Fatty Foods

 Ham, Lamb or other Fatty Meats  🦴 

All foods high in fat and salt can lead to a major stomach upset and in more serious cases, Pancreatitis. This happens when the pancreas becomes inflamed. The pancreas is an organ near the stomach that helps digest food, control blood sugar and is responsible for releasing enzymes that aid in digestion. When the organ is working normally, the enzymes become active only when they reach the small intestine. 

However, in a dog with pancreatitis, the enzymes activate when they're released, inflaming and causing damage to the pancreas and its surrounding tissue and at times, other organs. The enzymes can begin to digest the pancreas itself, which causes extreme pain to your dog. Pancreatitis is less common in cats but is still a severe issue. 

Avoid sharing meals wth your pets that are high I fat and salt. This means ham/pork or lamb bones (raw or cooked) for your dogs and no tasty fatty off cuts for them either. This is the best method to lower the risk of your pets developing pancreatitis. 

If you think your pet is displaying any signs of a hunched back, repeated vomiting, pain or distention of the abdomen (bloating), loss of appetite, dehydration and weakness/lethargy, contact your Veterinarian immediately. 

If you see your pet with any of these fatty foods, take it away from them as soon as you can and if you know your pet has ingested, contact your Vet for a discussion and plan on what the next step will be.