| Sometimes, you may need to do more than just | | | | nozzle carefully into the rectum. Using |
| giving solid or liquid medication to your | | | | gentle and consistent pressure against the |
| sick dog. Depending on his condition and | | | | anus (to prevent the fluid from leaking out), |
| symptoms, you may also have to provide other | | | | slowly fill the colon. If the solution does |
| kinds of nursing care, such as giving enemas. | | | | not flow in easily, pull back on the nozzle |
| Below is an effective way to use this | | | | or syringe and slightly adjust the angle. |
| procedure: | | | | Expect a bowel movement to begin within a few |
| | | | minutes. You may administer the enema once or |
| The use of enemas can be beneficial for dogs | | | | twice a day for a couple of days. |
| that has the following conditions; | | | | |
| constipation, during fasting, dehydration, | | | | In many cases, dogs that are dehydrated are |
| excessive vomiting, bowel irritation caused | | | | simply retaining the fluid. This occurs when |
| by bone fragments or the presence of spoiled | | | | the colon absorbs the fluid which the body |
| food or garbage in the digestive tract. | | | | needs. Therefore, enemas are an excellent way |
| | | | to administer fluid therapy. Under these |
| Before administering this procedure, make | | | | circumstances, administer the enema about |
| sure that you only use pure water that is | | | | every four hours or until fluid is no longer |
| warm but not hot (test it on your wrist to | | | | retained. |
| make sure). Use about two tablespoons for a | | | | |
| small dog and up to a pint for a large dog. | | | | If a dog is having difficulty keeping water |
| Add a few drops of freshly squeezed lemon | | | | in his stomach due to heavy vomiting, an |
| juice to the water and administer the mixture | | | | enema can help introduce the fluid and salts |
| with a plastic or rubber syringe for about 2 | | | | that are needed to replace those lost through |
| to 3 minutes. For large dogs, you can use and | | | | vomiting. Using the solution as described |
| enema bag and a nozzle. | | | | earlier, add a pinch of sea salt plus a pinch |
| | | | of potassium chloride. The same solution can |
| Here is how to do it: You must lubricate the | | | | also be used to help a dog suffering from |
| end of the syringe with vegetable oil. Have | | | | prolonged diarrhea. In this case, administer |
| someone help you hold the dog gently while he | | | | the enema every four hours or until fluid is |
| stands in a tub or on the ground. Insert the | | | | no longer retained. |