If you are unable to add a furry pet to your home, then setting up a fish tank can be a great way to enjoy the companionship of an animal without relying on a cat, dog, or other furry animal. Many owners become attached to their fish and want to provide their underwater pets with the best possible care.

Knowing how to properly treat a sick fish is essential when it comes to keeping your finned friends happy and healthy in the future.

1. Isolate a sick fish at the first sign of trouble.

If you have a tank that houses multiple fish, then it's important you set up a separate quarantine tank in which you can keep a sick fish as soon as you notice any signs of illness.

This quarantine tank will prevent the sick fish from contaminating the water in the main tank and spreading illness to your other healthy fish. Make sure that you keep the water's chemistry in the quarantine tank as close to the main tank as possible to reduce stress as you isolate a sick fish.

2. Find a reputable fish vet.

Although there are many medications available to treat aquatic life over-the-counter, it can be very beneficial to rely on the help of a veterinarian specializing in fish when you think you have a sick pet on your hands.

Over-medicating your fish by using a variety of over-the-counter medications can actually cause your fish to become more ill. Using several medications can compromise the slime layer covering your fish's body, resulting in pink splotches that could act as contact points for secondary fungal growth. A fish vet will be able to accurately diagnose the root cause of your fish's illness and provide the right medication to treat the problem. This will help you avoid the negative side effects of over-medicating as you care for your sick fish.

3. Always add medication to the tank, not directly to your fish.

Knowing how to properly administer the medication your fish vet prescribes is critical when it comes to helping your finned friend recover. You should always add the medication to the water in your quarantine tank.

This will dilute the medication and make it easier for your fish to absorb it. Applying medication directly to your fish could cause serious chemical burns, so always treat the water and not your pet when dosing a sick fish.

Being able to successfully treat a sick fish will help you keep your underwater pets healthy and happy well into the future.