My 7-year-old lab has HORRIBLE allergies (he itches his so badly skin so raw and develops sores) and vets have prescribed hydroxyzine for him in the past which has worked but I can't afford to take him to the vet right now and he is in constant misery. Benedryl and Claritin don't help much; is there anything else I can give him safe for dogs to help his horrible itching? Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Male | neutered | 6 years and 9 months old | 128 lbs

Dog Has Severe Allergies, Constant Itching? Can't Afford Vet Care?

My 13 yr old small dog has several 1 inch spots on her feet and back that are balding itchy and very crusty. It started on her feet. None on her face or tail. Allergy mange? How do I treat this for a reasonable price? I want her better but have very

It is possible that Brandy does have allergies or mange causing those spots, but they could also be due to ringworm. This does require a visit to the vet, as the medication to treat any of these diseases are available by prescription only from the vet, but I can give you a number of resources at the end of my answer that may help you afford a vet. I would have Brandy seen by a vet tomorrow if possible. The vet can do blood tests, skin scrapings, and use a Wood's lamp to diagnose allergies, mites, and ringworm. Once the cause of the itching is found, the vet can prescribe the appropriate treatment. To 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 web

Updated on September 24th, 2025

Health & Wellbeing

My dog is scratching very badly to the point where he bleeds and this has been going on for about 2 months I need help asap. He was taken to the vet multiple times and given allergy tablets and changing his food but nothing seems to work and I don't

I'm very sorry to hear this. I know allergies are very frustrating to deal with and it often takes a while to find the best medication and dose. It can also be difficult and expensive to find the cause of the allergy. One thing I would double-check, is if the itching is due to a mite infestation or fleas. If it is definitely allergies, then you have different options for treatment. Antihistamines and steroids are usually effective and relatively inexpensive treatments for allergies. However, there are often side-effects with these drugs that may make them less desirable. Apoquel is a newer drug that shows promise with less side effects, but is more expensive. These will all need a veterinary prescription. A dermatologist appointment is definitely the best way to go, but I understand that they can be prohibitively expensive. If you have visited the same vet multiple times and are not satisfied with the treatment, then I recommend you seek a second opinion. Often, a fresh set

Updated on September 24th, 2025

Health & Wellbeing

My dog and I moved into the country from the city. He has now more pron fleas I have had him off his medicine (flea meds) for a couple months now and he has started itches like crazy and loosing his hair I don’t have money to take him to a vet but I

It takes time for flea medications to kill the fleas in the environment. The first step is restarting the flea preventatives. Benadryl can help with mild itching. However, since it can take several months for the fleas in the environment to die after starting a preventative, dogs may need anti-inflammatory medications to help with the constant need to itch. If he is scratching his skin a lot, he can cause a secondary skin infection that may need antibiotics to clear. If you cannot take Cooper to the vet, then you can try anti-itch shampoos. He may need to wear an e-collar or socks or booties to protect him from self-traumatizing his skin. Here are a few articles you may find helpful: Fleas: http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=3682 Financing: https://www.petcoach.co/article/7-smart-solutions-for-pet-care-financing/

Updated on September 24th, 2025

Health & Wellbeing

Hello my dog hefe has been itching and biting and I have bathed him weeks upon weeks with flea shampoo as well as 3 month treatments and he is just always biting himself and licking himself on this skin parts mostly please please help me I can’t affo

Poor Hefe sounds miserable. It could be he has something else causing his itching such as allergies or mites. Without seeing him in person, I can't say for certain what is going on. He really does have to see a vet. You've tried treating this for weeks with no success, and you cannot leave him like this, it's not fair to him. 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. I'd also see if you can borrow money from family and friends. 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/financi

Updated on September 24th, 2025

Training & Behavior

My dog keeps scratching! I’ve bathe her in this oatmeal sensitive skin dog soap and she’s still scratching, her skin is red! What do I do? I don’t have money for the vet

This scratching can be caused by fleas, mites, ringworm, or allergies. If Roxie isn't up to date on her flea treatment, I can give you one for her. First, I would give her Capstar. It's a one time pill that starts killing fleas within 30 minutes. Then follow up with a spot on treatment, such as Advantage or Revolution. This is a treatment that has to be used once a month. You will also have to disinfect the environment. Wash her bedding in hot soapy water, and vacuum the furniture and carpet surfaces. You can use a spray to kill fleas in the house, such as Indorex, or a flea bomb would work well to kill the fleas in the home. If she is up to date on her flea treatment, I recommend taking her into the vet for an exam today or tomorrow. The vet can do blood tests, skin scrapings, and use a Wood's lamp to diagnose allergies, mites, and ringworm. Once the cause of the itching is found, the vet can prescribe the appropriate treatment. If paying for a vet is an issue, you can see i

Updated on September 24th, 2025

Health & Wellbeing

My pup is itchy, but according to DVM doesn't have fleas but might have allergies. She mentioned an over the counter option. I don't remember what it was, though. Any idea?

Yes, there is an OTC in the form of antihistamines, but legally I cannot recommend it for you to use on her, nor can I give you the dose. That's because doing so requires a veterinary client patient relationship which cannot be achieved via an internet forum. In addition, I cannot say for certain if a specific drug is safe for your dog. I would give your vet a call to get the name of the OTC option as well as the dosage.

