Caring for Your Sick Dog

What do I need to know about caring for a sick dog?

When your dog is being treated for an illness, it is important that you follow your veterinarian's advice and instructions precisely. Take your dog for re-examination as recommended. If your dog's condition worsens unexpectedly, contact your veterinarian immediately for advice.

Keep your dog in a location that is warm, dry, peaceful, and quiet, with sufficient light for you to observe them. You may need to provide an additional heat source, such as a heat lamp, hot water bottle, or heating pad on a low setting. Make sure they can move away from the heat source if they become too warm. Use heating sources with care to avoid burns or overheating.

While your dog is recovering, you may need to help them go outside to urinate and defecate. You may need to use a sling to support their body weight. If possible, avoid using stairs when taking your dog out for bathroom breaks.

How can I make sure my dog is getting enough food and water?

For your sick dog to recover, they need both food and water. When dogs are ill, they often stop eating and drinking. Monitor your dog’s food and water intake so you know when intervention is necessary. Separate your ill dog from other pets in the household so you can tell which pet is eating.

Water: Fresh water should be available at all times. Healthy dogs that eat canned food often drink very little because the food contains a high proportion of water. However, if your dog stops eating, they will need additional fluids. Fluids can be administered by mouth, using a syringe. Your veterinarian will instruct you on how much and how often to administer fluids.

If your dog cannot be given fluids by mouth, your veterinarian will hospitalize your dog to provide the necessary supportive care. They also may train you to administer fluids under the skin (called subcutaneous or SQ fluids) at home to make sure the dog does not become dehydrated.

Food: Encourage your dog to eat small, frequent meals of a palatable, high-energy, highly digestible food. Warming food to body temperature often makes it more appealing. Some sick dogs can be encouraged to eat more by hand feeding. Your veterinarian will let you know whether there are any foods you should not offer.

If your dog will not eat voluntarily, your veterinarian may suggest giving liquid food with a syringe or hospitalize your dog so they can be fed with a feeding tube. Your veterinarian may also prescribe appetite stimulant medication, if appropriate.

How do I give my dog medication?

Give your dog their medication at the dose and frequency prescribed by your veterinarian and complete the full course of treatment. Separate handouts are available that describe how to administer medications. If you are having difficulty giving tablets to your dog, you may be able to crush them and mix them with a little water so that they can be given by syringe. Ask your veterinarian if this approach is appropriate for your dog’s medication. If it does not work, contact your veterinarian to see if a liquid formulation can be prescribed, or if a long-acting injectable version of the medication is available.

Do not give your dog any medications other than those prescribed by your veterinarian. Never give your dog over-the-counter medications unless specifically instructed by your veterinarian, who will tell you the exact dose needed by your dog.

Should I use special disinfectants to clean my house?

Talk to your veterinarian about any cleaning agents you would like to use in your home, near your dog, or on your dog during their convalescence. Some cleaners may be toxic or harmful to your dog, so always check first.

How should I monitor my dog at home?

Monitor your dog daily for:

• How much they are eating
• How much they are drinking
• Whether they are urinating
• Whether they are defecating
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Any new or abnormal signs

Report any changes to your veterinarian. Dogs can be good at hiding pain, illness, and discomfort, so it is important to visit your veterinarian if you notice any changes in your dog’s behavior. Early diagnosis and treatment will provide the best outcome for your dog’s recovery.