No one likes to think about it, but most dog owners will have to learn how to treat a sick animal at some point. When a dog is unwell, most of the convalescent care falls upon the owner. The following guide can help you and your dog recover from illness, but it is not intended as a substitute for veterinary advice. After you have consulted your veterinarian, the steps below can help you nurse your dog back to health.
Things You'll Need
- Old blankets, towels and pillows Washcloths Absorbent pads Diapers Scissors Dog clippers Baby shampoo Water Salt water Chicken broth Cream of Wheat Canned dog food Baby bottle (optional) Eye dropper (optional)
Instructions
Create a warm, soft bed for the dog. Find a quiet space, away from other pets and people, and place clean blankets, pillows or towels here. Outdoor dogs should be moved indoors for observation. Check the bedding several times a day; remove soiled linens immediately and wash in hot water.
Give your dog any help he needs to walk or stand. He also may require your assistance to go to the bathroom. If you have a small dog, carry him gently and hold him steady while he does his business. If you have a large breed, make a sling with a blanket or towel to support the dog while you guide him. If your dog is unable to walk, place plenty of absorbent pads or old towels under him. Alternatively, you can use scissors to modify a human-sized diaper, creating a hole for the tail and reducing the amount of cleaning you'll have to do.
Groom the dog daily. Wash the dog's ears, nose and eyes with warm water. Gently remove any debris by washing it away with mild shampoo and rinsing with warm water. Cut away matted hair and clip the hair around the hindquarters. If the dog has vomited, wipe her mouth with a clean cloth soaked in salt water. Gently brush the dog all over, and be sure to turn her over three times a day to help prevent bedsores.
Give the dog his medicine. Try hiding it in a piece of cheese or some pate. If that doesn't work, gently hold the dog's muzzle in your hand, raising it slightly. This will cause the dog's mouth to open. Place the medicine in the back of his mouth and close his mouth, keeping his head raised. Rub the dog's throat and speak to him gently. When you are convinced he has swallowed the pill, tell him what a good boy he's been and offer his favorite treat.
Encourage the dog to eat. If she can't keep down solids, give her broth in small quantities four times a day. If the broth stays down for 24 hours, offer spoonfuls of Cream of Wheat mixed with a small quantity of canned dog food--not the chunky kind. Increase the amount of dog food and decrease the amount of cereal in this mixture over the next three days. On day four, offer dog food without cereal. If the dog develops diarrhea, switch to cottage cheese and rice for three days.
This same method can be used to get a small quantity of solid food into the dog.