We all want our dogs to live happy and healthy lives, but sadly, that's not always the case. If you get a dog, you have to prepare yourself for them to potentially have health issues at some point in their life. If your pooch stays super healthy all their life, then you're one of the lucky ones. When your dog gets sick it can be really hard, and some owners struggle to cope. Sometimes, your dog will be 100% fit one day, and then they suddenly get ill and it takes you by complete surprise. When your vet delivers the news that your dog has a serious condition, it can be heart wrenching. It's upsetting seeing your beloved dog suffering or have something happen that might threaten their future. We know how this feels, so we've put together some handy tips to help you manage when your dog gets diagnosed with a serious condition.
- Get a second opinion
Before you rush to give your dog treatment or make rash decisions, try and get a second opinion. Obviously there are emergencies where this is not possible. But if you have time, consider calling another vet to see what they think. Sometimes this can help when making hard decisions, because you know you have enough info to make an informed decision. This can help you feel more confident that you are doing the right thing.
Don't try and cope all on your own. If you share the ownership of your dog with someone else, lean on them for support and assistance. If you are the sole owner, then you can always turn to friends and family when you need to talk things through (or have a shoulder to cry on).
Hey, your dog might have a serious condition, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy being with them. Try and forget about their illness every now and then and focus on other things, like spending time together and having fun.
It can sometimes be comforting to know that no matter what happens with your dog's illness, you've done the best you can. You have given Fido a totally pawesome life filled with toys, treats, fun walks and love and affection. What more could a pooch want?
As hard as it may be, when your dog gets ill, you need to try and be strong when you are around them. If you are clearly devastated and crying your eyes out in their presence, they will know something is wrong. Your pooch will have a better chance of recovering if you pretend like nothing is wrong, and try not to treat them any differently to normal (even though it is tempting to shower them with extra strokes and snuggles).
If your dog has been diagnosed with a certain condition, it may help to try and find owners in the same boat. You can then learn more about the condition and they can share their tips and advice. It helps having someone around who understands what you are going through.