Posted by Dogs can get sick at any part of their life. Some will recover in a few days, and some require more time and care than others. When a dog gets sick, the first thing most owners do is pick him up and hug him to the body. This is fine, but it only helps if your dog gets better, but we all know that we can’t help our dog in this way.
The only way that our dog will feel better is by treating the illness by consulting our veterinarian. A vet is the only person who can tell you if the problem is worrisome or not. However, you should also keep an eye on your puppy and take good care of him when he is not feeling well.
In this article, we will discuss how you can make your dog feel better when he is sick and what are the 10 things you can do for him?
How to make your dog feel better when sick?
1. Recognize the symptoms
When your dog is sick, the first symptom to appear is a sudden change in his appearance and behavior. Usually, dogs will try to hide their sign of illness, and they will not communicate in the same way as when they are healthy, just as humans, so it is important to recognize that your dog is not feeling well.
There are certain obvious signs that can tell you that your dog is sick. These signs are also an indication that your dog needs immediate veterinary attention. Here are some of the common signs to look for:
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Low activity level
- Diarrhea
- Excessive licking or scratching of the body
- Whining or crying
- Bad breathe
- Hiding
If any of these signs worsen or other symptoms appear with ongoing signs, you should see your vet. If you have an older dog, you should keep an eye on his condition, as his health can worsen even with a simple illness. Knowing the signs of what is happening to your pet will make it easier to describe to your vet.
2. Giving medicines to dog
When you take your dog to the vet, he will prescribe some medication. It’s important to give that medication to your dog at the right time, so arrange everything ahead of time, so you don’t end up chasing your dog around the house.
If you have someone else to help you hold your dog’s paws, that would be great and prevent your dog from moving while giving the medication. In the case of small dogs, you can wrap them in a towel. Don’t make any change in medicine without consulting your vet.
3. Provide your dog comfortable environment
When your dog gets sick, even the smallest act of care will make a big difference in his life. You can provide them with a comfortable environment, a warm and pleasant place to snuggle. If your pup isn’t adjusting yet, you can take him for a short walk.
The ability to smell fresh air will boost his spirit. However, your dog is sick, so be careful about the walk and don’t spend too much time on it as it will tire him out and only make his condition worse. It is important to consult your vet before going for a walk.
4. Keep your pet hydrated
When your dog feels sick most of the time, he may be suffering from problems in which he is losing his body fluids either through diarrhea, vomiting, or fever. If his body becomes dehydrated, it will have a serious effect on his ability to perform different functions. For this reason, veterinarians often emphasize giving sick dogs plenty of fluids for recovery.
Normally a bowl of water is enough for dogs, but when they are sick, it is not enough. Their body loses electrolytes during illness, and for that, you need to add some electrolyte supplements to their water.
5. The right bed for a good rest
Depending on the condition of your dog, you should provide him with a comfortable bed. If your dog suffers from an orthopedic problem, an orthopedic bed will be the best for him. Sometimes when dogs are sick, they will need a warm and a cool place to lie down. Make sure to provide both of them.
6. Keep a detail of every symptom
When your dog feels ill, it is important to consider his habits and behaviors because this will help make an accurate diagnosis when taking your dog to the vet. Similarly, when you are giving medication to your pet, look at how it works and its possible side effects, which will help you give the best treatment to your dog.
Also, if your vet has prescribed any special food for your dog, you should also take into account the sign of how his body reacts to that specific food. Make sure to also keep track of his bathroom habits, as it will help your vet know if his body is working properly or not.
7. Provide them their favorite food
Especially when dogs are feeling sick, they will not eat anything, and in such conditions, if you provide them with their favorite food, they will love to eat it. However, be especially careful if your dog suffers from any allergies. In case of allergies, you must provide food according to the instructions of your veterinarian.
8. Provide a lot of attention to your pet
Dogs are animals that love attention and love. One of the best gifts an owner can give their pet is their care and love. Giving lots of attention and love during sick time can only calm your dog and make him feel safe.
Likewise, if you can completely stay with your dog when he is sick, it will also boost his morale. It will also provide a moment for bonding. When you give them physical attention, hugs, pets, and strokes, it will comfort them completely.
9. Try not to stress
Dogs can understand our feelings, and if we feel nervous, they will get nervous too. Although, it’s hard not to get nervous when your furry companion is sick. But try to stay calm, put on one of your favorite songs, make some tea, and have your favorite book or movie that can change your mood. Feeling relaxed will also help your furry friend stay calm and recover quickly.
10. Stay in contact with your vet
Since your dog is not feeling well, it is best to stay in contact with your local vet. Tell your dog’s condition whether it is improving or not, and if there is any need to change medications, you can do so in time.
In case your dog has undergone surgery, wait for him to recover and use medications according to your veterinarian’s consultation. Do not use anything on your own as it can only make the condition worse.
Conclusion on “How to make your dog feel better when sick?”
When dogs are sick, they do not feel at their best, so it is our duty to give them care, love and take them to the vet to receive the proper treatment. If you take good care of your dog, he will recover in no time, and it will be best for both of you.