Pets Information


Taking Care of Your Sick Dog


Just like humans, dogs are subject to diseases and illnesses. If your dog gets sick, you may have to take him to the vet for treatment or even surgery. Your dog may have to stay at the clinic for a few days. When he comes home you will have to take care of your sick dog so that he completely recovers.

If your dog has been away from home for one or two days he will be excited and happy to be back again. Staying in the veterinarian clinic was most likely a frightening experience for your sick dog because of the strange people, smells and noises.

As excited as he may be, your dog instinctively knows that he needs rest. Try to provide a comfortable place where he can sleep. He needs to be undisturbed by people coming and going. If you have children, make sure they understand that the dog needs to rest and cannot play like he used to - at least until he fully recovers, anyway.

Give your sick dog a comfortable bed to sleep on. He should be warm and the bedding should be easily washable. A soft cushion covered with a sheet makes a good convalescent bed.

Your vet probably gave you instructions on how to care for your dog. You may have to give him medicine or change his bandages. Your dog may not understand where his source of discomfort is coming from and may try to bite you when you try to touch his wounds. You have to constantly reassure him with gentle movements and soft words that you are not going to hurt him.

Your dog needs plenty of fluid during his recovery period. If he gets dehydrated it can affect his kidneys. Make sure he has a bowl of fresh water at all times, and if he is not drinking by himself you will have to give him water from a bottle or turkey baster. You may have to raise his muzzle slightly so that the he can swallow. If you cannot get your sick dog to drink, call the vet. Your dog may have to get fluids intravenously.

Your dog has different nutritional requirements while he recovers from his sickness or injury. Food should be given in small amounts and can be slightly warmed to make it more palatable to your dog. You can supplement his food with vitamins and minerals - see what your veterinarian recommends.

You'll probably have to give your sick dog medicine, and this can be one of the hardest things in the world. Liquid medication can be squirted down his throat, but pills are more problematical. Hide them in his food and he is likely to spit them out. Pills have to be placed on the back of the tongue and doing this without losing a finger or two is a real art. If you keep his upper lip between your fingers and his teeth he will not bite down, and this allows you to put the pill on his tongue.

Some dogs are just plain stubborn and no amount of coaxing or fighting will make that medicine go down their throats. If your dog is one of these, you may need to take him to the vet. A bit annoying - but better than not getting the medication your dog needs to recover.

Copyright 2005

Jane K is a lifelong dog enthusiast with a family of four beloved dogs of her own which provide the inspiration for this site. To learn more about how to care for your own beloved dog - visit her at http://www.simply-dog-care-and-more.com

You are welcome to reprint this article if you keep the content and live link intact.


MORE RESOURCES:

WNCT

Store Accused Of Selling 'Puppy Mill' Pets
WYFF, SC - 10 hours ago
GREENVILLE, SC -- A national pet store chain is under fire tonight accused of selling puppies that come from "puppy mills." The Humane Society of the United ...
Video: Humane Society Says Petland Tied to Puppy Mills AssociatedPress
Investigation ties pet chain to 'puppy mills' MSNBC
Humane Society charges national chain with selling puppies from mills Brownsville Herald
WIFR - Right Pundits
all 178 news articles


PetProductNews.com

Pet Sitter Association Poised for New Leadership
PetProductNews.com, CA - 11 hours ago
The National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS), a non-profit trade association based in Mount Laurel, NJ, will be under new leadership in 2009 ...
Raleigh Pet Sitter Jerry Wentz Finishes Term as Past President of ... MarketWatch
Tucson Pet Sitter Vickie Reason Appointed to the Board of ... MarketWatch
all 41 news articles


Freezing temperatures a danger to outdoor pets
Kingsport Times News, TN - 6 hours ago
As temperatures this week dip below freezing at night, animal shelter folks are urging pet owners to make sure their dogs and cats have proper protection ...
At the shelter State Gazette
all 2 news articles


San Francisco Chronicle

Would you chose your pet over your partner?
San Francisco Chronicle,  USA - 11 hours ago
In a study of 900 pet parents by BizRate Research, women said they had a deeper emotional connection with their pets than men did. ...


Fire destroys Lee Street home; family of three, pets escape unharmed
Salisbury Post, NC - 37 minutes ago
By Shavonne Potts Thursday morning started out like any other for Marilyn Adrian and her two children, who were at their North Lee Street home watching ...
Salisbury Family Loses Everything In Fire WSOCtv.com
all 2 news articles


Three people, 19 pets evacuated in Northeast fire
KVIA, TX - 11 hours ago
EL PASO, Texas -- Two adults, one child and nearly 20 pets, including ferrets, dogs and mice, were evacuated during a Thursday morning fire that nearly ...
Ferrets Revived With Oxygen Masks KTSM-TV
Extension Cord Sparks House Fire KFOXtv.com
6 fire units respond to Northeast house fire El Paso Times
KVIA
all 5 news articles


Donation baskets brighten the holidays for pets of the homeless
The California Aggie Online, CA - 37 minutes ago
The Mercer Veterinary Clinic will continue its 13-year long tradition of making holiday gift baskets for pets of the homeless this December. ...


City seeks to get more pets licensed
Storm Lake Pilot Tribune, IA - 18 hours ago
In efforts to get more pets in the City of Storm Lake properly licensed so they comply with City Code, the City Council is looking at passing an ordinance ...
Dog tags might help get strays home, veterinarian says Le Mars Daily Sentinel
all 2 news articles


A Happy Pet for the Holidays: Natural Remedies to Treat Animals ...
MarketWatch - 22 hours ago
NORTH ANDOVER, Mass., Nov 20, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Does your pet misbehave when you leave the house? Whether you're entertaining or traveling for ...


Making Tough Decisions About Sick Pets
WCCO, MN - 3 hours ago
(WCCO) For many people, pets are a part of the family. And it's the sad truth that, for most, we will outlive them, and often have to make tough decisions ...

Pets - Google News

home | site map
© 2007