It’s not easy to watch your dog suffer from illness. Your furry friend relies on you to care for him and protect him, so when they are ill it can be difficult to know what to do or how to help them recover. However, there are many ways that you can help your sick pet feel better and make it easier for them to get better quickly.
Keeping Your Sick Dog Hydrated
Drinking water and other liquids is a vital part of a sick dog’s recovery. Not drinking enough can worsen their condition and lead to dehydration. If you notice your dog is not drinking as much liquid as usual, take them to a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Getting Your Sick Dog to Eat
When your dog is sick they may not want to eat as much as usual. This can be frustrating but it is important for their overall health to eat and hydrate themselves. You can try feeding your dog a special treat or something that they don’t usually eat to encourage them to eat. They may like it so much that they will eat more of their normal food as well.
Monitoring Your Dog’s Body Fluids
Observe your dog closely during the day and note their urine and bowel movements. If your dog does not go to the bathroom as often as usual or if they have diarrhea, report this to your parents and take them to a veterinarian immediately.
Keep a Record of Your Dog’s Activities
You will also need to keep a diary of all the activities that your dog does during the day. You can write down things like when he gets up, when he goes to the bathroom, and whether or not he is eating or drinking. This will make it easier for you to keep track of your sick pet when you take them back to the vet.
Be sure to check your dog’s coat regularly to make sure it is clean. Brushing your dog while they are sick can help them to feel more comfortable and let them know you are there for them.
Giving Your Sick Dog Rest
While it is important for your dog to have some physical activity, it’s also very beneficial to give them some time to just lie and relax. They will be more likely to recover if they are not feeling up to a lot of exercise and can rest.
It’s also a good idea to limit their time outside, especially if they have a respiratory infection or are recovering from surgery. This will prevent your dog from developing pressure sores or bedsores.
Bedsores are very common among dogs that have to spend a long period of time lying immobile. These pressure ulcers can be painful and even deadly if left untreated.
To prevent your dog from developing bedsores, provide him with thick bedding and keep changing it as it gets wet or soiled. You can also use puppy pads that wick away waste.
