Q: Our dog ate some of our holiday dinner. He is now vomiting and does not feel well. What should we do?

A: Any time a dog (or cat) eats something it is not used to eating there is a good chance that gastrointestinal distress will ensue. This can take the form of vomiting, diarrhea, inappetence or general lethargy.

Any symptoms that last beyond a day are not likely just an upset stomach that will settle itself. Most of the time a little bland food and anti-inflammatories or antibiotics will fix the problem. Occasionally things can be more serious.

Pancreatitis is a common problem that we see after pets get food off the table or from the trash. The pancreas can become inflamed after the unusual meal and begin to cause serious problems. Pets with pancreatitis are often so sick that they cannot even hold down water.

Treatment usually involves hospitalization, intravenous fluids, pain medications, and antibiotics for several days.

The problem is that initially the clinical signs of a mild stomachache can appear similar to those of early pancreatitis. The best approach is to play it safe and see the veterinarian for any vomiting, diarrhea, or inappetence that last more than a day.