My dog's paw is swollen. How to get vet care when money is tight?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

  Veterinarian

  Published on January 14th, 2019

  Poor Yapper has to see a vet for this problem. 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/
  
  Check out these resources to see if one can help you, and please take him into a vet now. Best of luck.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

  Veterinarian

  Published on February 14th, 2017

  No need to sell your car! I have a number of resources that may help you afford a vet for Arlo so you can take him to be seen. I will list them all below, and you can try giving him Epsom salt baths, as those may help with the swelling. It's important, however, that he does see a vet for it, so check out the resources I will list below to help you find money to take him into one.
  
  Resources:
  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.
  
  I certainly hope one of these helps, good luck!

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

  Veterinarian

  Published on April 11th, 2018

  It could be that Booka has a tooth problem causing his swollen lip, or he could have injured it, the lip may have a growth, or there could be an infection present in that area. In all honestly, seeing a vet is best for him as it needs to be diagnosed so he can be treated. 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 as well. 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/
  
  
  I'd call your vet today or tomorrow to get an appointment for him. I hope one of these resources helps you!

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

  Veterinarian

  Published on January 18th, 2018

  Poor Stormy! It could be that he has a cyst or an abscess causing the swelling and now leaking of fluid. I do think it's a good idea he is seen by a vet for it to diagnose what it is so it can be treated appropriately, and I would 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/
  http://www.dogheirs.com/resources-affordable-veterinary-care/
  
  
  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 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. You can try to encourage drainage by using a warm compress on the area for five minutes at a time a couple of times a day, but still a vet visit is important. Good luck!

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful