Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

My dog's paw is swollen. How to get vet care when money is tight?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

I noticed this on my dogs paw! I can’t afford to visit a vet right now but really need help

This question includes photos that may contain sensitive content. Click to view.

View more to consider that the photos may include sensitive content.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on May 12th, 2020

Thank you for contacting PetCoach 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-affordable-veterinary-care/ I hope this helps!

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Image profile

    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 14th, 2019

    Poor Yapper has to see a vet for this problem. 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 please take him into a vet now. Best of luck.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 14th, 2017

    No need to sell your car! I have a number of resources that may help you afford a vet for Arlo so you can take him to be seen. I will list them all below, and you can try giving him Epsom salt baths, as those may help with the swelling. It's important, however, that he does see a vet for it, so check out the resources I will list below to help you find money to take him into one. Resources: 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 Creatures Ministry helps pay for veterinarian bills for those who need help.
 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. I certainly hope one of these helps, good luck!

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
We let this cat come in for shelter sometimes, but we can't afford to adopt/own him. He also really enjoys being outside most of the time. He came in with a swollen paw today and I'm wondering what the problem is. There is some pink/irritated skin ar
Thank you for contacting Boop by Petco with your question about Gustavo. Without seeing him in person, I can’t say exactly what is wrong with his paw, but it may be he injured it, has a broken bone in it, or a foreign body. The fact that he screams whenever you touch it tells me he is in a lot of pain, and unfortunately there are no OTC pain medications you can give him. Many human ones are toxi to cats, and are fatal if given. You don’t have a choice but to take him into 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
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Olivers paw is swollen and red and he keeps chewing on it. I thought maybe it was from his allergies but I'm not sure. I don't get paid until next week so I won't be able to bring him to the vet until then. Is there anything I can do for his paw unti
Oh no, poor Oliver! You can try soaking his paw in an Epsom salt bath, but it would be best he is seen by a vet as soon as possible. I can give you some resources that may help you afford a vet sooner than next week. 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/
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
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
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
My blue nose pitbull Angel back left leg is swollen at the joint I guess it would be considered her ankle it's doubled in size as warm to the touch sometimes her foot and toes are swollen also I was wondering how serious this is and I can't afford to
Poor Angel! It's actually quite serious that it's swollen and she cannot bear any weight on it. This is not something that can be treated at home, she absolutely has to see a vet for it. 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.doghei
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
Food & Nutrition
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
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:/
Updated on September 24th, 2025
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
My 2 year old medium sized mix breed Xena has ripped a decent size chunk of her paw pad. I thought of cutting the flap part off but i worry about blood vessels and such. The flap piece is thick and swollen, she is also rebellious, hyper and not very
Poor Xena. This is not something I'd recommend trying to treat yourself, she 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/ Check out these resources to see if one can help you. Best of luck.
Updated on September 24th, 2025

Related Searches

Dog Health & Wellness Dog Medicine and Prescriptions Dog Blood Pressure Medication Dog Paw & Nail Care Dog Pain Relief & Arthritis Meds Pet Pharmacy Dog Thyroid Medication & Hormone Care Dog First Aid & Recovery Heartworm Medicine for Dogs Dog Pain Medicine & Relief PAWZ All Four Paws Dog First Aid & Recovery Fresh Pawz DOG by Dr Lisa Dog First Aid & Recovery SWEET PAWS Curicyn Dog Paw & Nail Care Empawer Pets Pawtitas Dog First Aid & Recovery PetAlive Dog First Aid & Recovery Novox Dog Pain Relief & Arthritis Meds
image
Have A Vet Question?

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

Book Now

Sponsored