Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

    rewards header
    Become a member today!
    Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
    Already a member? Sign in
    Petco Pay LogoBecome a credit card member today!

    Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
    when you use Petco Pay!

    APPLY NOW
    Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My dog ate fabric, isn't eating. What to do if vet is too expensive?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Australian Shepherd | Female | spayed | 5 years and 10 months old | 50 lbs

My dog Sadie has torn up and eaten some cotton fabric. She was pooping out fabric this morning but it is now just dark green/black and she isn’t hungry or thirsty much at all. Not sure what to do. I can’t afford to go to a vet clinic right now. Will she be okay?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on September 13th, 2019

I do think Sadie needs to be seen by a vet given she pooped out fabric and isn't eating or drinking. If paying for a vet is an issue, you can see if your vet accepts payment plans, if there is a low cost clinic in your area, or you can apply for Care Credit online. There is also an organization called Red Rover that give grants for treatment of sick animals, and you can see if you qualify for one of their grants. Best Friends also has a list of resources that offer financial assistance on their website.
http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_pet.html?credit=web_id91754962
https://www.redrover.org
https://www.carecredit.com
http://bestfriends.org/resources/financial-aid-pets
http://lessonsfromaparalyzeddog.com/when-pet-owners-cant-afford-veterinary-bills/
http://www.dogheirs.com/resources-affordable-veterinary-care/
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Vet Q & A
My dog ate a blanket, pooping shreds, not eating. What if I can't afford vet?
Oh no, that wasn't good that Toby ate the blanket! Unfortunately no, there is nothing you can do to help him pass it, it will either pass on it's own or cause a blockage. I am concerned that he isn't eating much, and that can be a sign of an intestinal blockage from the blanket. The best thing to do is have him seen by a vet for x-rays to see if the blanket has caused a blockage or not. If it has, he will need surgery to fix it. I would see if you can borrow money from family and friends to afford the vet, and I can give you some resources that may help you afford a vet. You can see if your vet accepts payment plans, if there is a low cost clinic in your area, or you can apply for Care Credit online. There is also an organization called Red Rover that give grants for treatment of sick animals, and you can see if you qualify for one of their grants. Best Friends also has a list of resources that offer financial assistance on their website. http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_pet.html?credit=web_id91754962 https://www.redrover.org https://www.carecredit.com http://bestfriends.org/resources/financial-aid-pets http://lessonsfromaparalyzeddog.com/when-pet-owners-cant-afford-veterinary-bills/ God's Creatures Ministry helps pay for veterinarian bills for those who need help.
 The Onyx & Breezy Foundation has many programs including helping people with medical bills. They are a good resource for information.
 Brown Dog Foundation provides funding to families with a sick pet that would likely respond to treatment, but due to circumstances, there is not enough money immediately available to pay. IMOM is dedicated to insure that no companion animal has to be euthanized simply because their caretaker is financially challenged. I hope one of these resources helps you afford a vet! Good luck.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
My dog ate rope, is sick, and I can't afford the vet. What to do?
If your dog ate rope, is vomiting, and not eating she really needs to be seen by her veterinarian. She could have an obstruction which cannot be resolved on its own. She may need surgery to remove it. If finances are an issue, you may be able to find a clinic that does payment plans or apply for Care Credit. I hope Skylar feels better soon!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
My dog is sick, lethargic, not eating. Can't afford vet. What now?
Poor Sassy sounds like she is feeling quite ill at the moment. It is concerning that she is very lethargic and not eating, and I see that she isn't spayed. I would be extremely concerned that she could be suffering from a pyometra, which is an extremely serious infection of the uterus. A pyometra is fatal without treatment, and Sassy does have to see a vet now. I would see if you can borrow money from friends and family to afford a vet, and I can also give you some resources that may help you afford a vet. You can see if your vet accepts payment plans, if there is a low cost clinic in your area, or you can apply for Care Credit online. There is also an organization called Red Rover that give grants for treatment of sick animals, and you can see if you qualify for one of their grants. Best Friends also has a list of resources that offer financial assistance on their website. http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_pet.html?credit=web_id91754962 https://www.redrover.org https://www.carecredit.com http://bestfriends.org/resources/financial-aid-pets http://lessonsfromaparalyzeddog.com/when-pet-owners-cant-afford-veterinary-bills/ God's Creatures Ministry helps pay for veterinarian bills for those who need help.
