The holidays bring cozy gatherings, festive meals, and plenty of reasons to celebrate. Unfortunately, it is also the time of year when Animal Hospital at Thorndale sees a noticeable spike in pancreatitis cases. While we are enjoying buttery casseroles and perfectly carved turkey, our pets should not be exposed to rich foods, tempting leftovers, and a break in their normal routine. For some, that combination can lead to a painful and potentially serious condition.
As your trusted veterinary team, our goal is to help your pets enjoy the season safely without ending up in our emergency room. Here is what every pet owner should know as we head into the busiest food holidays of the year.
What Is Pancreatitis?
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, an organ that sits near the stomach and plays two major roles. It helps digest food and regulates blood sugar. When the pancreas becomes inflamed, digestive enzymes can activate too early and begin damaging the pancreas itself. This can lead to abdominal pain, vomiting, internal inflammation, and in severe cases, life-threatening complications.
Pancreatitis can affect both dogs and cats, and even a single fatty meal can trigger it.
Why Pancreatitis Spikes During the Holidays
Rich holiday foods like ham, turkey skin, butter, gravy, and creamy side dishes are extremely high in fat. Pets who normally eat a consistent diet are not equipped to suddenly process those foods, and even a small amount can be enough to trigger inflammation. What starts as “just a tiny bite” from a well-meaning family member can quickly add up, especially when multiple guests are sneaking treats throughout the day without realizing it.
On top of that, holiday trash cans are overflowing with turkey trimmings, bones, and grease-soaked foil, making them irresistible targets for curious pets. Many pancreatitis cases begin after a successful garbage dive. Add in the stress of traveling, loud gatherings, visitors, or changes in routine, and an already sensitive stomach becomes even more vulnerable to trouble.
Signs of pancreatitis can vary between dogs and cats. Dogs often show more obvious symptoms such as vomiting, reduced appetite, abdominal pain that may look like a praying position or trembling, lethargy, diarrhea, and sometimes fever. Cats tend to be more subtle and may simply eat less, seem quiet or withdrawn, have occasional vomiting, lose weight, or appear unusually tired. Because these signs can be vague and easy to overlook, especially following a change in diet or routine, it is important to contact our hospital promptly if you notice anything out of the ordinary.
Why Is Pancreatitis Serious?
Some pets experience only mild discomfort, while others can develop serious complications such as dehydration, systemic inflammation, heart rhythm changes, or difficulty breathing. Because the severity is unpredictable, early treatment can make a significant difference in recovery. Diagnosis typically begins with a physical exam and bloodwork, and an abdominal ultrasound. With prompt veterinary care, many pets are able to recover and return to normal comfortably.
To help prevent a holiday emergency, avoid giving pets any table scraps and keep trash securely closed or behind a door so they cannot access tempting leftovers. Gently remind guests not to feed pets, and placing a festive sign near the food table can serve as an easy visual reminder. If you want pets to feel included, offer safe alternatives such as plain cooked turkey breast without the skin, green beans, carrots, or plain pumpkin. It also helps to keep pets out of the kitchen during busy cooking times when spills and dropped food are more likely. A few simple precautions like these can go a long way in keeping the season calm and worry-free.
Pancreatitis is painful, stressful, and often expensive to treat. The good news is that most holiday-related cases are preventable. By sticking to your pet’s normal diet and setting clear boundaries with guests, you can avoid an unexpected trip to the hospital and keep the holidays joyful for everyone.
If you ever have questions about safe treats or notice concerning symptoms, reach out to our team right away. Animal Hospital at Thorndale is here to help your pets stay happy and healthy all season long! Happy Thanksgiving!
