The holidays bring joy, celebration, and lots of delicious food—but not all festive treats are safe for our pets. Each year, veterinary hospitals see an increase in pancreatitis in pets during the holiday season due to pets eating high-fat table scraps or sneaking food that isn’t good for them. The good news is that these preventable episodes can be avoided with some simple precautions.
Here’s how to keep your pets safe and pancreatitis-free this holiday season.
What Is Pancreatitis?
To understand how to prevent pancreatitis, it helps to know how the pancreas functions. The pancreas is a vital gland that:
- Produces enzymes needed to digest fats and sugars
- Helps regulate blood sugar levels
- Supports normal digestion and nutrient absorption
In a healthy pet, digestive enzymes activate after reaching the small intestine. In pancreatitis, these enzymes activate too early, causing the pancreas to begin digesting itself. This leads to painful inflammation that can spread to nearby organs. Pancreatitis can be acute or chronic—but both forms can be dangerous without prompt treatment.
Holiday Foods That Can Trigger Pancreatitis
One of the biggest contributors to pancreatitis is high-fat foods—even a single serving can trigger a flare. During the holidays, it’s tempting to share leftovers or let guests slip treats to your pet, but many common human foods are unsafe.
Avoid giving your pet:
- Fatty or processed meats (ham, bacon, sausage, skin-on turkey)
- Fried foods
- Dairy products
- Alcohol
- Sugary foods or desserts
- Spicy foods (especially those containing capsaicin)
- Nuts
- Seeds
Even foods that seem harmless can be highly irritating to a pet’s digestive system. When in doubt, stick to pet-safe treats or offer a small amount of your pet’s regular food.
Other Risk Factors for Pancreatitis
While diet is the most common cause, other factors can increase a pet’s likelihood of developing pancreatitis, including:
Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most effective ways to reduce risk. If you’re unsure about your pet’s ideal weight or risk factors, ask your veterinarian during your next preventive visit. Remember—prevention is always the best treatment.
If you’re interested in supporting your pet’s long-term health, you may want to explore our related post on Joint Injections for Pets and Mobility Support.
Common Signs of Pancreatitis in Pets
Pancreatitis symptoms can appear suddenly (acute) or develop over time (chronic). Both forms can be serious. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice:
- Hunching or guarding the abdomen
- Vomiting (especially more than once in a day)
- Abdominal tenderness or pain
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Dehydration
- Weakness or trembling
- Lethargy
- Fever
Prompt veterinary care gives your pet the best chance for a smooth recovery and helps prevent complications such as systemic inflammation or long-term digestive issues.
We’re Here to Help This Holiday Season
At Union Lake Veterinary Hospital, we’re dedicated to keeping your pets healthy—during the holidays and all year long. From unexpected illnesses like pancreatitis to routine preventive care, our team is here to help your pets feel their best.
If you’re concerned your pet may be showing signs of pancreatitis, call us right away.
📞 (248) 363-1508
We wish you and your pets a safe, happy, and healthy holiday season.