When you have a dog, you start to care for them as if they are a member of your family – because they are. This is why it can be so heartbreaking when there is something wrong with your dog’s health.
Unfortunately, many health issues can occur in dogs, with some being more serious than others. How you take care of your dog when they have health issues will depend on various factors, but we’re here to guide you through a few things that just might help.
Get them the right food
Food is a very important factor in your dog’s health, and even more so when your dog is struggling with their health. You might find that a more expensive food works better for them than a generic brand.
Or perhaps your vet will prescribe a specific diet that you need to follow. As tempting as it may be to sneak in a treat or two, you shouldn’t make any changes in your dog’s diet without consulting their vet first.
You can also look into food that is specifically created to help dogs with their health issues. For example, the best dog food for a sensitive stomach is a good option for dogs with intestinal problems.
Take them for regular checkups
All dogs should be going to the vet regularly for a checkup so that the vet can check that everything is going smoothly. That being said, many people don’t actually do this, because they think it’s a waste of time and money.
However, if your dog has health problems, these vet visits are essential to help you monitor their health and see whether it’s improving or worsening. Since you will be spending so much time with one vet, it’s a good idea to find a good vet that you can trust with your pet’s health. You can learn more about how to tell if a vet is good here.
Focus on their exercise
Depending on what your dog’s health problem is, exercise could have either a positive or negative effect on their health. Sit down with your vet and try to find an exercise schedule that works for you and your pet.
In some cases, this may mean an increase in exercise. Or you may need to focus on limiting their exercise. You might also need to do certain stretches with your dog.
The vet might suggest that you walk your dog more often. If this isn’t something you do already, it’s best to start slowly. Walking your dog is also a great way of getting outside during lockdown, so it’s good for you too.
Give them love and attention
Any dog needs love and attention, but if your dog has health issues, they may require a little bit of extra care. Think about it – when you’re sick, you’re probably miserable, and the same goes for your dog.
So, it can be helpful to spend some time giving them a lot of love so that they can feel a bit better. Even if you only carve out fifteen minutes of your day, it will mean the world to your dog.
You can also try giving them a massage so that their muscles can relax. This can help to boost their mood.
Monitor them
It’s always important to pay attention to your pet as well as their health and any changes in their habit. However, when your dog suffers from health issues, this needs to be an ongoing thing.
You may need to monitor how much they’re eating, how much they weigh, what their energy levels are, and more. Your vet will be able to tell you what’s important.
Use an app or notebook to keep track of everything. If there’s any kind of change in your pet, make a note of it, even if it doesn’t seem important. This can help you notice if your efforts are working or if you need to change what you’re doing.
In conclusion
While caring for a pet with health issues is certainly more challenging than caring for a pet without health issues, it’s not impossible. However, you will need the help of a professional if you want to be sure that you are caring for your pet correctly.
Of course, how exactly you go about doing this will depend on your pet and their individual situation, but in general, if you provide them with the basics and a few extra things, you should start to see an improvement in their health.