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My dog has a stomach rash. Is calamine lotion safe? How to afford vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | unneutered | 3 years and 6 months old | 20 lbs

My mom's dog has developed a bad rash on the underside of his stomach he's an inside dog and only goes out a couple times a day but he's been real uncomfortable it's been about a week now she's been trying to put calamine lotion on it and giving him bath and stuff regularly but it's not fleas any idea what it might be she don't have the money to take him to the vet

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on November 13th, 2019

That looks horrible. Poor Bear. You need to tell your mom to stop using calamine lotion now. It contains zinc oxide, which can damage a dog's red blood cells – causing them to rupture, then leading to anemia, and even vomiting and diarrhea. It is not safe at all to use on dogs. The only way to know for sure what is going on is to have him seen by a vet. He also has to be seen by a vet to make sure he isn't suffering from anemia from your mom using the calamine lotion. She has to take him into a vet now. 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/

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