How to Care for a Sick Puppy

How to care for a sick puppy can be a difficult proposition, both in terms of the physical requirements as well as the emotional distress in watching a helpless animal suffer. At it's root, the ability to care for sick puppy is really all about applying common sense in a timely fashion to help your puppy get back on it's paws as quickly as possible. The majority of puppy illnesses only last 24 to 36 hours in duration and pass without much intervention other than letting nature run it's course. There are some puppy illnesses such as Parvo that require immediate medical attention or the puppy in question may die. The dilemma in how to care for a sick puppy is when do you run to a veterinarian and when does a pet owner apply measures at home?

This can be answered simply - when in doubt, get medical attention for your puppy. If a puppy simply has an upset stomach or a case of diarrhea it will usually end on it's own quickly. If your puppy is really struggling keeping food or water down for more than 12 hours odds are it needs the help of a veterinarian. It is always best to error on the side of caution when it comes to puppy health, as up wards of 20% of all puppies never live to reach adulthood.

Whether or not a vet is needed, you can care for a sick puppy by first making it comfortable and showering it with gentle love and affection. Puppies are sponges when it comes to receiving love, and they actually release endorphins when emotionally secure that can help your puppy to get well more quickly. An excellent idea is to place your puppy's bed right bedside where you sleep for the duration of it's sickness so a closer eye can be kept on it's needs. It is also imperative in the care of a sick puppy to explain to children the requirement for a sick puppy to get it's rest, without undue annoyance from youngsters.

It is important to care for a sick puppy in the manner recommended by veterinary professionals to the exact letter of given instructions. Medications, food and water all need to be monitored closely and given at the precise times and in the proper amounts. Never deviate from recommended dosages and never give a puppy any medication other than that prescribed by a vet. The best way to care for a sick puppy is to be a responsible and loving pet owner, and by doing this you can assure your pooch will be a good friend for many years to come.