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Pancreatitis in Dogs (and Cats): Signs, Treatment and Diet

Pancreatitis causes vomiting, belly pain and lethargy, often after a fatty meal. Signs in dogs and cats, how it's diagnosed and treated, and what to feed afterwards.

Updated October 2026 · 7 min read · By the Hushku editorial team · 2 sources

Short answer

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. In dogs it typically causes vomiting, belly pain, lethargy and not eating, often after scavenging or a fatty meal; in cats the signs are vaguer, usually lethargy and poor appetite. It needs a vet the same day. Treatment is supportive (fluids, anti-sickness medicine, pain relief and early feeding), and dogs usually need a low-fat diet afterwards.

Key facts

Scavenging and fatty meals are common triggers in dogs.
Miniature Schnauzers are markedly over-represented.
Treatment is fluids, anti-sickness medicine, pain relief and early feeding.
Dogs with recurrent pancreatitis need a low-fat diet (under 20 g fat per 1,000 kcal).

Definition

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, the organ beside the stomach that makes digestive enzymes and insulin. In pancreatitis, digestive enzymes activate too early and damage the pancreas and surrounding tissue.

Pancreatitis can be acute (a sudden episode, from mild to life-threatening) or chronic (ongoing, low-grade inflammation with flare-ups). Most cases have no single identifiable cause, but the Merck Veterinary Manual lists dietary indiscretion as a common risk factor in dogs, along with very high blood fats (hypertriglyceridaemia), Cushing's disease and some medicines.

Miniature Schnauzers are markedly over-represented, and Yorkshire Terriers, Cocker Spaniels, Dachshunds and Poodles are also reported at higher rates.

In cats, pancreatitis is common but harder to spot. Signs are often just lethargy and eating less, and it frequently occurs alongside inflammatory bowel disease and liver inflammation (sometimes called "triaditis").

Signs and symptoms

Vomiting, often repeated
Not eating
Belly pain: a hunched back or the 'praying position' (front legs down, rear up)
Lethargy and weakness
Diarrhea
Fever or dehydration
In cats: lethargy, hiding, poor appetite and weight loss, sometimes yellow gums

Causes and risk factors

Eating fatty food, scraps, rubbish or something rich (in dogs)
High blood fat levels, common in Miniature Schnauzers
Being overweight
Cushing's disease, diabetes and some medicines
Trauma or surgery affecting the abdomen
Often no cause is found

Treatment

Intravenous fluids to correct dehydration
Anti-sickness medicines such as maropitant
Pain relief, as pancreatitis is assumed to be painful
Early feeding of a suitable diet, by tube if needed; food is only withheld if vomiting can't be controlled
Hospital care for moderate to severe cases
A newer drug, fuzapladib, has conditional FDA approval for acute pancreatitis in dogs

Prevention

Don't feed fatty scraps, bacon, sausages, gravy or takeaway leftovers
Secure the bin and kitchen counters
Keep your dog at a healthy weight
After an episode, feed the low-fat diet your vet recommends, long term

How it's diagnosed

There's no single perfect test. Vets combine the history and exam with blood tests, including pancreatic lipase tests (such as Spec cPL or a SNAP cPL in dogs), and often an ultrasound scan. These also help rule out other causes of vomiting, such as a blockage.

What to feed after pancreatitis

Dogs that have had pancreatitis usually do best on a low-fat diet. Merck describes a diet with under 20 g of fat per 1,000 kcal as crucial for dogs with recurrent disease. Cats are usually fed a moderately fat-restricted, highly digestible diet. Avoid high-fat treats and table food.

Outlook

Mild cases often recover within a few days with treatment. Severe pancreatitis can be life-threatening and lead to complications such as diabetes or, in some dogs, a reduced ability to digest food (exocrine pancreatic insufficiency). Dogs that have had one episode are at risk of more.

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Sources

We check guides against veterinary sources and update them when guidance changes. How we write and review.

Questions.

Can one fatty meal cause pancreatitis?

It can in susceptible dogs. Holiday meals, barbecues and raided bins are classic triggers, which is why vets see more pancreatitis around holidays.

Can dogs recover fully from pancreatitis?

Many recover well, especially from mild episodes. Some develop chronic pancreatitis with flare-ups, which is managed with diet and prompt treatment.

Is pancreatitis painful?

Yes, it's often very painful, and pain relief is a key part of treatment.