Love & Protect Your Pets This Thanksgiving

Lots of well intentioned pet parents and guests think feeding a little bit of this and that can't do too much harm...but please be warned it very possibly can! It really is kinder to share healthy dog treats vs Thanksgiving Day dinner treats.

Even if you don't allow anyone to feed them Thanksgiving food, please be vigiliant about emptying the trash can too.  Lots of exciting smells will attract Fido and can cause havoc if he or she successfully raids the trash.

Symptoms: What to Watch Out For

Symptoms don't show up right away, it takes a few days and they can include, but are not limited to

- persistent vomiting (not necessarily connected to a meal). There may be no food at all in the vomit; it can be clear or colored (perhaps yellow). Your dog may throw up time after time in a period of several hours.

- abdominal sensitivy. Your dog may whimper or cry when held or picked up, especially if you hold him around the upper abdomen.

- diarrhea.

- standing with the back arched. The dog may look as if she is trying to imitate a Halloween cat, and she may hold this pose for several minutes.

- panting (a sign of physical stress).

Treatment

A dog with pancreatitis can die without treatment, so if you believe your dog is exhibiting signs of this illness, you should seek veterinary help immediately.

Your vet will perform blood tests. Once a diagnosis is confirmed, your dog will most likely need hospitalization, perhaps for several days. 

Post-Recovery Diet

Fat is the enemy for a dog who has had pancreatitis, and all dogs who have had pancreatitis should be fed a high-quality, low-fat food. Unfortunately, once a dog has had pancreatitis, it may be at greater risk of a subsequent recurrence; a low-fat diet is a preventive measure.

Low-Fat Treats

If your pet his diagnosed with pancreatitis look for treats with 7% maximum crude fat content or less. Avoid rawhides or treats like pig ears. (Skin is full of fat - think of the skin on chicken!) 

Life After Pancreatitis

Keeping your newly healthy pet on track requires a little more effort on your part, but that effort will pay off. Your dog can learn to love low-fat food and low-fat treats,and will even begin to look forward to them even as she used to beg for the old high-fat variety. Seeing her shiny eyes free of pain will be ample reward for the trouble you take to keep her diet nutritionally sound and her health off the path toward obesity-related illnesses like pancreatitis.

Sending you love & pet blessings this Thanksgiving,

Brenda, Noodle & Pebble xo