Still, it’s nearly impossible to sit back and do nothing, so I’ve developed a few ways to help them feel better, without being a pain in their tail.
I’m no vet and you should always check with your vet to make sure you’re doing what’s right for your dog. These are my go to, tried and true ways to make a sick dog feel better.
1. The right bed for a good rest – Depending on your dog and how they’re feeling, they may want a nice cool spot to lay or a warm spot to snuggle. Earlier tonight, Kolchak was loving his spot on my cooling gel pillow, but once he started to feel a bit better, he snuggled into his warm grey blankie. Make sure you give your dog a cool spot and a warm spot to lay.
2. Keep them hydrated – When your dog is sick, the last thing you want to do is let them get dehydrated, but letting them have too much water can actually make their tummy feel worse. I like to let Koly have a few sips at a time at regular intervals, so I can keep track of how much he’s drinking and if any vomiting is random or a result of the drink. When you have a dog who might be getting dehydrated, an unflavoured pet-friendly electrolyte mix can do a world of good.
3. Curb snacking – When I’m sick, all I want to do is lay on my couch and eat Sour Patch Kids, but resist the urge to give your dog treats just because you feel bad that they’re sick. I know that when Kolchak is under the weather, my first thought is to tempt his finicky appetite with all of his favourite things, but withholding food for a while actually helps your dog’s stomach to rest and heal.
4. Don’t skip the walk – As long as your dog is up to it, a walk can make them feel better. What’s not to love? The fresh air, the chance to smell some stuff? Be cautious though. Keep the walk short and sweet and always make sure your dog is up to it first. If they are dehydrated or if it has been an overly long time sing the last time they ate, a walk might not be the best idea, but it *totally* helps Kolchak feel better.
5. Try not to stress. Dogs pick up on how we’re feeling and if you’re a ball of nerves, they will be too. I know this is easier said than done. Pour yourself a glass of vino, put on some soothing music or grab your favourite book or put on a movie that makes you furiously happy. A relaxed human is one of the kindest gifts you can give your sick pup. Well, that and not losing your cool when they get up, head for the nicest piece of furniture or the new rug and yak all over it. Thanks a heap, Kolchak.
Symptoms Regardless of your dog’s age, you play a key role in helping her combat illness and remain as healthy as possible. Remember, your dog cannot describe symptoms to you, but she can show you signs of disease. Awareness of the signs of the most common diseases is one way to help reduce your pet’s risk of being affected by them. It’s a little scary to consider that at least 10% of pets that appear healthy to their owners and their veterinarians during annual checkups have underlying diseases.1
If you have any questions or concerns, you should always visit or call your veterinarian – they are your best resource to ensure the health and well-being of your pets.
Overview As is the case with people, a dog’s health changes with age. Unfortunately, our pets age much faster than we do.
Additional tests may be added on an individual basis. Your veterinarian will recommend the right course for your best friend.
Calming and Relaxing Your Dog
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What to do when your dog not eating food or drinking water l Tips on LOSS OF APPETITE l
If only our pets could talk! Knowing when a dog or cat is sick isn’t always easy. Pets are notoriously good at masking symptoms of medical conditions. By the time a sick dog or sick cat displays obvious signs of feeling under the weather, it’s likely he’s been ailing for quite some time.
Maintaining annual wellness visits coupled with age-appropriate diagnostic bloodwork is the best line of defense against disease processes. But what should diligent pet parents do between visits with the vet to protect the health of their pets?
First and foremost, be aware that many symptoms of a sick dog/cat are very subtle. And many times, even the most well-meaning pet parents attribute these subtle changes to the normal aging process.
Next, be aware of the physical and behavioral signs that could mean your dog is sick or your cat is sick. The experts at Bowman Veterinary Hospital have compiled some symptoms to watch for.