How to Cope with Your Dog’s Chronic Condition
Whether you’re living with a senior dog or just a younger dog with a chronic health condition, it can be an emotional rollercoaster. One minute they’re up, the next they’re down, and most days you don’t know which way it’ll go. It can be very stressful, and before you know it, you’ve become one of those overprotective dog owners.
Our four-legged friends really do become members of the family, and when things don’t go according to plan, it can be tough on everyone.
Luckily, chronic and long-term health issues are as manageable in dogs as they are in humans. So, whether your pup has arthritis, blindness, kidney failure, or any of the above, remember that there is a way forward, and it should look a little like this.
Photo by Binyamin Mellish from Pexels
Always Put a Professional Plan in Place
It’s tempting to diagnose our dogs via Google, but a professional plan is also vital for handling chronic conditions. Most often, vets will want to see your dog at regular intervals to check on progress, while also offering medication to either manage the condition or ease any suffering.
Admittedly, all of this can get pricey, but conditions like these are typically covered by insurance. Even if you’re reluctant to face the costs, never underestimate how reassuring it can be to have that professional oversight that eases a large part of the responsibility and helps you know how your dog’s really doing.
Find Natural Solutions Where You Can
Obviously, it’s important to give your dog the medication your vet prescribes. You can also implement vet-approved natural treatments where you can. For most conditions, changing to healthier or selective diets can make a huge difference, while there’s evidence to suggest that herbs like ginger good for dogs with arthritis or gastronomic problems. It’s even thought that small amounts of cinnamon can help canine brain function!
Always speak first with your vet about whether these solutions would be suitable and, if given the green light, don’t hesitate to try them out.
Forever Focus on Quality of Life
No matter your dog’s age, chronic health conditions can be horrid for them. This is why you should also make sure to enhance your pooch’s quality of life. Specifically, investing in easy-to-use, well-cushioned dog beds can make a huge difference to comfort levels, as can lapsing on that ‘no dogs on the sofa’ rule.
Equally, within reason, it doesn’t hurt to treat a chronically suffering dog to more of the things they love, like extra walks, added pamper time, or even a little treat. Just make sure that you aren’t giving them more of what’s making them ill in the first place!
Even with these steps in mind, some days will be better than others. But, at least with these go-tos to fall back on, you’ll be able to pick yourself up and do what’s best for your dog at all times.
This post was contributed and made possible by the support of our readers.
Great post!! I have to ask my son if they purchased insurance for their new pup, Faye….Thanks so much for stopping by!!
Hugs,
Debbie
Thanks, Debbie! There have been many times I wished I had insurance for our dog! 🙂
Our Izzy has been having some problems too, a trip to the vet for blood work, etc. It appears he may have had a seizure. The whole thing has been terribly upsetting we love him so much. So now I have to watch for more seizures and the vet asked me to try and record it. I'm happy to know your sweet one is doing better now. Our Izzy celebrated his 9th birthday, he's a senior dog too. Lovely features xo.
Aw, poor Izzy. I hope he is better now, too! xo