 The Onyx & Breezy Foundation has many programs including helping people with medical bills. They are a good resource for information.
 Brown Dog Foundation provides funding to families with a sick pet that would likely respond to treatment, but due to circumstances, there is not enough money immediately available to pay. IMOM is dedicated to insure that no companion animal has to be euthanized simply because their caretaker is financially challenged. Please take her into an ER vet clinic; if there isn't one in your area, there will be a vet on call for emergencies. The information to reach that vet is found on a clinic's answering machine or website.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
My dog is pooping blood, vets closed, can't afford vet care. What now?
Poor Zoey. You do need to have her checked out by a vet asap because pooping blood can have very serious causes like hemorrhagic gastroenteritis. If paying for a vet is an issue, you can see if your vet accepts payment plans, if there is a low cost clinic in your area, or you can apply for Care Credit online. There is also an organization called Red Rover that give grants for treatment of sick animals, and you can see if you qualify for one of their grants. Best Friends also has a list of resources that offer financial assistance on their website. I'd also see if you can borrow money from family and friends. http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_pet.html?credit=web_id91754962 https://www.redrover.org https://www.carecredit.com http://bestfriends.org/resources/financial-aid-pets http://lessonsfromaparalyzeddog.com/when-pet-owners-cant-afford-veterinary-bills/ http://www.dogheirs.com/resources-affordable-veterinary-care/
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
My dog ate trash and is sick. What can I do if I can't afford a vet?
If Pumba was in the trash last night, I would be very concerned that he ate something rotten or may have a foreign body obstructing his GI tract. It's very serious that he is quite weak and unbalanced, and that is not something that can be treated at home. He does have to see a vet, as the cause of the vomiting and severe lethargy. The nose being dry isn't a sign of illness, as a dog's nose can change temperature and moisture level just by being next to a heat source, but a dry tongue can indicate dehydration. If there was a home remedy, I would tell you, but in this case, there is no home remedy, and taking him to the vet is the only option. If paying for a vet is an issue, you can see if your vet accepts payment plans, if there is a low cost clinic in your area, or you can apply for Care Credit online. There is also an organization called Red Rover that give grants for treatment of sick animals, and you can see if you qualify for one of their grants. http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_pet.html?credit=web_id91754962 https://www.redrover.org https://www.carecredit.com
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
My dog hasn't pooped in 5 days, is vomiting, and I can't afford a vet.
It sounds as Pumkin is suffering from a gastrointestinal condition, possibly an infection. it could also be due to ingestion of a foreign body material. i would recommend taking her to the vet Urgently, she will need to be checked first, if the vet thinks it's a simple gastrointestinal infection she will need an anti vomiting injection, antibiotics and a special food for a few days in order to get better. if the vet thinks it is more serious she will need a blood test and possibly an ultrasound in order to find out what is wrong. If money is an issue please contact a dog charity in your area of living, they can help with costs of treatment in many cases. Many vets also have payment plans, and there is also a credit company that will land you money toward vet bills ( https://www.carecredit.com/vetmed/) .
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
My dog hasn't pooped, vomiting, tired, no vet money. What to do?
Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I am really concerned about Pumkin head, especially since she has vomited up underwear and is continuing to act ill. One of my biggest concerns is that she could have something stuck in her intestines causing a blockage or obstruction. This is a surgical emergency, because something in the intestines has the potential to cause rupture of the intestines. The best way to diagnose this is with abdominal x-rays. If there is anyone who can help you out financially, bringing her to an emergency veterinarian right away is ideal. If you absolutely cannot, please ensure she has plenty of access to water. You may try offering her small amounts of a highly digestible diet, such as boiled chicken and boiled rice. I hope this is helpful - sorry to hear that she is so sick.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Related Searches

Dog FoodDog ToysCat FoodDog Health & WellnessVeterinary Diet Dog FoodPrescription Dog Digestive MedicationsDog Stool Eating DeterrentDog First Aid & RecoveryDog Medicine and PrescriptionsDog Clothes & AccessoriesDog Bowls & Feeding SuppliesWet Dog FoodElectrolytes for DogsDry Dog FoodDog Vitamins & SupplementsPet PharmacyVeterinary Diet Cat FoodDog Pain Medicine & ReliefDog Incontinence & Bladder Control MedicineDog Bandages & Wound Care
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Share

Styled arrow button