Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Male | unneutered | 2 years and 1 month old | 7 lbs
My chihuahua is dry heaving and coughing, occasionally throwing up food and water, but he is still drinking and eating small amounts. His stool is solid. It has been about 3 days with this, worse at night. And he is clearly uncomfortable, he has been whining and crying a lot. During the day he is more lively and has fewer episodes. He doesn't seem bloated. We are very worried but we literally have no money to take him to a vet for another 4 days. Do you have any advice?
1 Answer
Published on February 12th, 2017
This sounds like his condition should be investigated sooner rather than later. He could have ingested something toxic, swallowed something that is causing an obstruction and as such a small dog, continued vomiting can cause low blood sugar and/or electrolyte imbalance that can affect his heart function. If you are in financial difficulty, there are ways of still getting your pet treated by a veterinarian. Call your vet and tell them your situation. They may have a way to get your dog seen now and pay them when you are able. Ask if they take Care Credit and apply online. This is a credit card specifically for medical, dental, and veterinary expenses. This one has helped me care for my pets when they needed it and I didn't have the cash available at the time. Call a local animal shelter or college of veterinary medicine in your area and ask if they have a low- or no-cost veterinary care program. GiveForward and Youcaring.com are crowd funding websites that help you raise money to help take care of your pets Harley’s Hope Foundation is an organization that ensures low income pet parents and their companion or service animals remain together when issues arise. Many breed rescues and groups have specials funds available for owners who need financial assistance, such as the Special Needs Dobermans, Labrador Lifeline, and Pitbull Rescue Central. Banfield Pet Hospital has its own programs for owners that can’t afford their pet’s care. God's Creatures Ministry helps pay for veterinarian bills for those who need help. IMOM is dedicated to insure that no companion animal has to be euthanized simply because their caretaker is financially challenged. 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. Some groups help with specific disease, such as Canine Cancer Awareness, The Magic Bullet Fund, Helping Harley Fund, and Muffin Diabetes Fund. The Pet Fund and Redrover.org are great sources for help to care for your pet. The Humane Society website has many links to other organizations that help with veterinary expenses.
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