The days when you’re sick are annoying, but the days when your pet is sick are worse. Your pet depends on you for their well-being and their care.
They cannot tell you how they feel or what they want, but as a pet parent, you are responsible for treating them with care. You should know how to provide them with first aid at home and when it’s high time for a vet visit.
It is where we are going to help you. We will tell you what to do and what not to do for your sick dog. This blog post will be your ultimate guide to being a responsible pet parent.
The Dos:
Veterinary Consultation
First and foremost, if you notice your dog acting unusually or worrisomely, consult a veterinarian as soon as possible. You can keep a notebook of your dog’s daily routine. It will help you identify any changes in its behaviour.
You can observe these symptoms and ask your vet for help. They will guide you on medication, dosage, or other necessary care. Remember that severe symptoms require immediate medical attention.
There’s one more thing we can’t ignore: motion sickness. If your dog gets travel sick or gets anxious, you can get a travel crate for your chihuahua or a greyhound harness for your buddy for safe travelling.
Provide a Peaceful Environment
Consider yourself ill and the environment you’d like in a similar situation. Make a cosy and peaceful room for your puppy. Create a calm space for your dog: free from the noise of television and children.
This quiet room will help them heal and recover faster. You can also ensure they have a warm blanket and a cosy bed for sleeping.
Maintain Hydration
Always check your dog’s hydration. Unless it is puking, you can give your pup access to water at all times.
Please encourage them to drink as it will help them recover more immediately. In some health conditions, the vet may advise you to provide additional fluids or administer them through syringes. Don’t forget to provide your sick dog with fresh water and help them if they can’t drink themselves.
Food Intake Monitoring
Let’s begin with their primary symptom: are they vomiting or experiencing diarrhoea? If yes, you can withhold all treats and food for your six-month-old dogs. If your puppy is younger than six months, head to this article to learn what to do.
Now that we have cleared this part out, comes the second part. After withholding food for 24 hours, start a bland diet (2-3 days). You can start with something simple, easy to digest, and nutritious.
Talk to your vet about your dog’s diet and ask for recommendations. Some veterinarians may hold back some food, while others may encourage a few.
Prescribed Medication
Your vet will guide you regarding the medications for your sick puppy. Follow their prescription religiously.
Check if the vet asks to administer medicines before or after eating so you can follow the guidelines. You should never compromise on dosage, frequency, or duration of a medicine. Do you have more concerns or doubts about the prescriptions? Talk to your vet for advice.
Exercise and Mental Simulation
Please don’t allow your dog to tire himself by playing outside or exercising. Resting is crucial for healing, especially if it’s a fracture. Take your dog outside to relieve himself, but don’t let him play out if he already feels tired. A sick dog requires a restriction on its exercise and playing hours.
However, some gentle training and mental simulation could be helpful. Please consult your vet and take their opinions on this matter. They can guide you on the level of activity allowed to maintain your fur baby’s physical and mental health.
The Don’ts:
Say No to Self-Diagnosis
We understand the panic when you see your dog not doing well. But it does not mean you can self-diagnose or give dogs human medication.
While you’re trying to do good for your pet friend, it could do more harm than good. Similarly, human medicine can be toxic for them and worsen their condition.
If you notice unusual behaviours, talk to your vet for an accurate diagnosis and treatment. Even chocolate to cheer that little paw can be dreadful.
No More Visitors
As we said, your dog may find a peaceful environment more relaxing and healing than a crowded room. A rush of visitors can make your dog anxious and interfere with its recovery.
Similarly, don’t let them hang around with other dogs. Sickness calls for isolation. It will help your ill puppy rest while the other healthy pups can prevent it from catching the disease.
Discontinuing Medicines
Just as we do not support the idea of self-diagnosis, we ask you not to discontinue a medicine based on another self-diagnosis. Follow the complete course of medication.
Even if your dog seems to improve, its underlying health could be at risk. Halting a medicine midway could result in a relapse or incomplete recovery. Always consult with your vet before deciding to stop any medicine.
Pay Attention to Symptoms
Pay attention to your dog’s symptoms or behaviours and look for changes. Stay with them for the day or the week. Try not to leave them alone.
If you can’t stay home, ask someone to look after your paw pal. You can also call your vet’s clinic or any other place offering monitoring services and check if they’re available.
It is suggested not to leave your dog alone in a room (let alone the house) as the symptoms may worsen in hours and need immediate attention.
Conclusion
Caring for sick dogs is challenging and responsible work. It requires constant attention, patience, and an alert mind. This blog post outlines a few dos and don’ts, but there are more you can ask your vet.
Keeping note of your dog’s daily activities and behaviours, identifying severe symptoms, monitoring their waste, and keeping the room free from toxins are all necessary steps for your dog’s well-being.
Ask for your vet’s help. They know your dog’s past health history and can better diagnose them. You can take the best care of your unwell four-legged partner with medication and a bucket of affection.
Legal Disclaimer:
Derek Chambers and Finchley Dog Walker are not veterinary professionals. Any advice, information, or recommendations are based on personal experience and general canine care knowledge. This content is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Under the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 & Exemptions Order 2015, only qualified veterinary professionals are legally permitted to diagnose, prescribe, or provide treatment for medical conditions. If you have concerns about your dog’s health or well-being, always seek advice from a qualified veterinarian before taking action.