We all can get the sniffles or a cough during the winter. Your dog can also feel under the weather. If your pup isn’t feeling like themselves, here are a few tips to comfort and help them heal during their sick day:

What to Feed Them

If your pup is vomiting, has diarrhea, or is dehydrated from a fever or other ailment you may want to mix low sodium chicken broth with water. This will be comforting and tasty to them so they will drink more water and still get plenty of vitamins and nutrients.

For other ailments, such as a nauseous stomach or a lack of appetite, you can make your pup bland food to comfort them and avoid gastronomical distress.

Here are two recipes to get you started:

A Filling, Bland Meal

• 2 C Brown or wild rice
• Mashed sweet potato
• A handful of grilled chicken
• 1 t of ginger

Cook rice, potato, and grilled chicken separately. Then, combine them with ginger in food bowl.

Potato Bland Meal

• Baked potato
• Mashed sweet potato
• Ground beef or grilled chicken
• ¼ C chicken stock

Bake the potato, sweet potato, and meat separately while simmering stock. Then, mix all ingredients together in bowl. Be sure it isn’t too hot.

What to Look For

Knowing the symptoms can mean the difference between an afternoon at home or an expensive vet bill. There are a few common symptoms to know your pup isn’t feeling their best. Here is a short list:

Vomiting

Your dog may have eaten something they shouldn’t have (a dead animal or indigestible human food) or they may be dehydrated. Give your dog plenty of water and keep an eye on them. If the vomiting persists, it is time to go to the vet.

Collapsing

If you have a dog that is dizzy, unable to keep their footing, or refusing to move from pain or faintness, they should be taken to the vet as soon as possible. This could be from breathing or heart issues. It may also be from a possible bite or scratch received from another animal while outdoors. Until the vet has checked your dog, keep your space to avoid being bit.

Bloating

If your pup is bloating, you need to go to the vet immediately! This can be life-threatening if it goes untreated. Bloating is often from an intestinal blockage or their stomach flipping or twisting.

What to Do

Give plenty of affection and patience while caring for your sick dog. If they are comfortable with it, give your pup pets and maybe an ear massage to relax them and keep them comfy. If they are vomiting or having issues with their bladder and/or bowels, you will need to be patient and understanding. They will understand that this is not normal and are often even embarrassed. While it may not be the most pleasant part of caring for your dog, understand when they’re sick and try to keep the area as clean as possible.