[header] How to care for a sick dog [title] Monitor your dog's daily activity. [step] Keep a notebook of when your dog relieves himself, when his symptoms occur, when he eats and drinks, and so on. This helps to establish a pattern to the symptoms. 
It can also be a very useful tool for the veterinarian to diagnose your dog's illness. [substeps] If your dog is mildly sick (not eating the best for a day, restless, vomiting once or twice, a bout of diarrhea) you can carefully observe your dog at home and phone your vet for advice.