Let’s face it: seeing our beloved dogs under the weather is enough to tug at the heartstrings of even the toughest among us. You know that look they give you when they’re feeling off—those sad, soulful eyes that practically scream, “Help me, hooman!” As guardians, it’s up to us to be the best support system for our pups when they’re feeling unwell. From sniffles to upset tummies, your dog’s health is important, and how you react can make all the difference in their recovery and help them feel better. In this blog, I’ll walk you through the best ways to support your pooch when they’re not feeling well, and I’ll even toss in a fun game you can play to get those tricky medications down without a fuss. Yes, I know—dogs and medication can be a comedy of errors, but trust me, this game works wonders. And it’s all force-free, of course, because that’s what we’re all about. So settle in with a cuppa and lets look at how to help your sick dog feel better.
Spotting the Signs: Is Your Dog Feeling Under the Weather?
The first step to supporting your dog is knowing when they’re not feeling their best. Dogs can’t just send you a text saying, “Hey, I think I’ve got a sore throat,” so you’ve got to be on the lookout for subtle signs.
If your usually bouncy pup is suddenly as energetic as a sloth in a hammock, they might be feeling unwell. Other tell-tale signs include changes in appetite, excessive licking of a specific area, vomiting, diarrhoea, coughing, or just looking plain miserable. Sometimes, it can be as simple as them not being as interested in their favourite toy (which, for Stan Lee, is a cause for alarm). If any of these symptoms show up, it’s best to contact your vet.
Creating a Comfortable Environment
When your dog is feeling unwell, one of the best things you can do is create a calm and cosy environment to help them feel better. Think of it as making your dog a little “recovery den.” Soft blankets, their favourite toys, and maybe even some background music or the TV on quietly can go a long way in helping them feel safe and supported.
Make sure their water bowl is easily accessible, clean and full of fresh water, and if they’re off their food, try offering something bland but tempting, like plain chicken or rice. You don’t need to whip up a gourmet meal (though, if you’re anything like me, you’ll consider it), but offering something easy to digest can help perk up their appetite.
And hey, if your Fido wants cuddles and attention, give them lots of it! Sometimes, all they need is a good cuddle from their favourite human to feel better. Read your dog’s body language. Sometimes they just want to be close but don’t want to be fussed over.
Playing the Medication Game
Ah, medication time—the thing we all dread when our dogs are unwell. Trying to get a pill down their throat can turn into a battle of wits. I know I’ve had a few dramatic Oscar-worthy performances trying to hide tablets in everything from cheese to peanut butter, only for my dog to somehow eat around it, like that solitary pea in their dinner. But don’t worry, I’ve come up with a fun game to make this process easier. This game is called “Find the Treasure!”
How to Play Find the Treasure:
1. Preparation: Grab a few treats, some of which your dog really loves and can’t resist. Make sure they are soft enough to hide the medication inside, but not too soft that your dog will sniff out your trickery.
2. Hiding the Treasure: Take three treats and hide the medication inside just one of them. Mix them up in your hands like a magician doing a card trick (cue dramatic music).
3. The Game Begins: Now place the three treats in front of your dog in a line. Tell them, “Find the treasure!” in an excited tone. Watch them sniff and choose which one to take first. With any luck, they’ll grab the one with the medication and gulp it down without a second thought. If they grab a “non-treasure” treat first, just act like they’re the best dog ever and keep the game going.
4. Celebrate: Whether they take the pill on the first go or after a few tries, make sure to give them loads of praise and love when the medication is down. You might even offer a bonus treat for being such a good game player. I always give a ‘treat chaser’ to prevent them from spitting it out again.
By turning medication time into a game, you’re creating a positive association with something that can often be stressful for both of you. Plus, it gives your dog some much-needed mental stimulation, which can help them feel better overall.
Keeping Their Spirits High
When dogs are unwell, they often become a bit withdrawn. While it’s important to give them plenty of rest, a little mental stimulation can do wonders to lift their mood. Simple games, like hiding their favourite toy under a blanket or playing a low-energy version of “find it” with treats, can help keep their spirits up.
Of course, if your vet has prescribed strict rest, you’ll need to respect that and keep activities gentle and soothing. But remember, dogs are social creatures, and a bit of quality time with you can be just what they need to perk up.
The Vet Is Your Best Friend
I’m all about making sure your dog lives their best life, and that includes when they’re feeling under the weather. But when in doubt, always consult your vet. They’re the experts on your dog’s health, and if anything seems off, they’ll be able to give you the guidance you need.
You don’t want to be that person who thinks Dr Google has all the answers (spoiler: Dr Google does not). It’s always better to make a quick phone call to your vet and get real advice from a professional.
Rest and Recovery
After all the medication, games, and cuddles, make sure your pooch gets plenty of rest. Just like humans, dogs need a bit of extra sleep when they’re not feeling well. So, let them snuggle up in their favourite spot and relax. You’ll be amazed at how quickly they bounce back after a good rest and some TLC.
And when they do start feeling better? You’ll know because they’ll be back to their usual antics, whether that’s chasing their tail, zooming around the house, or demanding belly rubs like a true professional. I’d still keep them quiet for a few days. Even though Fido might be feeling better they’re likely still not 100% so give them the time they need to heal.
Wrapping Up
Supporting your pooch when they’re not feeling well is all about paying attention to their needs, being patient, and offering love and care. From creating a cosy recovery space to playing the “Find the Treasure” medication game, there are so many ways to help your dog through the rough patches.
If your pooch is firing on all cylinders then check out my other blogs for some more games and tips
And remember, you can always check out my other blogs for more tips and advice on all things dog related. Because whether it’s health, behaviour, or just plain fun, I’ve got you covered.
Game On! Let’s Play!
Hxx
Written with the assistance of AI
