Caring for a Sick Westie at Home
Just like children, dogs can become suddenly sick or injured, and they never book these episodes at convenient times. You can however cut down on the inconvenience as well as do a better job of home nursing if you are at least somewhat prepared.
At the Vet’s
A vet’s office is at most times a very busy place, with people and pets moving around, several people talking at once, and perhaps more than one vet giving instructions to different clients. So, before you pick up Neddie to go home, speak directly to the vet who worked on your dog. Ask such questions as, ‘What’s the diagnosis?” and “What’s the prognosis?” etc. Understand in your own mind what the vet says, even if you have to ask for words to be translated into layman’s language. Vets really do know how to do the translation. Write things down. The last question you should consider asking is whether it would be wiser for your dog to remain in the vet’s care for an additional day or two. This could be advisable depending on your home schedule, and your state of preparations.
Now you are on to the technician who gives you the medication. Know what each medication is supposed to do, what side effects to watch for, and how to store it - e.g. in the fridge, or on the shelf. Ask how to administer the medication. If changing bandages is involved, discuss with the vet technician the correct pads to use and how to do the wrapping correctly. If an Elizabethan collar is needed, be sure you know how to attach it. For those who haven’t seen one, it is a cone-shaped flexible plastic which is tied on with a soft fabric strap. This doesn’t hurt the dog and it doesn’t prevent him from eating or drinking. It does prevent him from removing the stitches or bandage.
A brief note of instruction should be on each medication but if yours are not clear, write down what they tell you, and even ask them to check your notes. No, you are not stupid, but you do want to insure that what you do is correct, and an extra two minutes at the vet’s office can save a lot of time at home. Next do the paper work and pay the bill. Look over each item; understand what you are paying for. Vet bills have a way of appearing more than was expected. Most of us don’t have any idea of the real cost of veterinary medicine. Then make the follow-up appointment, and again, write it down. Lastly, get Neddie to the car and home.
Home Preparations
Armed with the vet’s instructions, you will know if the dog must be kept confined and quiet. If so, a so-called exercise pen (ex-pen) is a good solution. For a Westie, two feet high is enough so you can easily bend down to touch or feed him. It also can be covered with a cloth or metal mesh fitted top which prevent small children’s toys from landing on the patient should this be a concern. To go under the ex-pen, I’d recommend a trip to an ‘end-of-roll’ floor covering store for a few feet of vinyl flooring. This will protect your present floor from staining. Bedding for the patient is best done with old terry towels. They are soft, absorbent and easily put through a washer and dryer for re-use. The water dish that hangs on your dog’s crate will also hang on the inside of the ex-pen. If the dog wears an Elizabethan collar, a small deep sided water dish is best, as he can drink and the collar will fit around the bowl.
Some Other Supplies you Will Need
If the dog is too ill to be taken outdoors to ‘potty’, newspapers can be put on the floor of the ex-pen. You will need a liquid disinfectant to wipe the floor after each paper change. Some dogs may be able to be lead to a ‘litter-box’ on the patio. If the dog’s temperature is to be checked regularly, ask your vet about which type of thermometer is best before you buy one. Also check with the vet that you know how to use it correctly, and what the normal temperature is.
Quiet Time
Quiet for recuperation doesn’t always mean complete isolation. It does mean the radio or TV should be on low as opposed to loud, and children should avoid playing their loud games in the room with the sick dog. To be quiet around the patient can be made the children’s responsibility to help Neddie get well quicker.
House Routine
Make a schedule of meals both for the dog and yourself, and mark in times for all medications and add the next vet appointment. If the adults are away at work all day, always find a responsible family member or neighbour to come in and check on the patient. Leave the radio on low for company. The CBC is good because the music is not loud and the voices are conversational and modulated.
Some Signs to Watch For
Check with your vet if you see any of the following: blood in the stools or urine, gums turning from pink to white, and also redness or puffiness around any wound or around stitches. Be aware of shivering, loss of appetite and lethargy.
How to Give Pills
Vet technicians will give instructions on how to poke a pill to the back of the dog’s throat and hold the mouth shut until the pill is swallowed. This method generally works, and you can become quite proficient at it with a little practice. Another method is mixing the pill with a small bit of raw hamburger. Have a second small bit of raw hamburger in your hand, and show the dog both bits. Then give him the one with the pill. Greed will take over and the pill will disappear in a flash as he is eyeing the next bit of meat. Some medications can be mixed with food but always check to make sure that both food and medicine have been completely consumed. Otherwise, some days later, you may find a pile of pills in the back of the crate or in his bedding.
Temperament Changes
Not feeling well usually makes us people feel grumpy and snappish, and no less is true of animals. This is not the time for play, but gentle reassuring stroking is fine. Small children will need instruction and supervision to avoid being growled at or even getting a little nip. Caring for sick animals is generally easier than caring for a sick child. Animals are glad to stay quietly in bed, and they don’t have to be entertained. The first sick dog you nurse is the hardest. After that you will know the basics.
Author: Anne Matheson