Page 342 - (DK) The Dog Encyclopedia

CARE AND TRAINING | NURSING A SICK DOG

Nursing a sick dog

There may be times when your dog needs to be nursed because he is sick or
recovering from surgery and cannot manage things he usually does on his own.
Follow your vet’s instructions and ask for advice if in doubt.

HOME CARE AFTER SURGERY
Dogs are rarely kept in overnight after
routine operations such as neutering.
Your vet will give you advice on any specific
care that is needed, and your dog may be
discharged with medication such as pain
relief. If he remains uncomfortable then
contact the vet.
Contrary to popular belief, a dog does more
harm than good if he licks at an undressed
wound, which will become sore and infected.
Most dogs accept wearing an Elizabethan
collar (or E collar)—a large, cone-shaped
plastic collar that fits around the neck and
head (above right). Anti-lick strips can also
deter an inquisitive tongue and stop dogs from
Giving tablets and liquid medicine
removing dressings on paws and legs. Adding medicine to food is an easy way to administer it.
Keep dressings clean and dry by covering Check the directions first: some medications need to be
taken on an empty stomach, or must not be crushed. If the
with a boot or plastic bag when you take prescribed medication is a suspension, shake the bottle to
your dog outside to relieve himself. If he mix well. Remove the dose and give to your dog directly
into his mouth or with food.
worries at a dressing excessively, or it
becomes smelly or soiled, then seek your
vet’s advice as soon as possible. If your dog is prescribed an antibiotic, it FOOD AND WATER
is important that he completes the full Make sure your dog can reach his food and
GIVING MEDICATION course. A liquid medication may need to water bowls comfortably, perhaps raising
Prescribed medication should be given as be shaken to ensure thorough mixing before them off the ground so he has no need
directed by your vet, and only by an adult. the dose is given. to reach down. You may be given a
Make sure other pets do not ingest a drug Giving medication directly by mouth is prescription diet to help your dog’s recovery,
accidentally, especially if it is given in food. ideal, since you will be sure that your dog but if he will not eat it ask your vet about
has swallowed it. Speak to your vet if this is alternative suitable foods. A similar problem
difficult, since some medications can be may occur with your dog refusing to drink
hidden in food or a treat (although not if recommended rehydration fluids. In this
they must be taken on an empty stomach). case, encourage him to drink cooled, boiled
Unless the tablet is palatable, avoid crushing water, which is better than taking no fluids
and mixing it with food, since your dog may at all, or mix some water in with his food.
then refuse to eat and will not receive the
medication. If your dog develops symptoms REST AND EXERCISE
such as an upset stomach (vomiting or A postoperative dog needs to rest in a quiet
diarrhea) while on medication, then place at a warm, not hot, temperature with
discontinue the treatment until you have comfortable bedding. He may prefer to sleep
spoken to a vet. away from the family, or he may seek
company. Exercise immediately after surgery
should be restricted unless you are advised
Administering eye drops
When applying eye drops, hold the dropper between your otherwise. Short, slow walks around the
thumb and forefinger and squeeze the drops on to the yard are important to keep the joints,
front of the eye. After applying the drops, gently hold your
dog’s eyelids closed for a few seconds, and praise him. bladder, and bowels functioning.

340