How to Take Care of an Unhealthy Dog

Having a dog is life-changing, as it becomes an important part of your family and a companion for each member. Raising a dog from puppy to adult is wonderful, creating a special bond close to your heart forever.

What about when they get sick? This is a real concern because you may need to be equipped to handle the needs of an unwell animal. While your vet can be of great service to you and your dog, the real challenge is the time spent at home caring for them.

Are you seeking guidance on managing your pet’s needs during sickness or aging? This is how to take care of an unhealthy animal.

Recognize the Signs

Dogs are tough and like to keep up with their usual routines. Sadly, it’s not always safe to carry on as normal when they’re unwell. It’s important to notice when they’re not feeling right to stop things from worsening by spotting common signs. These include:

• Change in appetite
• Sudden weight loss or weight gain
• Excessive drooling
• Laboured breathing
• Behavioural changes
• Bad breath

When you notice these signs, take your pet to the vet for a checkup to determine whether it requires medication, surgery, or other treatment.

Dog Food

Unwell dogs need the best food you can provide to help them heal and get better. If you’ve been feeding them cheap food, consider switching to something healthier.

Visit your local pet store or check online to see what’s out there. Look into what provides the suitable nutrition for your pet, such as Orijen dog food. There are raw, wet, freeze-dried, wet, and flash-frozen options. You can also use healthy items from your pantry and fridge. Do some research and ask the staff at your pet store for advice on keeping your dog well-fed and happy.

Play Nurse

You may have experience caring for a sick child or family member, so you know what it takes. It is all about making sure your dog is comfortable while on the mend.

You may have to administer medications like pills or liquid medicine, as well as injections if they are prescribed. You can hide pills in a treat or gently open your dog’s jaw and place them on the back of the tongue. Liquid medications are usually administered with a syringe or dropper released into the back of the throat. For an injection, follow the instructions from your vet.

Rest and Exercise

Dogs are energetic and need regular exercise. Whether they should rest, exercise, or do a bit of both depends on their illness. Your vet will have clear directions, but trust your instincts if it’s a long-term condition or they’re aging.

Sick dogs need rest and sleep to recover, and this applies to injuries or surgery as well. An ideal spot is a quiet and comfy spot where you can easily check on them. Exercise can be helpful if a dog is unhealthy due to aging or being overweight.

Start with short walks, especially if they’re recovering from an injury or illness. Keep it consistent and watch for signs to see if they can manage more activity. Gradually increase the exercise until they’re back to normal activities. If they can’t, adjust their exercise routine to suit their new level of mobility.

Give Love

The best medicine is love. Like us, dogs need lots of love from their owners when they face pain and discomfort. Being alone can be tough for them, so try to spend as much time as you can with them while they’re sick or hurt.

You might offer them their favourite treats, buy a new toy to chew on, and gently pet them as they snuggle up next to you on the couch. They also enjoy being talked to, so share some quiet words to show you care. After all, this is your best friend.

Here’s how to care for a dog that’s not feeling well. Your pets will go through health ups and downs, so keeping these tips in mind can help make their lives easier during tough times. They’ll surely appreciate it and be there for you when needed.

Photo by Ryan Walton on Unsplash