Tag Archives: dog illness

Torque was a very sick dog this week.

A sick dog is priority number one

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The last time Hope pulled an all-nighter she was in school. It was easier then. Of course, the reason was different; final exams, which were important. But not as important as a sick dog who had to poop every half hour Monday night – all night long. After all, a sick dog is priority number one.

Fortunately, we’re writing this on Thursday and his last poop was Tuesday at 5 p.m. We got in to see our wonderful veterinarians on Tuesday morning. An exam, two injections (antibiotic and anti-spasmodic), and a day of fasting put Torque back on track. A good couple of nights’ sleep, and Hope’s better, too.

Dogs are worth it

Most of the people we know have lost sleep because of their dogs. It’s rarely for a good reason, except for middle-of-the-night puppy deliveries and subsequent puppy care. We’re fortunate to know many responsible breeders and their dedication. We also know their complete lack of sleep near due dates and for weeks afterwards. They’re always delighted to see healthy puppies go to their forever homes. That’s when they get to sleep.

But most dog people lose sleep for not-so-good reasons. Staying up with dogs afraid of storms, or fireworks. Elderly dogs having a not-so-good night. And sick dogs. The worst part for all of these scenarios is there’s not much we can do to make it better. Is there anything that makes us feel more helpless?

Helpless to help

Torque was a very sick dog this week.

Torque was miserable. We tried the home remedies we keep on hand, but nothing helped. Hope kept a close eye on him through the night – there were no other symptoms than the spasming gastro-intestinal system. She was prepared to dash to the emergency vet, but there was no real emergency. Torque managed to nap between bouts, and he was drinking water and staying hydrated. 

It was still a terrifying night. When you know Hope’s history, you understand exactly why. About four and a half years ago, Hope and Fran came home from their obedience club’s afternoon holiday party (dogs not invited). We fed the dogs their dinner, and went to relax and watch some television. Everybody (human and dog) was comfy and content.

And then Teddy, Hope’s eight-year-old French Bulldog, got up off the couch and started retching. And urgently had to go outside. Then his guts exploded and Hope ran with him to the emergency vet. He didn’t come home. It was hemangiosarcoma, the silent killer. He was fine until he wasn’t.

Always watching and wary

Which is why Hope couldn’t close her eyes Monday night. Torque is her eight-year-old French Bulldog. She’s hugging him very tight this week. 

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A sick dog disrupts everything

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Tango is one sick dog this week. At this writing (Tuesday) Fran’s been up with him for pretty much 48 hours straight.

The first day your dog is spewing from both ends, the routine is simple. Withhold food (not water), stick to routine as much as possible. Be there to hustle outside and/or clean the floor and the dog. Try to figure out what he may have eaten, where he’s been, what’s different that could have caused it. Nap when you can, if  you can.

By the second day, if there’s been no improvement (or worsening, in Tango’s case), it’s time for a visit to the veterinarian. Who asks where he’s been, what he’s eaten, has anything changed, etc. And the answers, every time Tango is ill, are the same: nowhere, nothing, nope. About once every year or so, he gets sick. 

And a sick dog disrupts everything.

Primary caregiver

Some dogs are “family” dogs. They have a strong and special relationship with every member of the family. If one person isn’t home, they’re content with whoever is there. Tango, like most Brussels Griffons, isn’t one of those. If Fran’s not home, he waits. He doesn’t settle for second best. He’s usually not annoying, he’s just not around. He’s waiting for Fran. 

When she is home, he’s close to her. For example – in the 12 years Fran’s had Tango, she’s never had to look for him. Ever. He’s right there. She’s never counted the times she’s almost/nearly/actually stepped on him, but it has to be in the hundreds. Because he’s always right there.

When he’s sick, it magnifies. And she’s the only one he allows to take care of him. Hope can supervise his outings (stand there and watch him decide on the perfect spot), but only Fran’s allowed to do the paperwork.

Broken schedule

That means that all the things that are supposed to get done, don’t. And there’s an added layer of stress because the things that should be getting done, aren’t. Errands and chores don’t jibe with caring for a sick dog.

There’s no question that Fran loves Tango deeply. And the fact that he’s sick is even more troubling since he’s an older dog. But when you’re sleepless and worried, adding a mounting pile of stuff not getting done is enough to cause anyone stress. Fran said it best herself: “I feel like a prisoner.”

And in a sense, she is. When a loved one is in the throes of a messy illness, you’re trapped. So you can start to resent the one who’s sick, even though you still love them. The other dogs aren’t helping. There’s nothing dogs adore more than routine, and that’s been thrown by the wayside, for now.

Everything’s going to be alright

When you know a situation is only temporary, you tell yourself you can deal with it for now. It’s almost more difficult than a permanent change. If your circumstances are changed for the long haul, you change along with it to make it work.

So the chaos and mayhem that’s a normal part of our life is a bit messier for the moment. We’re hoping by the time you read this that calm has been restored, as well as Tango’s health. We’ll keep you updated.

Update (Saturday): Tango is fully recovered and back to himself. The rest of us are still trying to catch up on our sleep. One reason Tango bounced back so quickly, according to our vet, is because he’s in great shape. See the training tip on our sister site: 2-Minute-Trainer.com.

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