How To Feed A Sick Dog?

When your dog is sick, one of the most obvious changes is a loss of appetite. As an owner, one of your main tasks is to ensure that he is getting proper nutrition and water. Proper feeding will not only help him recover, but also help maintain his energy level and immunity.

New owners may feel helpless about taking care of a sick dog for the first time. Here, we will explore how to feed sick dogs with no appetite to help them recover quickly.

Understand the reason why your dog is sick

Before you start feeding, you must first understand the reason why your dog is sick.

Whether you have taken your sick dog to the veterinarian, it is crucial to figure out the reason why your dog is sick. Dog illness can be caused by a variety of factors, including infection, gastrointestinal discomfort, chronic illness, or recovery from surgery.

Different conditions may affect your dog’s appetite and nutritional needs. Make sure to consult your veterinarian to understand your dog’s specific condition and adjust your feeding strategy according to your veterinarian’s advice.

Of course, the reasons why dogs refuse to eat include not only illness, but also environmental changes, aging teeth, aging body, separation anxiety, food problems, or eating habits.

Provide light, easily digestible food

When a dog is sick, it may show a loss of appetite and lack of interest in kibble. At the same time, its digestive system may be sensitive, so special attention needs to be paid to the type of food provided. Add additional dog food to help the dog supplement nutrition and maintain health.

Usually, sick dogs need light and easily digestible food, which can reduce the burden on the gastrointestinal tract and help them recover earlier.

Homemade food: You can prepare some easily digestible food for your dog.
For example, a combination of cooked chicken (skinless and boneless) and white rice is usually gentle on the stomach and can also provide enough protein and energy.
Low-fat food: For dogs with gastrointestinal problems or indigestion, low-fat food can help reduce gastrointestinal irritation.
Veterinarian-recommended therapeutic diets: Some veterinarians will recommend therapeutic diets designed specifically for sick dogs. These foods are specially formulated to suit dogs with weak digestive systems.

Pet owners can choose bone broth, pumpkin, nutritious snacks, scrambled eggs, wet dog food, sweet potatoes, fish, oatmeal, fresh fruits, etc. in the diet of their pets to supplement protein and vitamins, but also pay attention to whether the dog is allergic to these foods.

Before feeding any new food to your dog, always consult your veterinarian, especially if they have any underlying health problems or are taking medications.

Maintain water intake

It is very important to maintain water intake when your dog is sick, especially if it is vomiting or having diarrhea. Dehydration can lead to worsening health problems, such as constipation, urinary tract infections, kidney and liver problems, and other health problems. So you need to make sure your dog drinks enough water.

Provide water sources regularly: Provide your dog with a clean water source and encourage it to drink water. You can make it easier for it to drink water by placing water in an easily accessible place or trying to use a water bowl with a straw.

Use electrolyte solutions: If your dog shows mild symptoms of dehydration, you can consult your veterinarian to see if you can provide electrolyte solutions designed for pets. These solutions help replenish lost salts and minerals.

Drinking more water helps to eliminate toxins in your dog’s body. This is especially important for dogs who are being treated for illnesses such as cancer or infections, as these treatments can put stress on their organs. Drinking water can also help regulate body temperature, lubricate joints, and promote healthy skin and hair.

Eat small, frequent meals

A sick dog may not have a normal appetite, and when a dog has an upset stomach, it may not even eat for a day. Therefore, forcing it to eat a lot of food at one time may be counterproductive. Try to divide the meal into several feedings to avoid burdening the dog and ensure that it can digest easily.

Feeding in batches: If your dog has a poor appetite, divide the daily meal into 3 to 4 meals instead of feeding it all at once. This will not only help it slowly restore its appetite, but also reduce gastrointestinal discomfort.

Feeding meals in batches at regular times and in fixed quantities can be a hassle for pet owners. If the owner needs to go out to work, he will prepare enough food in the dog’s bowl, and the dog may eat too much at one time, or may choose not to eat.

We recommend using the Dokoo Large Dog Feeder to help dogs eat small, frequent meals. This pet automatic feeder can automatically feed the dog at a fixed time and quantity, and can also record voice to summon the dog every time the food is served.

Pet owners can also choose Dokoo dog camera to remotely observe the dog’s every move at home and find out the dog’s latest status. The two-way voice design allows sick dogs at home to hear your voice to comfort them and relieve their anxiety.

Avoid giving dogs unsuitable food

Although we need to change some types of food to promote the dog’s appetite during the dog’s illness. But be careful not to feed the dog unsuitable food.

During the feeding process, pay attention to the dog’s reaction. If it refuses a certain food, try to provide different food options until you find a food it likes and can accept.

In addition, some foods are harmful to the dog’s health. For example, chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes and raisins, foods with high sugar or high salt. Whether your dog is sick or not, these foods cannot be eaten.

Use supplements (according to veterinary advice)

If the dog’s condition requires additional nutritional support, the veterinarian may recommend the use of supplements. Supplements can help replenish the vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that your dog lacks and promote recovery.

Probiotics: For dogs with gastrointestinal discomfort, probiotics can help restore the balance of intestinal flora and relieve diarrhea and indigestion.
Supplements such as amino acids and fish oil: Some sick dogs may need specific nutritional supplements to support the immune system or promote wound healing. Remember to use them under the guidance of a veterinarian.

Observe appetite and weight changes

When feeding a sick dog, pay close attention to its appetite and weight changes. If the dog has not eaten for a long time or is obviously thin, consult a veterinarian immediately. Some diseases (such as kidney disease, cancer or digestive problems) may affect appetite and lead to malnutrition.

Loss of appetite: If the dog continues to refuse to eat, you can try some appetizers (such as chicken soup, canned dog food, etc.) to arouse its interest.
Weight monitoring: Make sure the dog’s weight remains within the normal range. If the dog loses weight dramatically, seek veterinary help in time.

Provide a quiet and comfortable environment

In addition to food and water, providing a quiet and comfortable environment is equally important. Sick dogs need a quiet place to rest and recover, avoiding excessive noise and stimulation.

Warm and comfortable bed: Make sure your dog has a warm place to rest, suitable for it to lie quietly and recuperate.
Reduce exercise: Reduce the amount of activity of your dog, avoid excessive exercise or make it feel nervous and tired.

Conclusion

Caring for a sick dog requires more patience and care. Providing a proper diet, keeping hydrated, avoiding unsuitable food, and ensuring adequate rest will help your dog recover soon.
If you have any questions about feeding a sick dog, remember to always keep in touch with your veterinarian to ensure that you provide the best care for your dog. Most importantly, give your dog more care and companionship when he is sick, so that he can feel your warmth and support.