At some point, your dog will get sick.Bring him home once you've taken him to the vet.Your dog's health can be monitored by your vet, who may give you medication to administer.You will need to care for your dog and make him comfortable during his recovery if you want to watch for signs of improvement.It could speed up the healing process.
Step 1: Give your dog medicine.
Make sure your dog gets his medication every now and then.You can create a simple tick box chart to remember when you give the medicine.If you need to give medication twice a day, give each dose at twelve hour intervals.One dose should be given at 8 am and the other at 8:00 pm.If the medication needs to be taken with meals, you should ask.If you're sharing nursing duties with a partner, charting can be helpful.You should know if the other person has treated the dog.
Step 2: Pay attention to your dog's attitude.
A dog's demeanor tells a lot about how he is feeling.You have to make sure his health is responding to treatment.He should start paying attention to you, wag his tail, and greet you.If he perks up and starts asking for food, that's a good sign.If you notice that your dog is becoming less interactive, he may need medical attention.
Step 3: Track how often your dog vomits.
You need to make sure he doesn't become dehydrated if he is vomiting and not drinking.He should not have food or water for 12 to 24 hours after he vomits.If he can't keep fluids down, contact the vet.You should tell your vet how many times your dog has vomited.If he vomits once and then eats and drinks again, it's probably not cause for alarm.
Step 4: Look for signs of illness.
You have to follow your dog into the yard to see what he does.If you notice large volumes of watery feces, you should contact the vet.Another reason to see the vet is to check his stools for blood.It is possible that your dog needs intensive supportive care.Be sure to give your dog lots of fluid even if it has a small amount of poop.He needs to be getting more fluid than he is losing.
Step 5: Look for signs of dehydration.
Your dog's teeth should be pink and moist.He may be dehydrated if they're dry.Lift up the scruff of your dog's neck and let it fall.It should return to its original position if it is hydrated.The skin will fall back over the course of a few seconds if it's dehydrated.Dehydration in a sick dog is a cause for concern, so take your dog to the vet.You can offer fluids if you notice your dog is dehydrated.Continue to watch for dehydration if he takes them.Get immediate medical care if he can't keep fluids down.IV fluids may be needed to prevent organ damage in your dog.
Step 6: Look at your dog's breathing.
Your dog's breathing can tell you a lot.He may be breathing heavily or panting if he is in pain.Heavy breathing is a sign of a chest infection.If your dog's breathing causes exaggerated chest movements, you should check his gums.If the gums are pale or blue, contact the vet.Your dog could be in respiratory distress if he isn't getting enough oxygen.Keep an hourly record of how many breaths your dog takes.You need to contact the vet if the rate increases steadily.
Step 7: Make the dog comfortable.
There should be a place for your sick dog to lie down.He might like a padded bed or a soft rug.He's not going to be disturbed if he has a resting area in a quiet spot.If your dog is small or shaking, you can cover him with a blanket or give him a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel.If he vomits or dribbles urine, you should put a puppy pad over the bed to absorb any bodily fluids.Puppy pads keep your dog out of his mess.If your dog isn't moving much, you should change his positions frequently.If your dog isn't sleeping, make him rest on his opposite side every hour.
Step 8: Water and toilet breaks are available.
If your dog is allowed to drink, make sure he has a water bowl that is close to him so that he can lap without getting up.There are water bowls around the house.This can remind him to drink.You should take your dog out for regular toilet breaks if he is staying hydrated.If your dog can't make it outside, he should be able to get to the toilet quickly.He can easily eliminate without feeling guilty if he has a flap, a door open, or puppy pads on.
Step 9: Feed your dog.
Feed your dog anything for 12 to 24 hours if he vomits.He will have a chance to rest.Feed him smaller meals when he's ready to eat.You could divide his daily ration into six smaller portions and give them every two or three hours.Warm the food slightly and feed him if he's not eating well.Take your dog out for a break after eating.Your doctor may suggest a special diet for your dog.Chicken breast or white fish with boiled white rice is a bland, easy to digest diet for dogs with sickness.
Step 10: Keep your dog clean.
Your dog may be sick.The urine can burn the skin and make him uncomfortable.Give him a blanket bath if he soils himself.If you want to wash the fur, soak a cloth in water and then rinse it in clean water.If he's dribbling urine, apply a layer of petroleum jelly to the skin of his belly and wash it regularly.Change the puppy pads if you're using them.While he's sick, your dog probably won't groom himself.To keep his eyes clean, use balls of cotton wool.
Step 11: Relax your dog.
Your dog may feel vulnerable when he's sick.If you act calmly around your dog, he will be reassured.To relax him, stroke him gently.If he appears to be getting better, brush or groom him to make him feel better.Your dog should be able to get some rest in a warm place.You should check on him periodically to let him know you're watching for him.