Q&A for How to Nurse a Dog when It's Sick

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How can I make my dog feel better when sick?

Belgin Altundag
Certified Dog Trainer
Belgin Altundag is a Certified Dog Trainer and the Owner of Happy Doggies Day Care/Day Camp in West Hollywood, California. A passionate animal lover, Belgin is knowledgeable about multiple training styles, including obedience training, problem-solving, activity training, and behavior modification. In addition to being an Animal Behavior College’s Certified Dog Trainer (ABCDT), Belgin has also completed the Training Cesar's Way Fundamentals of Dog Behavior and Training Programs 1 and 2 and is certified by the American Red Cross in Cat and Dog First-Aid.

Belgin Altundag

Certified Dog Trainer

Expert Answer

It really depends on the diagnostic made by a certified veterinarian. It also depends on the animal fitness level. You may need to supervise him constantly and stay on top of the disease to know what to do in an emergency.

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Question

What should I do if my dog is not feeling well?

Belgin Altundag
Certified Dog Trainer
Belgin Altundag is a Certified Dog Trainer and the Owner of Happy Doggies Day Care/Day Camp in West Hollywood, California. A passionate animal lover, Belgin is knowledgeable about multiple training styles, including obedience training, problem-solving, activity training, and behavior modification. In addition to being an Animal Behavior College’s Certified Dog Trainer (ABCDT), Belgin has also completed the Training Cesar's Way Fundamentals of Dog Behavior and Training Programs 1 and 2 and is certified by the American Red Cross in Cat and Dog First-Aid.

Belgin Altundag

Certified Dog Trainer

Expert Answer

Monitor the dog and make it's eating and drinking water. Pay close attention to its feces as well. If the poop is watery or have blood, have it checked by a veterinarian, as the dog may need specialized care.

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My dog was on an IV for dehydration yesterday, and now today he won't drink. Any suggestions?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

IV fluids are an extremely efficient way of hydrating an animal. If he came off the drip yesterday, it's likely he's so well-hydrated today that he doesn't feel thirsty, so refuses to drink. Don't panic, just make sure he has easy access to clean drinking water so that when he's ready, he can.

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Question

My dog has kidney failure. How can I help him?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Offer a prescription diet that is designed to reduce the amount of work the kidneys have to do. Make sure he has plenty of fresh drinking water. Monitor him for dehydration by checking his scruff, and if he's dehydrated, contact the vet. Consider speaking to the vet about one of the medications which can support kidney function.

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