How does a dog act if he has pancreatitis?

Dogs can’t tell us when they’re hurting, but their bodies send signals loud and clear—especially when something like pancreatitis is bothering them. If you’ve had a pup for a while, you know their usual energy: maybe they bound for the food bowl at mealtime, beg for scraps during your dinner, or zoom around the yard after a walk. But when pancreatitis hits, that familiar spark often dims, and little clues start popping up that something’s wrong.

One of the first things you might notice is a sudden shift in their appetite. That kibble they normally scarf down? Now it sits untouched in the bowl. Even their favorite treat—whether it’s a chunk of cheese or a dog biscuit—might get a sniff and a slow walk away. It’s not like them to turn their nose up at good stuff, so this hesitation is a red flag. Along with that, vomiting is common. It might start with a little retching, then turn into full-on throwing up, sometimes right after they try to eat or drink. And unlike the occasional upset stomach, this feels more intense—like their body is rejecting anything going in.

Pancreatitis brings pain, and dogs show it in small, telling ways. You might catch them hunching their back, as if trying to protect their belly, or curling up tightly on the floor instead of stretching out on their bed. If you reach down to pet their midsection, they might flinch or even growl—not out of meanness, but because touching that area hurts. They’ll move slower, too, skipping the usual sprint to the door when you grab the leash. That playfulness? It fades, replaced by a quiet, tired demeanor where they just want to lie still.

Other signs can creep in, too. Some dogs get diarrhea, which might be loose or even have a greasy look. A fever could set in, making their ears or paws feel warmer than normal. And because they’re not eating or keeping food down, they might lose weight quickly—something you’ll notice when you pick them up or brush their coat.

If you spot these signs, don’t wait to act. Vets can run tests to check for pancreatitis, and getting treatment early makes a big difference in how quickly they recover. In many places, taking care of a pet’s health isn’t just kind—it’s part of being a responsible owner, ensuring they get the care they need to feel like themselves again. Ignoring these signals can let the problem get worse, which no one wants for their furry friend.

Your dog relies on you to notice when something’s wrong, and pancreatitis is one of those times when paying attention can save them discomfort. Those small shifts in behavior—skipping meals, hunching, acting tired—are their way of saying, “I need help.” Trust your gut if something feels off. You know your dog best, and stepping in quickly can get them back to chasing squirrels, begging for treats, and being their happy selves in no time.

Watching your pup struggle is never easy, but knowing what to look for gives you the power to help. Keep an eye on their habits, stay tuned to those little changes, and don’t hesitate to call the vet. That’s the best way to make sure pancreatitis doesn’t stick around longer than it has to—so your dog can get back to living their best, most energetic life.