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My dog is sick, lethargic, not eating. Can't afford vet. What now?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 6 years and 7 months old | 11 lbs

Hey my dog sassy she is part rat terrier and chiwaua shes been acting weird not eating and her belly is tight she keeps her tail tucked under and has been very lethargic what can i do i dont have the money for a vet

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on June 17th, 2017

Poor Sassy sounds like she is feeling quite ill at the moment. It is concerning that she is very lethargic and not eating, and I see that she isn't spayed. I would be extremely concerned that she could be suffering from a pyometra, which is an extremely serious infection of the uterus. A pyometra is fatal without treatment, and Sassy does have to see a vet now. I would see if you can borrow money from friends and family to afford a vet, and 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/ 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. 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.

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