Hemp Seed - A Powerhouse of Health for Your Dog
Guest Blog: Anna Webb
Hemp seed and hemp seed oil are a powerhouse of health that's good for the planet, biodiversity and your dog. Find out why here.
What is pancreatitis and how can it affect your dog? Read on to find out all you need to know about this disease.
As a dog owner you may have heard the term pancreatitis, or you may know someone who has suffered with the condition. It is unfortunately becoming more common in dogs in the UK. Although the exact cause of this disease is unknown, there are certain factors which can contribute to it. First, let's take a look at the function of the pancreas and then we can highlight the key signs and how to prevent and protect.
The pancreas is a small organ in a dog's body, located near the stomach and intestines. Its main job is to help with digestion and regulate blood sugar levels. It does this by producing enzymes that help break down food so the body can absorb all the good stuff like nutrients. Additionally, the pancreas makes hormones like insulin, which helps control the amount of sugar in the blood. So, basically, the pancreas plays a big role in helping dogs digest their food properly and keeping their blood sugar levels steady.
Controlling blood sugar levels in dogs is important because it helps keep them healthy and feeling good. When blood sugar levels are too high, it can lead to problems like diabetes, where the body can't use sugar properly for energy. On the other hand, if blood sugar levels are too low, it can cause weakness, shaking, and even fainting. By keeping blood sugar levels in the right range, dogs can have the energy they need to play, walk, and do all the things they love without feeling sick or tired. So, it's like keeping their bodies running smoothly, just like making sure a car has enough fuel to keep going!
Pancreatitis in dogs is a condition characterised by inflammation of the pancreas. The enzymes that are produced to breakdown food can activate too early and start to break down cells in the pancreas, this then causes the inflammation.
This condition can be acute (meaning it can occur suddenly) or chronic (developing over time) and can either be mild or severe. It's important to note that every dog is different and if you are worried about your dog, always consult your veterinarian.
The exact cause of pancreatitis is still unknown however, there are some factors which can increase the risk of developing the condition which are:
There are many symptoms which can be associated with pancreatitis but which are also similar to those of less serious illnesses. Should your dog present with several of these symptoms, please contact your vet:
As advised above, these symptoms can be associated with a number of different conditions, but if your dog presents with multiple of the above, do contact your vet right away.
If your dog has been diagnosed with pancreatitis, we firstly recommend to follow your vets advice. There are ways in which you can support recovery and prevent future episodes:
As mentioned above, it's important to feed a low-fat, nourishing diet. At Paleo Ridge we have a great selection of low-fat meals, all with no additives or preservatives. Each meal has been meticulously crafted to provide optimum nutrition for your dog. The meals in this range are:
If your dog is suffering with chronic pancreatitis, we recommend feeding Special Diet, Lamb & Mint, Pork & Apple or Turkey & Fish as these have 5% fat or lower which is ideal.
If your dog is showing symptoms and you have concerns about their behaviour, it's best to contact your vet straight away. Pancreatitis can be very serious and needs immediate attention. If your dog has pancreatitis and you have recently changed to a raw low-fat diet, your vet will arrange regular tests to check enzyme levels in the blood.
Guest Blog: Anna Webb
Hemp seed and hemp seed oil are a powerhouse of health that's good for the planet, biodiversity and your dog. Find out why here.
Single protein meals, what are they and what are their benefits?
Guest Blog: Anna Webb
Sea vegetables help sustain ecosystems, boost the planet’s oxygen supply, could these ‘veggies’ be good for dogs?