It’s not fun seeing your furry buddy not feeling well. However, during their difficulties and struggles, they will turn to their owner to be their advocate when they are sick. When caring for a sick pet, your first task is to observe the symptoms and recognize the severity of their condition.
Some health problems can be managed and treated in the home, while some sicknesses or conditions will call for the attention of a veterinarian. So, if you have encountered this short article while your pet is sick, you’ve come to the right place. Let us look at some pointers to make your dog feel comfier when they aren’t feeling well.
Five Ways to Care for a Sick Dog
If you suspect that your furry companion is sick, the first thing you should do is take them to see the vet. Once they’ve had a proper checkup and the vet tells you some advice about the problem, you might bring your dog home and look after them. Looking for emergency vet facilities to take your sick pet to? You may search the web for “emergency vet near me” for accurate results.
Here are five simple tips for taking care of your sick dog.
1. Restrict their playtime
While your sick pet should not lie immobile the whole time, it’s still not a great idea for them to be playing outside like they usually do. Make sure of 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 vulnerable to several illnesses, making their condition worse.
2. Take care of their diet
When your pet is sick, don’t feed them heavy meals as these might only make them feel worse than they’re already experiencing. You must withhold food for the first 24 hours, especially if your pet experiences diarrhea or nausea. After a day has passed, only give your dog a completely bland pet food and ensure that their bland diet includes protein sources like starch.
However, if you notice your pet neglecting the food you are serving them, it might indicate tooth pain or gum disease. Take them to a vet dental professional immediately upon suspicion of any oral-related conditions. This is why it’s recommended to regularly bring your pet to vet dentists for their dental care and regular dog teeth cleaning to ensure their oral health is always in great condition.
3. Groom them
Sick pets do not have the energy to clean themselves. They’ll most likely lie in one place the entire day, dirty and exhausted. It’s your responsibility to ensure your pet remains clean and comfortable even when they’re feeling under the weather.
While you do not really have to give your sick pet a proper bath, you can take a wet cloth or towel 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 better and refreshed.
4. Always listen to what your vet tells you
Always bear in mind that the veterinarians understand what they are speaking of. Don’t take your veterinarian’s advice too lightly. If they prescribed medicines for your furry buddy to take at a scheduled time, ensure your pet gets those medications when they’re supposed to.
This is where the importance of routine checkups comes in. Veterinarians recommend regularly taking your pets in for a routine vet exam to monitor their health and detect and stop any possible health concerns before they worsen.
5. Make sure they have access to water
Like humans who must remain hydrated when they’re sick, so do our pets. Any bacterial or parasitic illness can make your dog dehydrated and weak. Ensure to always keep a bowl of water within your furry friend’s reach during their sickness to stay hydrated.