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Dog coughing? How to find affordable vet care and financial help?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Bichon Frise | Female | spayed | 8 years and 8 months old

I don't come from a rich family, so when my dog started showing signs of honking cough, we avoided going to the vet. It's been two years and her cough has gotten worse. I've been trying home remedies, but since we don't always have the money to buy the ingredients/materials we need, we aren't consistent in giving them to her. My question is are there any clinics that would take care of my Baby at a reasonably low price? I'm honestly scared for her and I don't want her to be in pain.

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on September 9th, 2018

If money is an issue please contact a dog charity in your area of living, they can help with costs of treatment in many cases. Many vets also have payment plans, and there is also a credit company that will land you money toward vet bills ( https://www.carecredit.com/vetmed/) .

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    Answered By Debi Matlack

    Veterinary Technician

    Published on September 26th, 2018

    Any difficulty breathing should be treated as an emergency and should be seen by a vet. He may have swallowed something, had his throat or trachea irritated by some substance he has come into contact with, even could be having an allergic reaction. If you are in financial difficulty, there are ways of still getting your pet treated by a veterinarian. Ask if they take Care Credit and apply online. This is a credit card specifically for medical, dental, and veterinary expenses. 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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