It’s not fun seeing your furry friend not feeling well. However, during their difficulties and struggles, they will rely on their owner to be their advocate when they are sick. When taking care of a sick pet, your first job is to observe the symptoms and recognize the severity of their condition.
Some illnesses can be handled and treated at home, while some sicknesses or conditions will call for a vet’s attention. So, if you have encountered this post while your canine is sick, you’ve come to the right place. Now, let us look at some tips to make your dog feel more comfortable when they aren’t feeling well.
Five Ways to Take Care of a Sick Dog
If you suspect that your furry companion is sick, the first thing you have to do is take them to see a vet. Once they’ve had a proper examination, and the veterinarian gives you recommendations about the problem, you might bring your pet home and care for them. You may check the websites of animal professionals to learn more about emergency veterinary care facilities. Here are five easy pointers for caring for your sick dog.
1. Take care of their diet
When your pet is sick, don’t feed them heavy meals as these may just make them feel worse than they’re already experiencing. You should withhold food for the first 24 hours, particularly if your pet experiences diarrhea or nausea. After a day has passed, only give your dog a completely bland pet food and make sure that their bland diet consists of protein sources like starch.
However, if you notice your pet ignoring the food you are serving them, it may indicate toothache or gum disease. Bring your pet to a dog dental care professional immediately upon suspicion of any oral-related conditions to see what’s disturbing them.
2. Always listen to what your vet tells you
Always remember that the veterinarians understand what they’re talking about. Don’t take your veterinarian’s suggestions too lightly. If they prescribed medications for your furry companion to take at a scheduled time, make sure your pet gets those medications when they’re supposed to.
This is where the importance of dog routine exams comes in. Vets suggest regularly taking your pets in for regular checkups to monitor their health and detect and stop any possible health issues before they worsen.
3. Groom them
Sick pets don’t have the energy to clean themselves. They’ll most likely lie in one area the whole day, dirty and exhausted. You must guarantee your beloved pet remains clean and comfy even when they’re feeling under the weather.
While you don’t really need to give your sick pet a full bath, you can take a wet towel or cloth to rub it on their body. Ensure to run the towel to their mouth, eyes, and ears. This can do wonders to your pet as this can make them feel refreshed and better.
4. Limit their playtime
While your sick pet shouldn’t lie immobile the entire time, it’s still not a good idea for them to be playing outside like they usually do. Instead, ensure the balance in the amount of time your pet spends playing outdoors and resting to recover quicker. Playing outside for too long will only make your pet tired and susceptible to several health problems, making their condition worse.
5. Make sure they have access to water
Like humans who need to stay hydrated when they’re sick, so do our pets. Any parasitic or bacterial illness can make your pet dehydrated and weak. Ensure to always keep a bowl of water within reach of your furry baby throughout their sickness to stay hydrated.
