How to Care for a Sick Pet

It's not hard to miss when your pet is sick. Common signs include listlessness, diarrhea and vomiting. That is when most people usually call a veterinarian. Depending on how serious the illness, your vet may suggest admitting Fluffy to an animal hospital. However, home care is often the next step after a hospital stay, and it usually goes a long way toward speeding up your pet's full recovery. Nevertheless, nursing a sick pet can be as time consuming as nursing a human, so be prepared.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Veterinarian

Before Bringing Your Pet Home

1. Talk to your veterinarian about what is required. For example, ask what medications or special supplies are needed.
2. Set up a plan and routine similar to the one your pet had in the hospital. For example, if the hospital had him eating at 7 a.m. followed by medication at 8 a.m., make sure your routine at home matches that schedule.
3. Develop an emergency plan. What happens should your pet's condition worsens while at home? This is something you should discuss with your vet before bringing your pet home.

When at Home

4. Provide clean comfortable bedding. The bedding needs to be kept in a quiet, but not too quiet environment. Your pet shouldn't be isolated; but shouldn't be placed in a heavy-traffic area.
5. Understand that your pet may find it difficult to get up and use the bathroom and may soil his bedding. Be sure to change it frequently.
6. Do your best to minimize your pet’s movements. The more your pet rests, the quicker her recovery.
7. Getting your pet to eat might become a challenge, simply because he is sick and doesn't have much of an appetite. Try hand feeding him or warming up his food.
8. Always keep your pet hydrated. If your pet is reluctant to drink water, try giving her ice cubes to lick. You could also squirt some water using a needleless syringe or a Turkey baster into her mouth.
9. Last but not least, give your pet plenty of love. Nothing speeds up the healing process faster than a little love and attention.

Tips & Warnings

• Always check to make sure you have enough medication and special supplies on hand when the weekend approaches. You don’t want to run out of essential supplies on a Saturday night and everywhere is closed until Monday.