Diet of Sick Animals
In general, when animals are seriously ill, they are without appetite, and will take little or no food—nature thus indicating the propriety of abstinence. But in all cases the food given or allowed should be quite limited in quantity—one-half, one-third or fourth of the usual quantity, and only that which is nourishing, easily digested, and generally relaxing. With these general restrictions, the usual kinds of food may be permitted, except in the case of dogs, where only stale bread and milk should be allowed in urgent cases, and but little or no meat, and no salted or spiced food in any case. After the more urgent symptoms of disease have passed over, and the animal is recovering, we should be careful and not give full feed, as a relapse may thus easily be provoked, and prove very stubborn and dangerous.
At least half an hour or an hour should intervene after taking a dose of medicine before the animal should be fed as the system is more susceptible then than at any other time.
To evacuate the bowels—injections of water, soap and water, or salt and water are always allowable, and may often be used with great benefit. They are usually administered without difficulty, in no case injurious, and should one fail to produce an evacuation, another or more may be repeated, until the result is accomplished.