When your dog is recuperating at home from illness or surgery, your care will have a profound effect upon its recovery. First and foremost, follow your vet's instructions regarding medication, diet, and activity level. After surgery and during illness, this means confining your dog to its crate. Unless they are gravely ill, dogs generally don't take it upon themselves to convalesce, and trying to walk, jump, or climb stairs could set back the recovery process.

Make sure the crate is comfortably lined with a soft pad, and have at least one spare on hand so that you can keep them freshly laundered. Crate pads come in a wide variety of comfy materials — imitation lamb's wool, fleece, faux fur, and puffy quilted cotton. Egg-crate foam mattresses with removable zippered covers are highly therapeutic for postsurgical, arthritic, and elderly dogs as well.

Just like us, dogs can get stiff lying in one position for an extended period. If your little dog is unable to move around, gently turn it over now and then to make it comfortable. This also prevents hair loss or callused skin caused by lying on the same area of the body too long. Your dog loves the sound of your voice and your touch, so be sure to speak soothingly, using its name often, and giving gentle pats in areas that will not cause any pain.

Think of the environment you would like if you were the patient and try to create it for your dog. It's a time for quiet rest, so keep noise levels to a minimum (no music blasting from the radio or loud television). Small children should not be allowed to race in and out of the room or bother the dog while it rests, and visitors should be kept to a minimum. Keep the light dim, drawing the blinds during the daytime and turning lights off at night.

Because your dog's sense of smell is at least 100 times stronger than your own, go easy on any scents in the area where it is recovering. Candles, perfume, room deodorizers, and household cleaners can be especially noxious during recuperation.

Keep the room temperature appropriate to the dog's condition — not too warm if your dog is running a fever, not too cold for a postsurgical or elderly small dog, as they are more prone to chilling and hypothermia.

Offer plenty of water, and be patient with feedings. It's wise to keep an eye on your little dog, but try to monitor its condition without interfering with its rest. There will be lots of opportunities to give one-on-one attention when you feed, clean up, or change bedding or surgical dressings.

Stay with your dog while it eats and be understanding if it makes a mess or has accidents. Illness or medication can cause diarrhea, and some dogs feel ashamed when they soil their own space. Since sick or recuperating dogs can't clean themselves, use soap and warm water or a waterless shampoo to clean your little friend if it makes a mess.

After illness or surgery, some small dogs spring back faster than others. If your dog is not ready to get back to its normal activities, don't rush it. Stay in contact with your vet throughout the recovery process in case any changes in treatment need to be made.

Keep in mind that your dog cannot tell you whether something in its environment is disturbing, so try to anticipate its needs. Mindful, loving care and a restful environment will give your little patient the support it needs to make a full recovery.