6 Tips To Help You Handle Your Pet Getting Sick

Pets are incredibly sweet, loving animals that can really brighten up your day. They are happy, playful creatures that can play with you and make the most mundane of tasks seem like an adventure. But what’s not so great is when your pet gets sick. Since most owners think of their pets as family members, it’s incredibly stressful when they’re not feeling well. However, there are 6 key things that can help you handle your pet getting sick to keep in mind.

1. Research

It’s easy to feel helpless when your pet gets sick, especially if they’re experiencing some pain. You want to make them feel better, but you aren’t too sure what you can do for them beyond taking them to the vet and providing the care and therapy the veterinarian prescribed. A good way to go about it would be to look at articles online about buprenorphine for cats and dogs – since that is the medication often prescribed when a pet is in pain. It’s important to note that this isn’t something you should give to your pet on your own, but only when the vet says it’s okay to do so. By reading up on this, or any other meds they might be on really, you can better understand how the medication works, and what the possible side effects are. While your pet will most likely be fine, monitoring how they’re doing and if they’re experiencing any negative symptoms can help you feel more in control of the situation. On top of that, by being extra observant, you’ll be able to provide better details to the vet during the next checkup, which can be helpful in the treatment process.

2. Focus On The Good Things

A lot of pet owners will tell you that their pets just know how they’re feeling and that they can sense people’s energy. While that’s neither here nor there, thinking about ways you can spoil your pet once it gets better can give you the mental energy you need to provide it with the best possible care while he’s sick. Giving lots of pets, affection, and being extra sweet to your furry friend will help both of you get through the tough time. Pets are great because they don’t complain when you’re grouchy or grumpy, so it’s important that you do all you can to repay the favor while he’s going through a tough time. However, if your pet isn’t in the mood to play or pet, it’s important that you let it have its space. Just like different people need different things when they’re feeling unwell, so do animals, and you need to make sure that you’re giving your pet the time it needs to recoup.

3. Don’t Take It Personally

So, this is where things get tough. Pets rarely act out when they don’t feel well. In fact, most pets tend to get a little more affectionate when they aren’t feeling well and all they want is some love from their favorite people. However, if your pet happens to lash out a little bit, try not to take it personally. After all, it’s easy for sick pets to feel a bit out of sorts, so it’s important to give them a little space. With time and especially with your care, they’ll feel better in no time at all. If your pet is showing you that they don’t want company at the moment, simply make sure they always have access to clean water, give them an adequate amount of food, make sure they take their meds when they need to, and provide them with a safe space that doesn’t get a lot of traffic or noise. With that being said, you should still find non-intrusive ways to be in the room with them. Even if they’re not up for cuddles at the moment, most pets will prefer to have their human near, because that makes them feel safe.

4. No Room For Guilt

Pets get sick too, even though you might not always think about it because there are lots of things that can ail them. But usually what happens is that, when our furry friends get sick, we blame ourselves. It can be a very difficult line to walk between feeling guilty for leaving them alone or even in the care of someone else while you’re not around and feeling guilty for having to work late or do something else you need to. Pets are always there for us when we need them, so it’s always important that we do the same for them. That being said, if your pet is sick, don’t let guilt overwhelm you. Yes, you are the person that’s supposed to take care of them, but it’s unavoidable for pets to get sick from time to time. And you simply have to go to work – at the end of the day, that’s what’s making it possible to take them to the vet when they need to. Know that you’re doing everything in your power to make your pet’s life the best it can be, and they know it too.

5. Little Steps

Sometimes pets feel really bad on one day and make a full recovery on the next. However, other times, it can take a bit longer than that. It can be emotionally draining to watch your pet feel unwell for an extended amount of time. That’s why it’s important to notice the little improvements they’re making. Maybe today they’re being just a bit more jovial at dinner time. They might look for their favorite toy tomorrow, and the next day your pet could even start walking around the house a little bit more. These steps toward recovery are all part of your pet getting better, and it’s important to praise them with small gestures for being so strong in tough times. It’s also important to recognize that things are getting better for your own sake – it will help you feel less stressed out about it.

6. Let It Out

Last, but certainly not least, you need to make sure that you’re taking care of yourself as well. If your pet has been sick for a while now, it’s very easy to fall into the trap of doing everything except taking care of your own needs. Make time to talk to friends about how you’re feeling, go out for drinks, cry it out. Whatever you need to make sure your mind is a little bit more at ease, do it. Getting enough sleep and eating well-balanced meals is also important. Again, if at any point you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, talk to someone about it. Sometimes simply expressing what it is that’s weighing heavy on your heart, or what you’re afraid of is the best way to manage it.

Pets are very much a part of our families, and it’s only natural to feel bad when they go through tough times. But the best thing you can do for your pet is to make sure they never feel abandoned or alone and to take care of yourself as well. Know that, if your pet could talk, they would say the same things about you.