Hot Dog! (and hamburger, and potato salad, and cheesecake…)

Pets are often a part of our summertime gatherings, and we often feel the need to include them.  This usually means that they partake in the rich meals we associate with these parties.  Besides an upset tummy, potential exposure to toxic foods such as chocolate or grapes, or ingestion of dangerous items such as bones, there is another danger when your pet overeats:  pancreatitis.

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, the organ that is responsible for releasing enzymes that aid in the digestion of food.  Pancreatitis can be brought on by many causes, sometimes unknown, however overindulgence does seem to trigger it in some dogs.  Signs of pancreatitis can include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and/or fever.  Flares can range from mild and self-limiting to severe and requiring hospitalization and intensive care.  Very bad cases can cause scarring of the pancreas, resulting in diabetes mellitus.

The safest bet is to limit the amount of “people food” you pet is allowed.  Find other ways to include your four-legged friend this summer!

If you think your dog may have eaten something he shouldn’t have be sure to let your veterinarian know, or give us a call.