Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

My dog has a swollen lip and I can't afford a vet. Where to get help?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Jack Russell Terrier | Male | 8 years and 6 months old | 13 lbs

i havea jack russell withe a swollen lip probaby caused from a tooth i expect but i cant see any discoulration or food stuck in between the tooth and gum and reall cant affors a vet. he is 9 year old and in excellent condition otherwise

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on April 11th, 2018

It could be that Booka has a tooth problem causing his swollen lip, or he could have injured it, the lip may have a growth, or there could be an infection present in that area. In all honestly, seeing a vet is best for him as it needs to be diagnosed so he can be treated. 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 as well. 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/ I'd call your vet today or tomorrow to get an appointment for him. I hope one of these resources helps you!

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My dogs neck is swollen and I really don't know what to do and don't have the money right now to take him to the vet
Oh no, poor dog! The problem with a swollen throat is that it can keep swelling and cause respiratory difficulty in your dog. I see you posted this question six hours ago, so it his throat is still swollen, it would be best for him to see a vet now. I can give you a number of 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 Creatu
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Boxer mix breed, 7.5 y.o. female. She's always had 'allergy' problems, her eyes would swell but w/in hrs it went away. For roughly 3 yrs nothing. Waking up today her left eye was swelling, w/in hrs it spread to her right eye, muzzle & throughout her
Oh no, poor Nanuq! It's very serious that this swelling has spread to her muzzle and throughout her face, and this is a medical emergency. This swelling can continue to increase, leading to difficulties breathing and possible death if her faces swells so much she cannot breath. She has to have veterinary attention now, there is nothing you can do for her at home. I would call a friend to see if they can drive you to a vet, and see if you can borrow money from family and friends to afford a vet. 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/tip
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
I noticed this on my dogs paw! I can’t afford to visit a vet right now but really need help
Thank you for contacting Boop by Petco with your question. That is quite swollen, and I'm concerned that could be a malignant growth. This is something that definitely have to be checked out by a vet. 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/financial-aid-pets http://lessonsfromaparalyzeddog.com/when-pet-owners-cant-afford-veterinary-bills/ http://www.dogheirs.com/resources-a
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My mother’s english mastiff who is approximately 11 years old has a huge lump on her front leg as well as significant swelling. Her mastiff is not using that leg unless it is to balance herself. Unfortunately my mother is unable to pay for her to be
This is quite serious, and Mabel does need to see a vet. 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/ See if one of these resources helps your mom, and please have the dog seen by a vet asap. Best of luck.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
The side of my dogs mouth suddenly became swollen a day ago and he is in a lot of pain. He will barely eat, come outside to potty or anything. I've gave him some Advil liquid gels. I cut open the pill and mixed it up in some wet food so he would eat
Thanks for using Boop by Petco! This may be due to an infection of a tooth for example, a mass or even an allergic reaction. It is not possible to know with just a picture. However, it is not recommended to give a dog Advil as this is not used in veterinary medicine due to its possible toxicity especially without possibly an appropriate dose. There is not much you can do at home without going to a veterinarian. For that reason, I recommend you consider going to your veterinarian for further assessment and possible treatment. They will start with a physical examination and possibly diagnostics depending on what the issue seems to be. You can consider your local humane society as they sometimes offer more affordable veterinary care. Have a great day!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Hi, For the last two weeks my dogs eyes have gotten swollen and I don't know why. Also in her right eye it's gray when you look at it. I went to petsmart and brought these eye drops (Photo Attached) and they help some but her eyes are looking like
Hi Allen. This eye problem is very serious, and they have to see a vet as leaving this untreated can lead to vision loss. 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/ Check out these resources to see if one can help you, and see if you can borrow money from family and friends to affo
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Hello . I have a purebred blue nose pit bill who's 9 yes old we recently found out that he has cancer ( he was huge lumps all over him) but it wasn't until recently my husband noticed that our dogs back left leg is very swollen. In the pictures I'm s
Poor Blue! His leg is quite swollen, and unfortunately there are no OTC medications you can give him for pain and swelling. Many human pain medications are toxic to dogs, and can be fatal if given. He does have to see a vet as soon as possible for his swollen leg, as this will be painful for him. I would see if you can borrow money from family and friends, and I can give you some resources that may help as well. 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-pe
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
When I got home I found my dog (German shepherd and Rottweiler mix) limping. My mom told me her ankle accidentally got tangled pretty tightly around left back ankle with her wired leash when she was running around. She tried to bite off the leash bu
If there is pus and the ankle is swollen, Elis has to see a vet. 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
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
I have a 10 tear old Boston Terrier and I have noticed as significant amount of swelling and bruising on two of her breasts. I don't have enough money right now to take her to the vet, but I'm getting paid in 11 days. Is it something I can wait that
I see that Button isn't spayed, and I'm concerned that this swelling is caused by mammary tumors, which can be common in unspayed females. This is something that is better checked out sooner rather than later, as 50% of mammary tumors are malignant. I would see if you can borrow money from family and friends to afford the vet now, 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.c
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My dog was attacked by by bigger dog. I don't know what to do. We don't have money for a vet. He keeps opening his mouth wide and rubbing it against the floor. He was bite in the face
I'm sorry to hear about your dog. She looks like she is experiencing some swelling in the face and is almost certainly in some pain. I understand that you don't have much money, but she almost certainly requires pain medication, anti-inflammatory medication, and antibiotics. The wounds on the face should be clipped around then cleaned with antiseptic in order to disinfect. Depending on the size of any wounds, they may need to be closed with stitches. Some veterinarians reserve medications and / or funding for situations like these that require need. You may also be eligible to apply for care credit. Here is the website. It allows you to obtain monies for veterinary care and pay it off over long periods of time interest free. https://www.carecredit.com/ Any time there is an attack in the face, I would also have to be concerned about possible trauma to the eye. If he is experiencing any difficulty getting around or looks off balanced in any way, there could be head trauma as
Updated on September 24th, 2025

Related Searches

Dog Supplies Dog Food Dog Health & Wellness Dog Medicine and Prescriptions Dog Blood Pressure Medication Dog Dental Care Pet Pharmacy Dog Pain Relief & Arthritis Meds Prescription Dog Insulin & Diabetes Medication At-Home Dog Vaccines DOG by Dr Lisa DOG by Dr Lisa Dog First Aid & Recovery Amlodipine Dog Pain Relief & Arthritis Meds VetSmart Formulas Dog Dental Care PetAlive Dog Dental Care Natural Remedies Dog Dental Care Vet's Best Dog First Aid & Recovery Novolin N Insulin Dog Medicine and Prescriptions Viokase-V Prescription Dog Digestive Medications PetAlive Dog First Aid & Recovery
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored