate diet and how certain foods exacerbate pancreatic inflammation.
Link to article
Papich, M. (2022). Pancreatitis in small animals: Diagnosis and management. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 52(1), 71-85.
A comprehensive resource on the diagnosis, causes, and standard treatments for pancreatitis in dogs, along with emerging trends in holistic care.
Link to article