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Dog has raw, bloody skin from itching. How to get affordable vet care?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | 105 lbs

I don't have money for a vet and I'm truly worried for my dog (his name is Shades). Shades has a patch of fur gone from where he itched himself raw on the side of his face. That raw patch is moist with blood, puss,and getting bigger by the day all over his face. I put some natural anti-itch soap for Dogs I got at Wal-Mart but it does not seem to work. What do I do?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 25th, 2018

Here are organisations that will help, even with emergency vet visits. I suggest you try every one of them:
https://www.youcaring.com/blog/2016/need-help-with-vet-bills
https://www.avma.org/public/YourVet/Pages/Financial-assistance-for-veterinary-care-costs.aspx
https://bestfriends.org/resources/financial-aid-pets
https://www.paws.org/cats-and-dogs/other-services/help-with-veterinary-bills/
http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_veterinary_care.html?credit=web_id98635957
American Animal Hospital Association 
http://www.aahahelpingpets.org/
"Through the AAHA Helping Pets Fund, veterinary care is possible for sick or 
injured pets even if they have been abandoned or if their owner is experiencing 
financial hardship."
Angels 4 Animals 
http://www.angels4animals.org/ 
"Our services range from financial aid to complete treatment 
to those pets and pet owners in need."
Care Credit 
http://www.carecredit.com/ 
A credit card company for health care, including veterinary care. 
"With a comprehensive range of plan options, for 
treatment or procedure fees from $1 to over $25,000, we offer a plan 
and a low monthly payment to fit comfortably into almost every 
budget."
Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance (FVEAP) 
http://www.fveap.org/sys-tmpl/door/ 
"Seniors, People with disabilities, People who 
have lost their job, Good Samaritans who rescue a cat or kitten - any of these 
folks may need financial assistance to save a beloved companion."
The Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance Program is a nonprofit 501 
(c)(3) organization that provides financial assistance to cat and 
kitten guardians who are unable to afford veterinary services to save 
their companions when life-threatening illness or injury strikes.
God's Creatures Ministry 
http://www.all-creatures.org/gcm/help-cf.html 
"This fund helps pay for veterinarian bills for those who need help."
Help-A-Pet 
http://www.help-a-pet.org/home.html 
"Our efforts focus on serving the elderly, the disabled, and the 
working poor."
IMOM 
http://www.imom.org/ 
"We are dedicated to insure that no 
companion animal has to be euthanized simply because their caretaker 
is financially challenged."
The Pet Fund 
http://thepetfund.com/ 
"The Pet Fund is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit association that 
provides financial assistance to owners of domestic animals who need 
urgent veterinary care."
United Animal Nations 
http://www.uan.org/lifeline/index.html 
"The mission of LifeLine is to help homeless or recently rescued 
animals suffering from life-threatening conditions that require 
specific and immediate emergency veterinary care. We strive to serve 
Good Samaritans and rescue groups who take in sick or injured 
animals. In certain cases, LifeLine can also assist senior citizens 
and low-income families pay for immediate emergency veterinary care."
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The first thing is stopping further self-trauma by using an e-collar so that he cannot continue to scratch at it. This wound is though severe enough that I think it will not resolve without the use of antibiotics. For that reason, I really think he should see a veterinarian. Such visit should be fairly inexpensive. You can consider your local humane society as often times they offer more affordable veterinary care. Best of luck!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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