[Pat 64]

It is the weekend and I can't get to a vet. My dog yelped in pain about 14 hours ago. Since then, he will not eat or drink, even water. I am worried about dehydration. How can I get water into him? I can't tell if he is hurt.

[Alty]

Not eating or drinking is very dangerous. Dogs are great at hiding ailments. When they stop eating or drinking it usually means that something serious is going on. A vet really is your only option.

Today is Sunday where I am. Can you get him into the vet first thing tomorrow?

Until then, go to the store, pharmacy, anywhere that sells over the counter meds. Buy a bottle, even two, of pedialyte. Feed the pedialtye. You may need to do this with a baby syringe used to dose medicine, or a turkey baster, administer slowly, tbsp every few minutes. Pedialyte is safe for dogs, and will help with dehydration.

Try cooking some rice and chicken to see if he's willing to eat that. Of course you should remove the bones from the chicken, and the skin. Just plain rice, and boneless skinless chicken.

Do you know what's hurting him? Is he limping, favoring his side, anything?

The tips above are just to sustain him until you get to the vet. This is not a long term solution at all. This is just to keep him hydrated and alive until you get to the vet. Please, make the vet appointment asap.

Good luck.