When your pup is sick, shower her with extra TLC. Here are some tips for taking care of your dog when she’s not feeling well.
You want to do everything you can to comfort your sick dog. But how can you be sure you’re acting appropriately? We spoke with Dr. To learn precisely what pet owners can do to make their sick dogs feel better, we spoke with Dr. Dani McVety, a veterinarian and co-founder of the veterinary hospice Lap of Love.
Dog or puppy being sick (vomiting) and diarrhoea
Infections, scavenging, or feeding on leftovers are common causes of your dog or puppy getting sick or having diarrhea. Altering one’s diet to include new foods can also upset the stomach. It’s best to make diet changes gradually. Start by incorporating small amounts of the new diet into the present one over the course of at least three days. Don’t give “leftovers” because doing so can lead to serious issues like pancreatitis (inflamed digestive gland).
When your dog is in the park, try to keep him from scavenging by keeping your trash secure and, if necessary, by using a muzzle. Bones should never be given. Bone fragments that have been chewed up can irritate the bowel, resulting in digestive upset and blockages.
Vomiting typically indicates a stomach ache, but it can also indicate other illnesses. Always call your veterinarian if your dog has been vomiting frequently or appears frail and lethargic. You can adhere to the following recommendations for adult pets that are still alert and hungry. However, if your dog continues to vomit after a day or appears ill, call a veterinarian.
Do not let your dog drink too much at once. The tendency is for drinking a lot of water to cause further vomiting and the possibility of dehydration. Give cooled, boiled water little and often.
You can try skipping one meal if your pet is throwing up and having trouble eating, but make sure they have access to water. Then, serve white rice and small portions of a white meat diet, such as boiled chicken or fish (cod or coley). Offer small amounts every two hours for the first day, then larger amounts less frequently for the following few days, as long as there is no more vomiting. Start incorporating the regular diet if everything continues to be in order.
Continue feeding your pet, but switch to a bland diet, as explained for vomiting, if they are experiencing diarrhea. Consult your veterinarian if diarrhea lasts longer than one to two days (depending on the severity).
Important: If your puppy is experiencing vomiting or diarrhea, call your veterinarian right away.
Many aging dogs develop chronic conditions that occasionally require in-home care. Watch closely, and if the bad times start to outweigh the good, carefully weigh your options. Talk about it with your veterinarian or reach out to our pet loss support service (see Time to say goodbye). Any changes in the state of a pet with a chronic illness should always be reported to the veterinarian.
Have enough medication on hand for the upcoming holidays and weekends, and consult your veterinarian if you don’t understand the directions. Give twice a day, which is (roughly) 12 hours apart, and inform the veterinarian right away if you stop any medication or experience any issues. Consult your vet before abruptly stopping any medication as this could be dangerous.
Do not put too much pressure on invalids because they may find changes to be stressful. Generally, they are less capable of exercise than healthy dogs. Do not let them overdo it if they have friends (human or animal) coming to visit!
It’s crucial for elderly animals to have access to water, so if your pet has trouble walking or standing, make sure the water bowl is placed so they can easily get to it.
Do not leave food out for your pet if they are not eating. Pick it up and later provide a small amount of something different. Tempting dishes include ham, pilchards, fresh chicken and gravy, and cat food. Or you can get appetising invalid foods from the vet. Try serving food warm.
For any animal that spends a lot of time lying down, provide thick bedding in a warm location. Always cover any heater pads you provide to prevent burns. Turn animals that cannot move every two hours. Animals on heater pads need to be turned more frequently and checked for overheating more frequently. If your pet is immobile for more than 24 hours, talk to your veterinarian about the prognosis and expected quality of life in the future.
Dogs that are unable to stand should be taken outside frequently to relieve themselves. If you think they might need some support, sling a towel or blanket from one side to the other under their stomachs. When using a baby shampoo, thoroughly inspect the bottom and belly for feces or urine stains. Rinse and dry; use a hairdryer carefully to avoid burning. Use the smallest setting, but avoid holding it too closely. Long-haired dogs may be simpler to clip, but be careful not to cut the skin. A Vaseline layer can shield areas of hairless skin from being irritated by urine.
Try to give your sick pet a daily grooming; it will cheer them up.
For further information, see Caring for the older dog
Pets who have arthritis require a soft bed and help going upstairs and downstairs. Beginning the day by massaging your muscles may be beneficial. Rest your pet if they’re having a bad day. Only let your dog go potty outside for a short period of time. Consider getting a heater pad for use in the winter. Never give your pet human pain relievers or anti-arthritis drugs; some of them can be harmful to dogs. Only use medicines prescribed by your vet. The use of “alternative” health products should be discussed with your veterinarian because they are unlikely to be helpful on their own.
Injuries and sores should not be licked because doing so only makes them worse. Prevent licking by using a buster or Elizabethan collar. Put socks on the feet to stop the dog from scratching, or a T-shirt on the dog if the itchy area is on the body to stop the dog from scratching. While you wait to see the doctor, you can find relief by taking a cool saltwater bath (add a teaspoon of salt to a pint of water), using an ice pack, or applying witch hazel or camomile lotion. Keep in mind that the best flea control products come from veterinarians.
Preparation is everything. Beforehand, gather everything you need quietly to avoid having to chase your dog around the house. To stop your dog from biting your hand while you are administering treatments, it can be helpful to have someone hold the front legs. Small dogs can be wrapped in a towel. Have your pet sit, preferably with his bottom tucked into a room corner (so he can’t keep reversing his position)
It is easiest to bury the tablet in food, but make sure you don’t have to take the medication right before bed. Pick something strong-tasting that won’t fall off the tablet and has a strong flavor, like cheese, pâté, or cat food. Make sure your pet is hungry when it’s time to take a medication, then mix the tablet into a small amount of food.
Ask your doctor about the many medications that are now available in palatable forms, but keep the tablets in a secure location so that your pet cannot steal them and unintentionally overdose. Special soft treats that can be used to conceal tablets are also available from the veterinarian. Giving your dog a few treats before and after, naturally without the tablet, can occasionally help you fool him. To avoid your dog learning that the second treat is always “booby trapped,” however, vary the number.
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Caring for your sick dog or puppy top tips
The information provided below is only meant to serve as a general overview of how to take care of a sick dog who is already receiving medical attention. You should always call your veterinarian first if your dog is ill.
Why does my dog keep being sick after eating?
There are a variety of causes for dogs to vomit after eating, such as eating excessively quickly or changing their diet abruptly. More serious causes can include ingesting something toxic (like these human foods that are bad for dogs) or swallowing something they shouldn’t (like a toy or a ball), so you should always contact a vet right away if you suspect this might be the case. Get in touch with your veterinarian if you have any concerns because it’s also possible that dogs vomiting after eating could be a sign of another illness that requires veterinary care. You should not ignore frequent vomiting, no matter what the cause may be.
If your dog exhibits symptoms of illness, such as lethargy, depression, discomfort, or bloating, you should contact your veterinarian.
FAQ
How can I treat my sick dog at home?
Sick dogs need a lot of sleep and rest. Give your dog a peaceful, comfortable space to unwind where there won’t be any interruptions from other animals or young children who might be a bother. To ensure that your sick dog is left alone, you might want to keep them in a separate area of the house or in a private room.
How do I make my sick dog feel better?
Give cooled, boiled water little and often. You can try skipping one meal if your pet is throwing up and having trouble eating, but make sure they have access to water. Then, serve white rice and small portions of a white meat diet, such as boiled chicken or fish (cod or coley).