Dogs are known as “man’s best friend” for a reason- they are loyal, friendly, and always there for us. Therefore, it’s essential to keep our furry friends as healthy and happy as possible. However, just like humans, dogs can become unwell, and that can be unsettling for us as pet owners. Good news is, there are a few things you can do to keep your dog healthy when they’re down.
Keep Them Hydrated
One of the most crucial things is to ensure that your dog is well-hydrated during their sickness. Offering clean water to your dog throughout the day is important as it flushes out toxins from their body and restores fluid balance that can be lost during vomiting or diarrhea. If your dog is reluctant to drink water, try giving them a homemade chicken broth or low-sodium beef broth as an alternative.
Provide a balanced diet
Providing your dog with a healthy and balanced diet is always important, but even more so when they’re not feeling well. When your dog is suffering from an illness or recovering from an injury, they require the best quality protein, nourishing fats and easy-to-digest carbohydrates to keep their energy up and help their body heal. Therefore, considering healthy food supplements is of utmost importance when your dog is not feeling well.
Incorporate more water rich foods
You can also include foods with high water content to keep your dog hydrated. Examples of such water-rich foods include cucumber, celery, zucchini, and watermelon.
Avoid commercial foods
Please avoid giving your dogs commercial foods, as they are mostly full of preservatives and sweeteners, which can make your dog’s illness worse.
Visit A Vet
If your dog’s condition worsens, it is recommended that your dog see a vet. This is especially true if vomiting or diarrhea persists, they appear lethargic or feverish, or experience noticeable weight loss. Some typical diagnostic tests include blood tests, stool analyses, or X-rays, depending on the severity and signs of sickness. Don’t ignore any symptoms if they persist- getting professional help is always the best option in such a case.
Give Them Adequate Rest
Just like humans, dogs need plenty of rest when they’re unwell. In certain situations, it may be necessary to restrict their movement and provide them with a comfortable and quiet spot so that they can rest and let their body heal. However, please ensure that they don’t remain in one position for too long, and try to change their position whenever possible to prevent bedsores.
Keep Them Warm
It’s important to keep your sick pup warm, especially when they are experiencing cold symptoms. Provide them with a warm bed when they sleep and bundle them up in a sweater or blanket when you take them outside. Cold weather can lead to arthritis and other joint problems, which are especially prevalent in senior dogs, so ensuring that they are warm during the winter months is essential for their well-being.
Be Patient
Lastly, it’s important to be patient with your sick dog. It can take time for them to recover fully, but with the right care and attention, you can help them get back to their old selves. Don’t scold or punish your dog if they have an accident, instead, encourage them with praise when they show signs of improvement. Above all, try to be understanding and attentive to their needs and give them the love and care that they need when they’re feeling unwell.
Conclusion
While it’s distressing when your furry friend falls ill, there are a few things you can do to keep them healthy and comfortable. Keeping them hydrated, providing a balanced diet, visiting a vet, giving them adequate rest, keeping them warm, and being patient are important things you can do to help them get back to their normal selves. Remember, Fido is counting on you- so ensure that you’re taking good care of them, always!
Frequently Asked questions
- Q1. What should I do if my dog is vomiting frequently?
- A. You should take your dog to the vet immediately as persistent vomiting can cause dehydration and other serious conditions
- Q2. How often should I bathe my sick dog?
- A. Unless instructed otherwise, try to avoid bathing a sick dog unless absolutely necessary. Bathing can stress them out and interfere with their recovery
- Q3. What should I do if my sick dog refuses to eat or drink?
- A. You can try giving your dog homemade low-salt broths or different flavored food options such as cooked chicken or beef, which can stimulate their appetite
- Q4. What is something I should never give my dog when they’re sick?
- A. Meat or dairy products, fatty or fried food, chocolate, caffeine containing drinks, and anything with artificial sweeteners should be avoided as they may make their sickness worse or even be toxic for them.
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