Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Male | neutered | 8 years and 8 months old | 65 lbs
my 9 yr old black lab has been losing weight due the fact he refuses to eat. only wants water. i dont wanna say he has cancer but the idea is there my husband has had him since he was born. he has recently started shaking while standing. money is tight taking him the vet would ultimately make us homeless due to the bill. is there anything i can do to help him gain weight? Is there a vet clinic that could help with costs?
1 Answer
Published on March 10th, 2017
I'm sorry Chevy isn't doing well at the moment! Unfortunately in a senior dog, refusing to eat can be caused by cancer. It could also be caused by dental disease, kidney failure, liver disease, and heart problems among others. Chevy really does have to see a vet, as the cause of his anorexia needs to be diagnosed so he can be treated. Unfortunately, there are no vet clinics that will help with costs, but I can offer you a number of 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. Check out these resources, which I hope will help you, and have Chevy seen by a vet as soon as possible.
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