General Care and Nursing

The sickroom

The sickroom

When a dog is ill, he needs a room or corner of his own in which to recuperate.  Protect him from noise and confusion and from the well-meant attentions of children and unthinking adults.  He will be comforted by the quiet presence of his owner, but don’t  talk too much.  You’ll tire him out

He  needs, first of all, peace and quiet. The dog recovering from a serious disease like distemper may be thrown into convulsions by nothing more than the slam of a door or the shrieks of children playing.  Or a frenzy of fear may be caused by the raising  of a window shade and the entrance of sudden, stabbing light.  Use dark shades, and keep the light fairly dim.  Over one side of his bed throw a blanket to further shield the light, which will pain him if his eyes are affected.

Remove rugs and carpets so the floor can be easily cleaned, and cover the floor with newspapers  or plastic.  Arrange for enough air without drafts, and moderate heat that will remain even. Hang up a thermometer so that you can watch room temperature.  Have some water bottles or a heating pad handy in case the patient needs additional warmth.

A table or a chest for medicine, utensils, everything used in the course of treatment will be helpful and do not forget a pad upon which you note each dose of medicine and the time of day it was given.  Wash all utensils  carefully whenever used.  Wash your hands before and after tending a sick dog.