When your dog is feeling unwell, the best thing to give them depends on the specific cause of their illness. In most cases, providing a bland diet like boiled chicken and rice, ensuring access to fresh water, and giving them plenty of rest can help. However, if you suspect a food allergy or intolerance is contributing to their symptoms, it’s worth taking a deeper look into what they’re eating and considering tools like dog food intolerance tests for clarity.
Why is My Dog Sick?
Dogs can get sick for many reasons, ranging from minor stomach upsets to underlying health conditions. Understanding the cause is crucial to providing the right care. Common reasons include:
1. Dietary Issues
Food-related problems are one of the leading causes of illness in dogs. Intolerances or allergies to certain ingredients can lead to vomiting, diarrhoea, or skin issues. Dogs may also suffer from gastrointestinal distress after eating something they shouldn’t, like spoiled food or a non-edible object.
2. Infections
Bacterial or viral infections can cause symptoms like fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite. These often resolve with appropriate care, but some infections may require veterinary intervention.
3. Stress or Anxiety
Stress can disrupt your dog’s digestion, leading to symptoms like vomiting or loose stools. A change in environment, routine, or even a new pet can sometimes cause temporary sickness.
4. Medical Conditions
Underlying health issues such as pancreatitis, kidney disease, or even certain cancers may manifest as symptoms like nausea, fatigue, or weight loss. These require professional diagnosis and treatment.
What to Do When Your Dog is Sick
If your dog is unwell, there are practical steps you can take to ensure their comfort and aid recovery.
1. Start with a Bland Diet
When your dog has an upset stomach, the go-to solution is often a bland diet. This can help settle their digestive system and provide easily digestible nutrition. A typical bland meal includes:
- Boiled chicken (skinless, boneless)
- Plain white rice
Avoid seasoning or adding oils. Serve in small portions and monitor how your dog responds. If they keep the food down without issue, gradually reintroduce their regular diet.
2. Ensure Proper Hydration
Sick dogs, especially those experiencing vomiting or diarrhoea, can become dehydrated quickly. Offer fresh, clean water throughout the day. If they’re reluctant to drink, try giving ice cubes to lick or a small amount of unseasoned chicken broth.
3. Rest and Monitor
Allow your dog plenty of time to rest. Keep their environment calm and quiet. Observe their symptoms closely, noting any changes in behaviour, appetite, or energy levels.
Things to Keep an Eye Out For
While many mild illnesses will resolve on their own, certain symptoms indicate that your dog may need more urgent care.
1. Persistent Vomiting or Diarrhoea
Occasional vomiting or loose stools are usually not a concern. However, if these symptoms persist for more than 24 hours or are accompanied by blood, consult a vet immediately.
2. Loss of Appetite Beyond a Day
It’s normal for sick dogs to skip a meal, but if they refuse food for over 24 hours or show signs of significant weight loss, it’s time to investigate further.
3. Lethargy or Weakness
If your dog seems unusually tired, struggles to get up, or shows a lack of interest in their usual activities, it could indicate something more serious.
4. Breathing Issues or Swelling
Laboured breathing, swelling around the face or body, or hives could point to an allergic reaction, which may require immediate veterinary care.
When to See a Vet
In some cases, your dog’s illness may require professional attention. Call your vet if you notice:
- Severe or sudden symptoms like seizures or collapse
- High fever (over 39.5°C)
- Prolonged vomiting, diarrhoea, or refusal to eat
- Signs of pain, such as whining, limping, or sensitivity to touch
Your vet may conduct diagnostic tests to determine the cause, which might include blood tests, X-rays, or stool samples. If food intolerance or allergy is suspected, an elimination diet or food intolerance test can provide answers.
How to Avoid Future Illnesses
Prevention is always better than cure, and there are steps you can take to minimise the risk of your dog getting sick again.
1. Choose High-Quality Food
Feeding your dog a high-quality, balanced diet reduces the chances of stomach upsets or intolerances. Look for foods free from artificial additives and with clear ingredient labelling.
2. Introduce New Foods Gradually
When changing your dog’s diet, do so gradually over a week. Sudden changes can upset their stomach and lead to vomiting or diarrhoea.
3. Keep Toxic Foods Out of Reach
Ensure foods toxic to dogs, like chocolate, grapes, onions, and garlic, are kept well out of reach.
4. Address Potential Allergies or Intolerances
If you suspect your dog may be intolerant to certain ingredients, an at-home dog food intolerance test from My Pet Sensitivity can help. These tests identify problematic ingredients, helping you tailor their diet to avoid future issues.
5. Stay on Top of Routine Care
Regular check-ups, vaccinations, and parasite prevention are essential for keeping your dog healthy.
Conclusion
When your dog is sick, the best thing you can give them is a combination of care, attention, and the right type of food and hydration. While bland diets and rest work well for minor illnesses, ongoing or severe symptoms need a vet’s expertise.
If you think a food intolerance or allergy could be contributing to their symptoms, consider trying a dog food allergy test from My Pet Sensitivity. It’s an easy way to pinpoint problem ingredients and help your dog live a healthier, happier life.
Your dog depends on you to make the best decisions for their health, and a little proactive care can go a long way in ensuring they bounce back quickly.