Nil by grill

Scraps from the barbecue can lead to much more than just indigestion in dogs, and summer is peak time for pancreatitis in canine companions, writes Dr PETER KIRKPATRICK

Enjoying a barbecue with friends is one of the highlights of summer in Australia. Our dogs often have a great time as well, scavenging for titbits that someone drops on the ground, or hunting for leftovers from the barbecue. You may be surprised to learn that one of the most common illnesses we see in dogs stems from their delight in devouring our delicious food, and summer is prime foraging time. A dog’s gastrointestinal system is a little different from our human digestive system, and dogs can very easily – and quickly – suffer from a condition called pancreatitis.

causes & symptoms

Pancreatitis is a condition that affects the pancreas, and it is usually a result of having too much fat in the diet. Other causes are certain medications, particular health conditions or being overweight. The pancreas becomes inflamed and painful, and this can occur over time or very suddenly, depending on the animal.

Watch out for any combination of these symptoms of pancreatitis: very painful abdomen (suddenly or over time) abdominal distention (swelling) loss of appetite depression or lethargy dehydration hunched posture vomiting or diarrhoea

If you notice your dog showing any of these signs, it is a good idea to take him to your vet sooner rather than later. Should the condition be left untreated for long periods, pancreatitis can get worse, and your pet may experience further complications. These include