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.
limo prices to midway Crystal Lake west of Randal .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareDog arthritis is one of the most common diseases that... Read More
What's the best food for your Goldfish?Goldfish need food that... Read More
There is a dangerous problem that horse owners should be... Read More
Settling a puppy into a new home successful is often... Read More
Could a horse trainer, born about 154 years ago, teach... Read More
To vaccinate or not to vaccinate? That's become the burning... Read More
Can cats and dogs live together without constantly being at... Read More
A respiratory tract ailment can be fatal to your parrot... Read More
Electric Dog FencesIs an electric dog fence something for you?... Read More
Are you thinking about dog obedience school? Do you know... Read More
We are all busy these days and I know it's... Read More
She is the protector of cats, women and children. The... Read More
You Must Be The Alpha DogFirst, let's take a look... Read More
When Lucky was starting to show signs of aging, we... Read More
Opening your heart to a Pomeranian can be fun, but... Read More
What is Canine Hip Dysplasia?Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD) is a... Read More
Occasionally watching Animal Planet does have its advantage. You can... Read More
Traditionally, a doggie treat was just that, a treat that... Read More
Congratulations on your choice to bring home a West Highland... Read More
Your dog's dental health is so important for his total... Read More
For most West Highland White Terrier owners, the dog is... Read More
Thinking of getting a pet for your little ones? How... Read More
Before you decide to give your dog canine arthritis medicine... Read More
You may wish to consider a chinchilla as a possible... Read More
Aggression behavior in a dog is a normal form of... Read More
taxi o'hare Auburn ..Bringing a new puppy or dog home is a huge... Read More
Annual Vaccinations for Your Dog?Are they really necessary? - In... Read More
If you have ever tried to take a picture of... Read More
I know there are differing opinions on the subject of... Read More
Knowing how to feed your betta is fundamental, because doing... Read More
Puppies are a bundle of newfound joy. You've prepared the... Read More
Arthritis refers to inflammation or swelling in a joint. The... Read More
Dogs are descendent of wolves. To study the psychology of... Read More
Whether you're a new dog owner or have had dogs... Read More
Just like when you bring home a new baby, you... Read More
Last summer, we added a new pet to our family... Read More
Do you have at least one framed photo of your... Read More
In a world of computer games, the Internet and shopping... Read More
I am a happy owner of two rat terriers. They... Read More
Mistake #7 ? Assuming You Can Get On Any Horse... Read More
There is a lot of talk going on about what... Read More
Attention breeders, livestock owners and pet lovers! *Pets looking for... Read More
Allergies to dogs can strike anyone at any age, yet... Read More
Since having a dog is such a common thing, do... Read More
For realistic tips for humans who are moving with cats,... Read More
After years of practicing both conventional and holistic medicine for... Read More
Lots of folks are picky about their vet, and for... Read More
Taurine, a water-soluble amino acid, has recently become the topic... Read More
If your feline friend could speak your language, here a... Read More
Of course, we humans use shoes to protect our feet.... Read More
Pet |