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My senior dog is shaking, not eating. Where can I find vet help?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | American Staffordshire Terrier | Female | spayed | 42 lbs

my terrier is 11 years old and she has gotten to the stage that she refuses her dog food for days on end. she will come up close to me sometimes while her whole body shakes seemingly uncontrollable, I thought seizure -like. she only seems to have these episodes sporadically. my b.f. days the shaking is from pain. Idk what to do. I can't afford her regular vet but she current on all vaccines til 2018. can you suggest ?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on November 17th, 2017

Poor Lulu, she is such a pretty girl! Yes, your boyfriend could be correct that she could be shaking from pain and pain would keep her from eating. It's not normal at all that she won't eat for days on end, and she really does have to see a vet as soon as possible given this has been going on for a bit. 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. 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.

I hope one of these resources helps you afford a vet for Lulu. Please do not give her any human pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. That would make this situation much worse. Good luck!
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