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My dog ate trash and is sick. What can I do if I can't afford a vet?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Male | unneutered | 3 lbs

I have a little Chihuahua dog and he woke up very sick this morning after I had caught him in the trash twice last night. He is very weak and unbalanced. His nose is dry and so is his tongue. He so I not eat or drink anything at all and I'm worried about what I can do at home because I can't afford to take him in to see a vet. Can you help me out?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on December 11th, 2016

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
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