It’s not fun seeing your four-legged companion not feeling well. But, throughout their difficulties and struggles, they will rely on their owner to be their advocate when they are sick. When taking care of a sick pet, your first task is to observe the symptoms and recognize the severity of their sickness.
Some illnesses can be managed and treated at home, while some conditions or sicknesses will require the attention of a veterinarian. So, if you’ve found this short article while your pet dog is sick, you’ve come to the right place. Now let us look at some simple tips to make your canine feel more comfortable when they aren’t feeling well.
Five Ways to Take Care of a Sick Dog
If you think that your furry companion is sick, the first thing you should do is take them to an animal professional that specializes in urgent pet care. Once they’ve had a proper checkup, and the veterinarian gives you suggestions about the problem, you might bring your pet home and care for them. Here are five easy tips for taking care of your sick pet.
1. Limit their playtime
While your sick pet shouldn’t 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 canine spends playing outdoors and resting to recuperate quicker. Playing outside for too long will make your pet exhausted and susceptible to several health problems, making their condition even worse.
2. Groom them
Sick pets do not have the energy to clean themselves. They will most likely lie in one area the entire day, dirty and exhausted. It’s your responsibility to guarantee your pet remains clean and comfortable even when they feel under the weather.
While you do not have to give your sick pet a full bath, you can take a wet cloth or towel to rub it on their body. Make sure 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.
3. Always listen to what your vet tells you
Always bear in mind that the vets know what they are talking about. Don’t take your vet’s suggestions too lightly. If they prescribed medications for your furry buddy to take at a scheduled time, make sure your pet gets those medicines when they are supposed to.
This is where the importance of routine checkups comes in. Veterinarians suggest routinely taking your pets in for regular checkups to monitor their health and detect and stop any possible health problems before they worsen. You may click here to learn more about pet routine exams.
4. Take care of their diet
When your pet is sick, do not feed them heavy meals as these might only make them feel worse than they’re currently experiencing. You should withhold food for the first 24 hours, especially if your pet experiences diarrhea or nausea. After a day has passed, only give your canine a completely bland pet food and make sure that their light food includes protein sources like starch.
However, if you observe your pet ignoring the food you are serving them, it may indicate tooth pain or gum disease. Bring them to professionals specializing in veterinary dentistry in Houston County upon suspicion of any oral-related conditions to see what’s disturbing them.
5. Make sure they have access to water
Like humans who must remain hydrated when they’re sick, so do our beloved 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.