How to Care for a Sick Dog

It’s never pleasant to see your best friend unwell. Dogs rely on their owners for care when they are sick. The first step is to recognize when your dog is unwell, followed by assessing the severity of the illness. Some mild conditions can be managed at home with close attention, while others require immediate veterinary care. Whenever in doubt, don’t hesitate to call your vet for advice. Sometimes it’s a matter of life or death.

Track your dog’s daily activities. Record when your dog goes to the bathroom, when symptoms occur, and when they eat or drink, etc. This will help you recognize patterns in the symptoms. It’s also a useful tool for the vet to diagnose your dog’s illness.

• If your dog has mild symptoms (poor appetite, restlessness, occasional vomiting, or short-term diarrhea), you can carefully care for them at home while seeking advice from a vet.

Certain symptoms require immediate veterinary care. There are specific symptoms that demand urgent attention. Never hesitate to call your veterinarian when you notice these signs:

• Unconsciousness
• Excessive bleeding
• Ingestion of toxins
• Continuous vomiting and diarrhea
• Fractures
• Difficulty breathing
• Seizures lasting more than one minute
• Inability to urinate or complete lack of urination
• New or recurring symptoms in an already sick dog (such as diabetes, Addison's disease, etc.)
• Large swelling on the face, eyes, or throat.

Consult with your veterinarian for less critical symptoms. Some symptoms may cause discomfort in your dog, signaling that treatment may be needed. Call your vet for advice on how to handle these signs:

• Single seizure lasting under one minute
• Occasional vomiting and diarrhea lasting for more than a day
• Fever
• Excessive lethargy for more than one day
• Refusal to eat for over a day
• Difficulty defecating
• Limping or pain during movement
• Excessive thirst
• Swelling
• Unusual lumps or enlargement of masses
• Other abnormal symptoms or behaviors (shaking or whining)

Do not feed your dog if they are vomiting or have diarrhea. For healthy puppies and dogs over 6 months old, you may withhold food for up to 24 hours if vomiting or diarrhea is the initial symptom.

• Avoid giving them favorite foods or chew toys during this time.

Make sure your dog stays hydrated. Never restrict your dog’s water intake unless they are vomiting after drinking. If this happens, seek advice from your veterinarian.

Feed your dog bland food for 1-2 days. After withholding food for 24 hours and once your dog seems more active, you can gradually introduce bland food for 1-2 days. A bland diet for dogs typically consists of 1 part protein and 2 parts easily digestible starch.

• Common protein sources include low-fat cheese or skinless, boneless chicken, or boiled meatballs.
• The best starch for dogs is white rice.
• For a 5kg dog, provide one cup of food per day (divided into 4 meals, every 6 hours).

Limit your dog’s exercise and playtime. Ensure that your dog gets plenty of rest by limiting their exercise and playtime. Take your dog outside for fresh air, but avoid letting them run around if they seem tired. This is especially important if your dog is experiencing any leg pain.

Monitor your dog’s stool and urine output. Pay close attention to your dog’s stool and urine when they are unwell. If you normally allow your dog to relieve themselves outside, make sure to take them out so you can observe their stool and urine.

• Do not punish your dog if they accidentally relieve themselves or vomit inside. They cannot control it because they are sick and may avoid you if punished.

Closely monitor your dog's symptoms. Ensure you monitor your dog carefully in case their condition worsens. Do not leave your dog alone during the day or over the weekend. If you must leave (for example, for work), check on them every 2 hours.

• If you can't manage this, call a veterinary clinic to see if they offer boarding services. Symptoms can deteriorate rapidly, and new or more severe symptoms can appear at any time.

Don’t hesitate to call your veterinarian. If you’re unsure about your dog’s symptoms, or if they seem weaker, call your vet immediately for advice.

Keep your dog indoors. Do not leave them outside or in the garage. Your dog may struggle with temperature regulation, and you won’t be able to monitor them properly as their condition changes.

Create a comfortable bed for your dog. Set up a bed with a blanket in an area where you can easily and frequently monitor your dog. Use a blanket with your scent on it to help your dog feel more comfortable.

• Choose a spot for the bed with a floor that’s easy to clean, such as the bathroom or kitchen. This way, if your dog vomits or relieves themselves, cleanup will be quick and easy.

Keep the house quiet. When your dog is sick, reduce noise and light levels. Think of the environment like when you’re unwell. Your dog will appreciate it. Limit visitors and avoid loud noises from things like vacuums, children, or the TV. This will help your dog rest as they need.

Isolate your sick dog from other dogs. It’s important to keep your sick dog away from other dogs to prevent the spread of illness. Quiet time will also allow your dog to rest and recover.

Do not feed your dog human food. While some foods may be safe for humans, they can be deadly for dogs. Substances like xylitol are especially dangerous for dogs. This ingredient is found in sugar-free products and oral care items.

• Other harmful foods include bread, chocolate, avocados, alcohol, grapes, raisins, garlic, and various other foods.

Never give your dog human medication. Avoid using human medications to treat your dog unless you have consulted with a veterinarian. These drugs can be toxic and worsen your dog's condition.

Remove toxic substances from your home, garage, and garden. Always supervise your dog when they are outside. Keep harmful substances out of reach. These include pesticides, anticoagulants, fertilizers, prescription drugs, insecticides, and similar items. These chemicals can be toxic and lethal to dogs.

Always speak to your dog in a gentle and loving manner.