The Sick Room  
Equipment and Utensils  
Progress Chart  
Daily Temperature  
Giving the Dog His Medicine  
Cleaning the Sick Dog  
Giving the Dog an Enema  
Feeding the Sick Dog  
Dressing and Bandages  

THE SICK ROOM

The very sick or injured dog needs peace and quiet, away from household noises and boisterous play of children. If possible, put the dog in a room that is isolated, comfortable, well ventilated (but not drafty) and easily cleaned. You can facilitate the general cleaning problem by removing rugs and carpets and spreading several thicknesses of newspaper on the floor in the area the dog will occupy. Curtains or other material should be hung over the windows to shield the dog from excessive or bright light. This is important in those diseases or conditions in which the dog has photophobia. (Distemper, for example.) Shredded newspaper, cedar shavings or a washable blanket can be used as bedding for the sick dog. Hang a thermometer near the dog so that you can keep an eye on the room temperature, which should be kept between 70° and 72°F. Place the thermometer so that it hangs a foot or so above the dog's head; the temperature at his level is the most important.