My dog is peeing blood and straining. What are my affordable options?

I'm sorry to hear about poor Jilly Bean. From the information provided, I can say that chronic cystitis is not yet the definite diagnosis, so I wouldn't consider life-long medication just yet. It is only suspected at this time based on some history and the lack of bacteria seen in the urine. However, to rule-out infection as a cause, a urine culture needs to be done. There are also a few other findings here that warrant further investigation. It appears that the emergency advised follow-up with a specialist and I agree that this is the next best step. ER vets are great at doing some quick tests and providing relief for conditions, but normally don't spend a great deal of time doing all of the testing necessary to make a definite diagnosis. They usually leave this for your regular vet or specialist to do. I recommend at-least having your regular vet follow-up with Jilly Bean. They will not be nearly as expensive and will be able to provide you with a better idea of the necessary treatment and other options if treatment is too expensive. I hope that helps and Jilly Bean gets better soon.

The symptoms Patti is suffering from indicates she is probably suffering from a urinary tract infection. The only treatment that can give her any relief is an antibiotic treatment, which will also solve the problem, but you will need to take her to a veterinary clinic or ER in order to get this treatment.

Oh no, I'm sorry Winter isn't doing well at the moment! Unfortunately there is nothing you can do at home for her symptoms, she has to see a vet. She could be suffering from a UTI or bladder stones causing the bloody urine and trouble controlling her bladder, and the medications needed to treat either are available by prescription only from the vet. I can, however, 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. Winter has to see a vet as soon as possible, so I hope one of these resources helps you!

There are a number of possibilities, such as a urinary tract infection, bladder stones, or tumor somewhere along the lower urinary tract. This really should be worked up by your vet. If you are in financial difficulty, there are ways of still getting your pet treated by a veterinarian. Ask if they take Care Credit and apply online. This is a credit card specifically for medical, dental, and veterinary expenses. Call a local animal shelter or college of veterinary medicine in your area and ask if they have a low- or no-cost veterinary care program. GiveForward and Youcaring.com are crowd funding websites that help you raise money to help take care of your pets. Harley’s Hope Foundation is an organization that ensures low income pet parents and their companion or service animals remain together when issues arise. Many breed rescues and groups have specials funds available for owners who need financial assistance, such as the Special Needs Dobermans, Labrador Lifeline, and Pitbull Rescue Central. Banfield Pet Hospital has its own programs for owners that can’t afford their pet’s care. God's Creatures Ministry helps pay for veterinarian bills for those who need help. IMOM is dedicated to insure that no companion animal has to be euthanized simply because their caretaker is financially challenged. 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. Some groups help with specific disease, such as Canine Cancer Awareness, The Magic Bullet Fund, Helping Harley Fund, and Muffin Diabetes Fund. The Pet Fund and Redrover.org are great sources for help to care for your pet. The Humane Society website has many links to other organizations that help with veterinary expenses.

Have her seen by your veterinarian. You can request conservative treatment and your veterinarian may prescribe a broad spectrum antibiotic for a presumed urinary tract infection without performing recommended diagnostics (urine culture, urinalysis, abdominal xrays, blood work). It may help, however the risk is that the bloody urine may not be caused by "simple" infection. Other possibilities are inflammation, tumor or stones. If Luna should become completely obstructed, this will turn into an emergency and potentially life threatening condition.

The blood could be coming from the tumor itself, or sometimes dogs with tumors are more likely to develop urinary tract infections. If she is also straining to urinate it may be that her quality of life is beginning to be affected. Before you make any decisions you should recheck with your vet. They could check her urine for bacteria and can also discuss what signs to look for that might indicate it is time to consider euthanasia.

If Lily is peeing blood, I would be concerned that she has a UTI, bladder stones, or even bladder cancer. Unfortunately there is nothing you can give her at home, she has to see a vet for this problem. If she appears lethargic, ill or distressed, or if the urine appears very bloody, then she should be seen by a vet ASAP. In this case, 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. If she is otherwise healthy and happy, eats and drinks plenty, you can wait until Monday morning. Feed her wet/canned food, add water to it, and make sure she drinks a lot of water to help flush the bladder.