Pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas, that can be triggered by stress or a change in diet, is a common ailment that plagues miniature schnauzers. Your mini schnauzer might not develop a case of pancreatitis during your vet's normal operating hours, but it can be heartbreaking to watch your beloved pet be in pain until you can schedule an emergency appointment.
Here are three things you can do at home to help relieve your dog's pancreatitis pain before seeing your veterinarian.
1. Give your mini schnauzer some baby aspirin.
Giving your dog some human aspirin can be a great short-term pain management solution. Providing your pet with a 5mg to 10mg per pound of body weight dose of baby aspirin can help take the edge off his or her pain.
It's important to remember that aspirin should only be used as a short-term pain management solution, and that any dose over 30mg could be toxic for your pet.
2. Don't feed or water your mini schnauzer.
Anything that your dog ingests orally could cause the pancreas to begin the digestion process. An inflamed pancreas that starts aiding in digestion can cause your dog to experience a significant amount of pain.
By keeping food and water away from your mini schnauzer for 24 to 48 hours, you can help eliminate discomfort and pain while you wait to for your vet to be able to fit your mini schnauzer into his or her schedule.
3. Treat your mini schnauzer with essential oils.
Relying on an all-natural product (like an essential oil) can be a safe way to provide your dog with some pain relief while you wait for a vet to diagnose your mini schnauzer's pancreatitis. Essential oils like copaiba and wintergreen have anti-inflammatory properties that could help reduce inflammation in your dog's pancreas.
Be sure that you dilute your essential oils with a carrier oil (like coconut or olive oil) and then massage them onto your dog's abdomen. Using both copaiba and wintergreen together could help your mini schnauzer find relief while waiting for your vet to provide a pharmaceutical pain reliever.
If you own a mini schnauzer, it's important that you learn to recognize when pancreatitis is causing your dog some discomfort. When you notice your dog becoming lethargic, walked with his or her back hunched, or vomiting, it's time to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian, such as Northside Emergency Pet Clinic, as soon as possible. Using baby aspirin, restricting food and water intake, and relying on essential oils can help you manage your dog's pancreatitis pain while you wait to see your vet.
