‘Tis the Season for… Pancreatitis.

It’s that time of year again – Gathering for large dinners, lots of food, family, and friends. As the seasonal holidays approach, please keep in mind that there are foods that can cause your pet some serious illness.

How bad can it really be? Sometimes life threatening.

One of the most common eats among humans during this time of year, turkey, can cause a life threatening reaction in our furry friends. Even the smallest amount can cause some adverse issues.

Turkeyis very high in fat. Other foods that contain a high fat content include but are not limited to hams and roasts, as well as side dishes such as anything with cheese, gravies, stuffing, and casseroles.

What is Pancreatitis? How do these high-fat foods cause it?

Pancreatitis can be defined as the inflammation of the pancreas. To better understand, the pancreas is an organ in the body that aids in the digestion of food, and it also helps to secrete insulin, which helps to regulate the blood sugar levels of the body. These are both very important roles in the function of the body, and if disturbed, can cause unpleasant consequences.

High fat foods can lend a hand in Pancreatitis by causing the pancreas to have sharp increases or decreases in insulin, causing an overload to the pancreas, therefore causing the inflammation leading to pancreatitis.

What can you do to prevent pancreatitis? Avoid feeding your pet table scraps! This should be done year round, although with more family and friends in the house hold, it is more likely to happen during the holiday season.

Signs and symptoms of a pet suffering from pancreatitis include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Lethargy
• Tender, Painful Abdomen
• Fever

If you suspect or notice your pet has any of the following symptoms, you should have them seen be a Veterinarian ASAP! The longer you wait, the worse the outcome can be. Pancreatitis can affect other organs in the body, such as the liver. It is very important to have your pet treated if you notice any of the mentioned symptoms.

As much fun and joy as the holiday’s bring us, please keep your pet safe, healthy, and happy by avoiding table scraps, instead pick them up appropriate (and safe!) treats from your local pet store or vet’s office – They will thank you (and so will their pancreas!).