It is often said that we are a nation of pet lovers, and this is certainly true when you think about how popular dog ownership is these days. It is estimated that there are around 90 million dog owners in the USA alone, and this is a similar picture across many other countries globally. Dogs are just so cute, funny and friendly that it is no wonder they are so well-loved by us humans. Of course, they are also great for helping us to get outdoors and enjoy what nature has to offer. Many people only do this by taking their pooch for a stroll which shows how valuable they are to us.
Over time, you will form a close bond with your dog, and this means that seeing them sick is no fun. If your dog becomes poorly, you will be keen to help it get better and to look after it the best you can. But what are the best tips for looking after your poorly dog?
Identify what the issue is
The very first thing you need to do is work out exactly what is wrong with your dog. This will not only help you to pinpoint what the issue is but also how to fix it. It is impossible to look after your dog and give it the care it needs if you do not know what is making it sick. This does not always mean an expensive trip to the local vet! If it is a serious case or you simply cannot deduce what is up, then this is obviously advised. It may be a case of something it ate not agreeing with it or having an obvious injury. If the cause is more straightforward, you can treat this at home without seeking professional help.
Get the right medication to help
If your dog is poorly, it will usually need proper medication which is specifically designed for curing the problem. It is important to remember that you must purchase the correct treatment for the problem and that you also only buy licensed, reputable products. If your dog is poorly with fleas or ticks, you may choose to use Bravecto chewable dog tablets to get rid of the pests. This is also true for other common ailments which you can buy the correct treatment for. It is also worth remembering that common issues like fleas do not always need products to effectively treat them that are only available through a vet’s prescription.
Keep it well hydrated
All dogs need plenty of water. Just as there are many reasons why water is key for the human body, it is also vital to keep topping up your dog’s water bowl. This will stop it from dehydrating due to lack of body fluids and getting sicker, rather than better. Making sure your dog is drinking enough water when ill will also help it to fight off the condition it is suffering with and will allow vital nutrients to be transported around the body. Even when you have given it medication, your pooch may take a little while to recover – but drinking plenty will speed up this process. While your dog may not drink as much when getting better, it is vital to make sure a bowl of fresh water is always close.
Make sure it is comfortable and rests
With so many cute dog breeds to choose from, you will always be keen to spend time having fun and playing with your pet. When they are under the weather though, you should try to limit this. A sick dog needs more time to rest so try to cut back on walks or exercise time until it is feeling better. You should also make sure that its bed and surrounding area is extra comfy. This will encourage it to rest in order to recover more quickly. You can even put blankets with your scent on in their bed to help settle them.
Your dog will soon be back in top health
If you follow the above tips when looking after your sick dog, it will soon be back in fine health. Of course, if the initial symptoms are very serious or they actually get worse over time, you should call the vet. Most of the time, however, they can be treated at home and will be back to their normal self in no time at all with the right medication and some TLC!
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