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My dog has pancreatitis. What meds, diet, and home care can help?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | American Pit Bull Terrier | Female | spayed | 9 years and 6 months old | 70 lbs

My dog has been diagnosed with pancreatitis her belly is bloated and does not want to eat by herself, but still drinks water and goes pee. She had the attack last week. Is there any chance she will pull thru? I'm taking her to my vet to put IV fluids in her. Meds are Hydrocodone and Amoxicillin. Is there anything else I could do for her at home? Can I ask my vet for Carprofine (anti inflammatory pill)

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on July 14th, 2017

Carpeofen is not recommended with pancreatitis as it can make the condition worse, in some severe cases steroids can be prescribed. i would recommend adding a few medications to what she is getting: Cerenia, Famotidine, Omeprazole. these 3 can help significantly. i would also recommend switching from Amoxicillin to Metronidazole. she of course needs to be on a special prescription low fat diet such as Royal Canin gastrointestinal low fat.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Susan England-Foster
Veterinarian
Published on April 9th, 2019
I am sorry suzy is not feeling well. I am sorry but I am not sure what you are talking about with the medication she was given. I would recommend a Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach consult to discuss this in more detail. I would recommend just regular water for a dog with a pancreas issue. The cause of pancreas issues is high fat foods and a high fat meal. I would actually avoid honey liquid since it is high in sugar. I would try a bland diet like boiled chicken and white rice and follow up with your vet as needed. Hope that helps
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Karly Macon, DVM, MS, CVA Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Veterinarian
Published on October 8th, 2017
Poor Nevaeh! If she is straining to defecate, she may actually have diarrhea, and is producing no stool because her little GI tract is empty. Straining to have diarrhea is often mistake by owners to be constipation, so if this is going on, she needs to be on some kind of antibiotic like metronidazole and some probiotics to help with the diarrhea. This would be much more typical of pancreatitis than constipation. I always send my pancreatitis patients home on Cerenia, which is a great anti-nausea medication that can be given as an injection or oral treatment. This encourages the patient to start eating well again, and if you don't have it, I'd ask your vet for it right away. Hope that helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on January 23rd, 2017
If not eating supportive nutritional treatment and IV fluids at your vet's clinic must be continued. Pancreatitis usually cause marked discomfort and that could lead to persistent inappetence. Pain must be controlled and often opioids are required.
From your description hospitalization should be discussed again.
Please do not hesitate to ask further questions (on the forum or by requesting a consultation) if it can be of any help.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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