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My dog was attacked, face bitten. What to do if I can't afford a vet?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog was attacked by by bigger dog. I don't know what to do. We don't have money for a vet. He keeps opening his mouth wide and rubbing it against the floor. He was bite in the face

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jeffrey Milner

Veterinarian

Published on May 11th, 2017

I'm sorry to hear about your dog. She looks like she is experiencing some swelling in the face and is almost certainly in some pain. I understand that you don't have much money, but she almost certainly requires pain medication, anti-inflammatory medication, and antibiotics. The wounds on the face should be clipped around then cleaned with antiseptic in order to disinfect. Depending on the size of any wounds, they may need to be closed with stitches. Some veterinarians reserve medications and / or funding for situations like these that require need. You may also be eligible to apply for care credit. Here is the website. It allows you to obtain monies for veterinary care and pay it off over long periods of time interest free.

https://www.carecredit.com/

Any time there is an attack in the face, I would also have to be concerned about possible trauma to the eye. If he is experiencing any difficulty getting around or looks off balanced in any way, there could be head trauma as well. A vet will be needed to make these determinations. I hope you are able to figure things out.

3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on August 11th, 2017
Oh no, poor Nanuq! It's very serious that this swelling has spread to her muzzle and throughout her face, and this is a medical emergency. This swelling can continue to increase, leading to difficulties breathing and possible death if her faces swells so much she cannot breath. She has to have veterinary attention now, there is nothing you can do for her at home. I would call a friend to see if they can drive you to a vet, and see if you can borrow money from family and friends to afford a vet. 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.

Time is of the essence in this case, and Nanuq has to be seen by a vet now. 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.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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