How To Care For Your Sick Dog

Pets are no less than family. Many pet owners prefer having dogs. While it is fun to have one, owners worry when they feel under the weather. The first thing to do when your dog is sick is visiting the Vet. Alongside, there are some steps that you can do to help your dog recover faster. Consider getting pet meds for less through online discounts. Our guide on how to care for your sick dog will essentially help if you are a beginner. Let us look at how to identify if your dog is unwell and the measures to take!

What Makes a Dog Sick?   

Dogs have a habit of feeding on grass, which has various substances that may make your dog sick. They may catch pathogens and infectious diseases as well. If your pet starts feeling sick or vomiting, here are some reasons why that might be happening: 

  • Eating human leftover  
  • Food allergy  
  • Ate too much  
  • Heatstroke  
  • Liver or kidney-related issues  
  • Motion sickness due to traveling  
  • Eating something toxic 
  • Parvovirus: Canine Illness
  • Stomach inflation

Warning Signs Showing Your Dog is Sick

 

There are a few common signs which appear if your Pooch is unwell. Being a responsible guardian, you should be able to identify these on time.  

Be mindful of their physical state. Then monitor any changes in their behaviors. The following might help you make a checklist:

  • The Stool  

Defecating more than usual or constipation can be a clear sign of diarrhea caused due to dehydration.  

  • Water Intake  

A dog should consume 100ml water per pound of its weight daily. If your dog shows excessive thirst or lack of it can get in touch with a vet.  

  • Behavioral Symptoms  

Another evident symptom is laziness. Pups will not be interested in playing or going for a walk and may seem tired. Some vets have noticed that when your dog is unwell, he tries to hide. Their coat will shed and seem dull.  

  • Food Consumption  

Change in food intake or a rapid change in his weight is also something you need to keep an eye on. In case your pet seems to lose his appetite, consult a vet as soon as possible. You might also want to check our write-up on 6 possible reasons your dog isn’t eating!

If you witness any of the above changes in your dog, visit a vet instantly. You can also check their body temperature. Ideally, it stays between 38-degree Celsius to 37 deg Celsius. If your dog has a fever, visit a vet without waiting any longer!  

How to Care For a Sick Dog?

 

Although the Vet does give medicines, you also need to take extra care at home. Here is how you can do that:

Keep Them Clean 

When your dog gets sick, it feels lazy and exhausted. It will stop grooming itself, which will make it smelly and dirty. Therefore, it is the owner’s responsibility to clean their dogs. Do not bath it, instead rub a wet towel to remove any dirt from their coat. Even this might help your dog feel better as cleanliness is essential for all living creatures

Too Much Rest Is Dangerous  

Although it is essential to let your dog sleep while it is sick, at the same time lounging in one position for hours can be dangerous for its health. Your dog may get an infection such as bedsores known as pressure unclear. So, even when it is off-color, take it for a short walk and encourage it to move and play around. If your pup has a fever, do not let it run and play outside in the cold, it will worsen its health.  

Give You Pup a Healthy Diet  

Avoid feeding your dog for 24 hours if it has diarrhea or nausea. After 24 hours, only give cooked, bland food or pet food small portions. Feed your pets with chicken broth low on sodium, encouraging them to drink more water.

When a dog is unwell, it is best to feed them with carbohydrates and protein.  

Make Sure It is Hydrated  

Dehydration is the most common reason for dogs feeling sick. Avoid giving it water for two hours if your dog is vomiting. However, after 2 hours, make sure it has access to clean drinking water at all times. Keep a bowl full of water near. Keep checking to see if they have consumed enough water to stay hydrated.  

Listen to the Vet.

The Vet knows about their condition way better than you do. So, listen to their instructions carefully and follow the prescribed medication. It is the only right way of giving a dog medicine.

Keep Them Warm

Puppies often shiver when they have a high fever or due to anxiety. 

Vets advice covering them with a blanket or anxiety vest, making them feel warm and cozy. 

Make Comfortable Places to Lay Down 

When dogs are under the weather, they prefer laying down on cold floors or soft fluffy cushions. Clean the floor and place a comfortable mattress for your pet to rest.  

Give Your Dog Pills 

Feeding pills to dogs can be a difficult task but, do not get frustrated at this. Use tricks like hiding the pill in peanut butter or dissolving it in water, and then feed it to your dog. It is way easier than forcing the dog.  Ask your Vet for better guidance.

Last but not least, get your dog their due vaccinations.

When You Cannot See a Vet: 

a vet examining a dog

If you can not find a vet and look at your buddy, it becomes depressing. Here are some things you can try at home for the day:

  • Do not feed it any food for at least six hours. 
  • Give small portions, about a tablespoon or two after waiting for 2 hours.
  • Only feed your dog when its vomiting has stopped. Start with a small amount of cooked food such as meat or fish. 
  • Do not feed it raw meat or dairy products.

The Takeaway

Dogs are unable to take care of themselves when sick. Hence, one must look after pets. Taking care of your sick dog can be a stressful task, but proper treatment and showing them love will speed up their recovery. It is essential to give them medicines on time. It will help them feel better and will also save you from a Vet’s hefty bills.  To prevent your dog from getting sick, do not change his diet suddenly, and do not let him ingest grass.   

If your dog falls sick often, it might be allergic to your home: check our guide to figure. Observe closely, and see a vet in this case.