It’s not fun seeing your furry companion not feeling very well. However, during their difficulties and struggles, they will turn to their owner to be their advocate when they’re sick. When caring for a sick pet, your first task is to observe the symptoms and recognize the severity of their illness.
Some diseases can be handled and treated in the house, while some sicknesses or conditions will call for a vet’s attention. So, if you’re reading this article while your canine is sick, you’ve come to the right place. Now let’s look at some pointers to make your dog feel more comfortable when they aren’t feeling well.
Five Ways to Care for a Sick Dog
If you think that your furry buddy is sick, the first thing you have to do is take them to an emergency veterinary care facility. Once they’ve had a proper checkup, and the vet gives you recommendations about the problem, you might bring your pet home and look after them. Here are five easy suggestions for looking after your sick pet.
1. Always listen to what your vet tells you
Always remember that the vets understand what they’re speaking of. Do not take your veterinarian’s recommendations too lightly. If they prescribed medications 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 significance of regular checkups comes in. Vets recommend regularly taking your pets in for a routine dog and cat wellness exam to monitor their health and detect and stop any possible health problems before they worsen.
2. Limit their playtime
While your sick pet should not lie immobile the whole time, it’s still not a good idea for them to be playing outside like they usually do. Make sure of the balance in the amount of time your dog spends playing outdoors and resting to recover quicker. Playing outside for too long will only make your dog tired and susceptible to many diseases, making their condition worse.
3. Take care of their diet
When your pet is sick, don’t feed them heavy meals as these may only make them feel worse than they’re currently experiencing. You must 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 see your canine ignoring the food you’re serving them, it might indicate toothache or gum disease. Bring them to a vet dental expert immediately upon suspicion of any oral-related conditions. You can click here to see the services most vet dentists offer.
4. Groom them
Sick pets do not have the energy to clean themselves. They will most likely lie in one area the whole day, dirty and exhausted. It’s your responsibility to ensure your fur baby remains clean and comfy even when they feel under the weather.
While you don’t 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 rejuvenated.
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 disease can make your pet weak and dehydrated. Ensure to always keep a bowl of water within reach of your furry companion throughout their sickness to stay hydrated.