When you bring a furry friend into your life, you make a promise to be at each other’s side for better or worse, in sickness and in health. As a pet owner, it becomes your responsibility to take good care of your canine companion with all your heart and soul. If your dog is suffering from some chronic illness, it becomes all the more important for you to be there for them. While long-term illnesses that require ongoing treatment can be overwhelming, they can be successfully managed with special diets, prescription pet medications, and veterinary care.
To be able to take good care of your dog involves scheduling annual checkups with a veterinarian, keeping track of their dietary needs and their recovery progress. To do all of it successfully, you need a plan of action that not only benefits your dog but also helps you effectively cope with the emotional stress of caring for a pet with a chronic illness.
Here’s your guide to taking care of your chronically ill dog.
Get Things in Order
If your dog is suffering from diseases like diabetes mellitus, decreased kidney function, and painful joint issues, you might want to keep track of their medications and vet appointments so that you do not skip any. Finding ways to do so will not only help you manage things easily but also make the process a little less stressful. An easier way to do so is to start by maintaining a notebook and keeping track of everything from medication schedules to vet appointments in one place.
Make Adjustments in Your Home Environment
Depending on what condition your dog is suffering from—you might need to make a few changes and adjustments in your home environment to accommodate their needs. This will make your life easier as you won’t have to worry that your pet will fall, run into things, or have accidents in the home.
For instance, if your dog is visually impaired, you should pay attention to removing certain pieces of furniture or cabinets that they might run into and hurt themselves. You can also install baby gates to prevent them from falling down the stairs.
Get Proper Treatment Done
It goes without saying, but without proper medical treatment, all the adjustments you make in your home would be redundant. It is only with proper medical attention that your pet can recover from a chronic illness. Make sure that you take them to their doctor regularly and follow their medical advice. Additionally, you can consider looking into alternative treatments like chiropractic care and hydrotherapy but remember, these treatments are not replacements for other medical procedures like surgery.
If your pet needs urgent medical attention and you are looking for dog surgery in Pleasant Valley, check out Camino Animal Hospital.