How to Treat a Sick Dog at Home

Dogs are just as vulnerable to viruses and bacteria as humans. A sick dog can’t tell you what is wrong, so it’s essential to have a plan of action to treat a sick dog at home before it becomes too difficult to care for them. Here are some common symptoms that might warrant a visit to the vet: diarrhea, vomiting, fever, lack of appetite, lethargy, or an open wound.

It’s upsetting to witness your best buddy in pain. Identifying when a dog is unwell and determining the degree of its condition are the first steps you should take to treat a sick dog at home. Certain illnesses may be treated at home under your close supervision, while others necessitate immediate veterinary assistance. Regardless of the type of treatment, you must identify and treat your dog’s illness as soon as possible. Don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian if you have any questions.

Most Common Types of Dog Illnesses

Parvovirus

Canine parvovirus infection, commonly referred to as “parvo” in dogs, affects the gastrointestinal tract. To spread the virus, dogs must come into direct contact with one another, as well as infected excrement (stool), surroundings, or even people. Dogs and puppies under four months are particularly vulnerable to the highly infectious canine parvovirus, which may infect any canine animal.

Lethargy, loss of appetite, stomach discomfort and bloating, low body temperature (hypothermia), vomiting, and severe, frequently bloody, diarrhea are parvovirus symptoms. Septic shock can be caused by dehydration and damage to the intestines and immune system caused by vomiting and diarrhea.

Itchy skin or Skin Infections

Excessive paw-scratching is a sign that something else is wrong with a dog. The most prevalent cause of itchy skin in dogs is a food allergy. Itching and the so-called “hot spots” that come from bacterial and yeast infections in dogs are also possible. When a dog has a thick coat, hot spots can lead to painful sores. A simple wash to alleviate allergies or an antibiotic ointment to treat more severe skin infections may be recommended by your veterinarian. First, get a proper diagnosis for your dog’s itchy skin because there are many probable causes.

Vomiting and Diarrhea

Stomach discomfort is a common condition in dogs. Within a few days, these issues are usually resolved. It’s essential to call your veterinarian immediately if your dog is vomiting excessively or has diarrhea or if any or both of these symptoms persist. Persistent vomiting and diarrhea might indicate anything more serious. A dog’s digestive tract can be affected by parvovirus, intestinal worms, and parasites.

Urinary Tract Problems

Frequent urination, blood in the urine, dribbling of urine, crying out while urinating, straining to urinate, or excessive genital licking are all indications of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Veterinarians use urine samples to determine the infection and prescribe the correct antibiotics.

Dental Disease

Dental diseases are the most frequent illnesses in dogs and become more prevalent after the age of three. Gingivitis and tartar are the most pervasive oral problems, although abscesses and other more serious periodontal disorders are more common in older canines. Poor breath, loose teeth, changes in appetite, drooling, bad attitude, lumps on the gums or beneath the tongue, and discolored teeth and gums are all symptoms of dental disease.

Ear Infections

Have you observed an increase in your dog’s head shaking, ear scratching, or whimpering recently? Ear infections can be caused by allergies, autoimmune problems, wax accumulation, and moisture in the ears, allowing yeast and bacteria to grow. A veterinarian should treat ear infections as soon as possible to avoid more severe diseases like hearing or facial paralysis.

What Should You Do If Your Dog Becomes Ill?

Here are some ways to treat a sick dog at home:

Ensure that your pet is always kept clean. When your pet is sick, even the simplest things might help him feel a little better.
Keep a close eye on your pet’s bowel movements, especially if he is unwell. You may have to replace his sheets every day.
Do not let your dog eat or drink anything for two hours.
Allow your dog to drink a few tablespoons of water every half-hour for the next 6-8 hours but continue to restrict his food intake.
Reintroduce bland, low-fat foods, such as plain cooked chicken, plain cooked egg, or white fish in small amounts every 2 hours if your dog’s vomiting has stopped.
Saturated fats, dairy items, and raw meat should all be avoided.
You can gradually return your pet to a regular diet if there are no further signs of sickness the next day. Begin by serving the food in tiny amounts, then gradually increasing to the normal amount with each subsequent meal.
During your dog’s sickness, make sure he always has access to fresh water after the restriction.
Contact your veterinarian if this does not help.

Preventing Illnesses

Maintain a healthy weight for your pet.
Make sure to give your pet some time to run around and play.
Make sure to provide your pet with a healthy, well-balanced meal.
Have your pet examined by a veterinarian at least once a year to ensure they are in good condition and catch problems before they become more serious.
Vaccinate your dog or cat against illnesses like parvovirus and rabies.
Protect your pet against parasites using effective pet products (flea and tick infestation, heartworm, etc.).
Your pet should be spayed or neutered.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How can I tell if my dog has kennel cough?

A powerful cough with a “honking” sound is expected as the most visible symptom. Kennel cough may also cause one or more of the following: runny nose and sneezing; tiredness; loss of appetite; mild case of the flu.

What are the five types of worms in dogs?

Most commonly, dogs are infected with heartworms, hookworms, whipworms, tapeworms, and roundworms. Even though each parasite has a unique manner of causing harm to dogs, dog owners should be aware of a few similar symptoms: diarrhea, vomiting, gastrointestinal discomfort, weight loss, dehydration, fatigue, and bloody feces.