Taking care of a sick dog is not easy. We know because Miss Maggie Mae has been giving her devoted nursing staff a workout recently.
In the photo above, she was suffering from an upset tummy at a rental apartment in Provincetown. Fortunately, we had her little kit bag with all of her medications and a supply of Puppy Piddle Pads
We were able to reduce the stress, for all three of us, by using a few strategies we've learned over the years.
- Piddle pads can be used to prevent stains on furniture, floors, or carpets. We always use our own blankets and towels to protect rental home surfaces, but this time we added a layer of absorbent, disposable piddle pads. They made clean up quick and easy. And, by stacking them, we were able to quickly remove the soiled one and keep Maggie cleaner and more comfortable.
- We also had a few washable moistureproof pads with us that we use on the seat of rental cars, Zipcars, and inside her dog crate. Whatever happens on the ride, from spilled water to wet feet, the car is protected. At home, they make good protection on sofas or our bed when Maggie isn't feeling well, and we want to keep her close.
- Vomiting or diarrhea can cause dehydration. And, here's a link that shows you how to tell if your dog is dehydrated. Remember, dyhydration is always an emergency, but it's a situation that can be remedied quickly at an animal hospital.
- Keeping a pet hydrated when she doesn't want to drink is always an issue, but you can buy unflavored Pedialyte
at almost any grocery or drug store. We used a baby's medicine doser to put liquids into Maggie's mouth. Once there, she'd swallow them.
- Tempting a finicky appetite can be hard. In recovery mode, most vets recommend a bland diet. We used poached chicken and rice. When our little girl refused even that tasty treat, we managed to get her eating with some baby food that contained just chicken and chicken broth.
Related Posts: Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.
Here are the specific products we use and a great reference book that we keep at home. It's actually by one of our Back Bay neighbors, veterinarian Jake Tedaldi, D.V.M.
OUT! Dog Training Pads with Moisture Lock, 50-Count is the best deal.
What's Wrong with My Dog: A Pet Owner's Guide to 150 Symptoms and What to Do About Them
Details:
Words: Penny Cherubino
Photos: © 2011 Penny Cherubino
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