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My dog is losing teeth and has bad breath, but I can't afford a vet.

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Female | spayed | 7 years and 11 months old | 9.6 lbs

hi! my dog charlotte has lost many of her teeth but i’ve never seen one fall out or in her mouth or pen or anything. her mouth doesn’t seem to bother her but i’m worried! i don’t know if i have enough money to visit the vet and i don’t want anything to happen to her. please help! someone was very helpful and answered a very similar question for me but i don’t think i provided enough info. her breath is all very bad.:(

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on June 18th, 2018

If Charlotte's breath is very bad, that does suggest dental problems. She likely is swallowing her teeth if they fall out, dogs do that. She really does need to see a vet for these problems, this is not something you can treat at home. 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/ http://www.dogheirs.com/resources-affordable-veterinary-care/ Check out these resources to see if one can help you, and please make an appointment for her with the vet as soon as possible. I hope this helps!

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Related Answers from Veterinarians

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 5th, 2017

    You can start brushing his teeth with a dog safe toothpaste and brush, and adding doggy mouthwash to his water. Make sure it's a dog approved one, which you can get from the pet store. You can also get the toothpaste and brush from the pet store. Buddy Bear's teeth should be brushed daily. He may need to see a vet at some point to make sure his teeth are ok, and I will 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

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