How to comfort a dog with pancreatitis at home

Updated 2/2023

As a veterinarian with a dog that has pancreatitis, I understand the need to know how to properly comfort your dog with pancreatitis.

The main four goals of comforting your dog with pancreatitis are:

replacing fluid losses
maintaining hydrostatic pressure
controlling nausea
providing pain relief

Keep reading for 10 easy tips to keeping your dog comfortable if they have pancreatitis.

Some aspects of treating and comforting a dog with pancreatitis have to do with the type of pancreatitis they present with.

There are two types of pancreatitis acute and chronic, many times your action plan will depend on which type your pup presents with. Both types can cause a lot of pain and if not treated can be life-threatening. Let’s look at the major differences between the two

Acute Pancreatitis

Symptoms come on suddenly, read this article to learn more about the symptoms of pancreatitis in dogs
No signs of pancreatitis before

Chronic Pancreatitis

A dog that has suffered from pancreatitis in the past
The condition develops over time
Dogs can have repeated bouts of pancreatitis or flare-ups
You may have to feed a low-fat diet for life or an extended period of time

If your dog has an acute case of pancreatitis and this is the first episode you will want to get them to the veterinarian as soon as possible so they can get the necessary treatment. The veterinarian will provide intravenous fluids, anti-emetics to help them with any vomiting, and round-the-clock observation.

If your pup has chronic pancreatitis and is having a flareup episode I would highly recommend contacting your veterinarian to see if they recommend bringing them into the veterinary clinic.

Many times vets will want you to come in for blood work and possible overnight monitoring with fluids, once you have your pup home make sure you follow these tips if you are wondering how to comfort a dog with pancreatitis.

10 simple ways to comfort your dog with pancreatitis

1. Don’t withhold food

While it was once thought that dogs should go without food for at least 24 hours after an episode of pancreatitis this is no longer regularly practiced.

The thought of not giving food for 24 hours was to rest the pancreas, however, new research suggests that dogs who begin to eat earlier have better recovery rates and long-term outcomes.

Feed your dog when they are ready to start eating again and no longer vomiting.

2. Feed Less But More Often

Once your pup is able to eat again you want to feed smaller, more frequent meals instead of one to two large ones. This should look like 4-6 small meals throughout the day. This may be something you want to do long-term as well.

3. Feed Low-Fat meals

Once your pup does start to eat again, no matter how sad your pup looks or how much they beg do not feed them any table scraps or high-fat food.

Instead, opt for a very bland diet that will be easy on their stomachs. To read more about how to make a bland diet and how much to feed read this article.

Aim for 8%-10% fat or less. Many times if your pup has chronic pancreatitis your veterinarian will place your dog on a prescription diet or a low-fat weight-loss diet. While prescription diets usually cost substantially more, they are many times what will save your pet’s life.

4. Pamper them

Make sure your pup has somewhere quiet and comfortable to rest.

This also means if you have little ones in the house or other pets keep them separated as much as possible so that they can rest

They may be in some pain and unable to walk long distances so bring their bowls closer to them and if necessary (and if possible) carry them outside to use the bathroom.

5. Watch Their Stomachs

Do not place any undue pressure on your pup’s abdomen when carrying him or her or picking them up.

If you can, refrain from picking your pup up while they are going through an episode if it means touching their stomachs.

Many times dogs that have pancreatitis also have extremely sore abdomens. If you have to pick them up use a towel or the bed they are laying on to do so.

6. Use Puppy Pads

While not often, if my pup has flare-ups of his chronic pancreatitis it almost always comes with accidents, usually diarrhea. Although your pup may be a potty-trained adult, at this time they may have some accidents.

Have a puppy pad somewhere in close proximity for them to go to if need be. Never chastise them for doing so in the house, they simply can’t help it

7. Monitor for worsening symptoms

Keep a close eye on your pup if your veterinarian doesn’t recommend hospitalization.

Dogs with chronic pancreatitis often have lethargy, poor appetite, and diarrhea. B

y keeping a close eye on your pup you can make sure to get your pup to the vet as soon as possible. Mild cases usually resolve within 48 hours

Check the gums: to ensure they remain pink, if they are pale or white get your pup to the veterinarian immediately
Unresolved clinical signs: if the signs fail to resolve within 48 hours such as vomiting and lack of appetite call your vet
Blood in stool: While it is fairly common to see blood in the stool, you may want to call your vet if bloody diarrhea begins

8. Have water readily available

While your vet may recommend not feeding for 24 hours make sure your dog has water readily available. You may want to include a capful of clear Pedialyte in the water as well.

9. Use medication from your veterinarian

Your vet will be able to give you medications for pain, and vomiting which will most likely be necessary.

Your pup may also have to spend some time at the vet clinic getting IV fluids, so bringing a bag of his or her things to remind them of being at home will probably be very comforting as well.

My recommendation is to put together an emergency kit for cases when your pup has a flare-up, that way you will have everything you need, like antiemetics on hand from your vet. I created a list of thing things you may want to have which you can download here.