Updated on September 24th, 2025

Health & Wellbeing

Hi we have a 3 year old lab. He is constantly scratching and gnawing at his skin, he has bad hair loss, scabs and sores especially between his legs and a large lump has now appeared on the side of his face, his ears are also very dry, irritated and s

Thanks for using Boop by Petco! He likely does have an infection. The issue is that anti-histamines while may help, are unlikely to be a longterm solution. It really comes down to figuring out what is causing his allergies so that they can be treated or the specific allergen avoided. There are many things that can cause allergies though in most cases they can be broken down into 3 big categories: flea, food and environmental allergies. Allergies are usually worked up in a stepwise fashion starting with flea allergies as this is the easiest and cheapest to take care of. If not on a flea preventative, then it would be a good idea to get started on one. If already on one then it would be a good idea to change to something else (there are many new products out in the market). If not improved in 1-3 months then it is time to move on and check for food allergies by switching to a novel diet (new protein and new carbohydrate). If that does not seem to be the issue then you are left out

Updated on September 24th, 2025

Health & Wellbeing

Hi, I hope to find a veterinarian who can give me advice on how to care for my dog who has severe skin allergies since the weather has gotten warmer. The problem is that it has been difficult to take a bath for him as he is very stubborn. He hates wa

Hello, thank you for using Boop by Petco. Allergies are extremely difficult to manage especially with a dog that is not amenable to treatment. The strongest oral sedatives available can only be gotten from your veterinarian. They cannot be purchased over the counter without a prescription. The best over the counter medication I have seen work well is called Zylkene. It is not cheap but I think it is worth a try. He would need the large dog size and would get one per day. I would give one per day and use it everyday until the bottle runs out (30 days) and if it works, great, you can keep him on it. If it doesn't work, then you can stop. ( https://worldtails.securevetsource.com/itemView/view/223965_HomeDelivery.pml?productId=115875 ) I would also recommend a leave-on mousse instead of a shampoo. These are medicated and work very well either in between baths or for dogs that are not amenable to bathing. I would use the "CALM" when he has no lesions on his skin. If he does have lesion

Updated on September 24th, 2025

Health & Wellbeing

I think my dog has scabies(mites). What can I do to get rid of them? I can't afford to take him to a vet right now but they are eating him alive. Please help!

Oh no, poor Charlie sounds miserable. Unfortunately you need prescription meds from the vet to treat mites. 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/

Updated on September 24th, 2025

Health & Wellbeing

Just adopted a rescue and she’s Scratching and biting constantly. She on flea prevention meds but must have a skin allergy. Do you know a COST EFFECTIVE way to help relieve her itching?

Hi there. In terms of over-the-counter options, you could try bathing her a hydrocortisone "anti-itch" dog shampoo to help relieve the itching. The effects of this are usually pretty temporary, but it's inexpensive and generally safe. If you want something more effective, I would recommend taking her in for a vet visit to find out what's causing the itching and get her started on prescription medication to treat it. If she does have an allergy, there are often simple options like prednisone tablets and/or antibiotics that can be very effective at treating the symptoms. This shouldn't need to be an expensive visit, especially if you let the vet know that you have cost concerns. Costs will vary depending on where you live - but to give you a general idea, in my area, an exam and short course of meds to make her feel better would typically cost less than $100 total.

Updated on September 24th, 2025

Dog has severe allergies, constant itching. Can't afford vet care?

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Related Answers from Veterinarians

Dog has severe allergies, constant itching. Can't afford vet care?

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Related Answers from Veterinarians

Related Questions

My 13 yr old small dog has several 1 inch spots on her feet and back that are balding itchy and very crusty. It started on her feet. None on her face or tail. Allergy mange? How do I treat this for a reasonable price? I want her better but have very

My dog is scratching very badly to the point where he bleeds and this has been going on for about 2 months I need help asap. He was taken to the vet multiple times and given allergy tablets and changing his food but nothing seems to work and I don't

My dog and I moved into the country from the city. He has now more pron fleas I have had him off his medicine (flea meds) for a couple months now and he has started itches like crazy and loosing his hair I don’t have money to take him to a vet but I

Hello my dog hefe has been itching and biting and I have bathed him weeks upon weeks with flea shampoo as well as 3 month treatments and he is just always biting himself and licking himself on this skin parts mostly please please help me I can’t affo

My dog keeps scratching! I’ve bathe her in this oatmeal sensitive skin dog soap and she’s still scratching, her skin is red! What do I do? I don’t have money for the vet

My pup is itchy, but according to DVM doesn't have fleas but might have allergies. She mentioned an over the counter option. I don't remember what it was, though. Any idea?

Hi we have a 3 year old lab. He is constantly scratching and gnawing at his skin, he has bad hair loss, scabs and sores especially between his legs and a large lump has now appeared on the side of his face, his ears are also very dry, irritated and s

Hi, I hope to find a veterinarian who can give me advice on how to care for my dog who has severe skin allergies since the weather has gotten warmer. The problem is that it has been difficult to take a bath for him as he is very stubborn. He hates wa

I think my dog has scabies(mites). What can I do to get rid of them? I can't afford to take him to a vet right now but they are eating him alive. Please help!

Just adopted a rescue and she’s Scratching and biting constantly. She on flea prevention meds but must have a skin allergy. Do you know a COST EFFECTIVE way to help relieve her itching?

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