How can I help my dog?

Question

My golden retriever is 8 years old and her hips are starting to bother her. Right now, she is extremely fatigued and weak. I can see the stiffness in her hips, but I don't know if that's what's causing her to be so tired. My family can't afford to help her. What should I do?

J Somethingorother:
That was extremely rude. I will not allow anyone to tell me or my family that we value a computer over our pet. She is and has been given so much love and care over the years. We love her with all our hearts and it hurts us so much to see her in pain. Do you realize that owning a computer is much less expensive than owning a pet? Did you think that maybe we already had a computer before we got the dog? We are trying to get 2 family members through college right now. We need the computer, we need the money, and we love our dog more than you could imagine. Do not try to tell us we are better off than we think. You might want to bite your tongue next time.

Kelly C-Okay, now two people are insisting that I do not care about my dog. Why the hell would I ask this if I didn't care? Both of you who answered this way know NOTHING about my family's financial situation. We HAD MONEY when we bought our dog. NOW we don't because of college. The internet has nothing to do with this. Did you not say that you also pay for the internet? My pets are my life. You have no right to tell me what my priorities are.

Answer 1

Change to a dog food for seniors, with the bone and joint health formula....Get a premium quality one, that is only available at pet supplies, not grocery stores or WalMart.

Innova, Solid Gold, Wellness, Wysong, all make a great kibble for aging dogs with hip or joint problems,
Premium dog kibble costs more per bag, but less per month, as the dogs eat less and waste (poop) less. And they promote better health,, so save on vet bills.

Answer 2

I have a plan for you, take your dog to the vet and get her treatment ask the vet for financing option, cancel your internet and use that money to make payments on your vet bill. Either that or realize that going to school is not nearly as important as any animals health and use the extra money from that. Funny, you had money to but the dog in the first place but when it come to giving her health care well its just not as important as a phone or sattelite or cable, or the internet, or shcool.

I own 2 dogs and 4 cats, I work a part time minimum wage job I pay taxes, heat, hydro, phne internet, water heater rental, satellite and I can still afford to get all my pets health care, vaccinations, dental work, toys, food, treats, etc. You can afford it too by giving up something else if you have to, if the dog is part of your family she deserves to get medical care like the rest of the family

Answer 3

Your poor pet is getting old. 8 years old makes her a senior. You seriously need to take her to a vet. Call around in your area...see how much an exam will cost. Ask if there is any agency in your area that might help with the cost. I have a pit bull whose hips are set farther back than normal. Glucosamine, a food supplement which supports healthy joints, sustains energy, promote healthy coat and healthy digestion and normal weight could possibly help. It does wonders for my dogs.
I am not sure you can get it without a vet recommendation but it's certainly worth a try.
Go on-line to pet med or other pet supply houses and see if it is available to you. Hopefully your pet is up to date on her shots. If she is to be taken care of in her senior days or months...and be rewarded for the years of love and enjoyment you have received from her, please do all and everything you can to help her.

Answer 4

Well my first inclination is to tell you to get her to a vet. However, you stated your family can't afford to help her, so this might be a problem. Check in your local area and see if there is any program through animal control where you can see a vet at a discounted price. If that doesn't work, then you might want to see if your vet would make some kind of payment plan for you. Explain the situation, the worst he/she could say is no.

Answer 5

I strongly recommend taking her to a vet. If your family or you cannot afford a vet, call your local animal shelter or humane society to find out if there is low cost veterinary help available. You may have to prove need by proving your income, but if you are truly of low income, they will help you. I do have to question your families' priorities if you can afford a computer and internet hookup but not basic medical care for the family pet.

Answer 6

First off without a computer you would have a hell of a time finding help! just ignore the ***!you might try some vitamins they are pretty reasonable also try massaging her hips twice a day!

Answer 7

Call the Humane Society or SPCA or other animal shelter in your area and explain that you dog needs medical care but you can't pay.

If you don't think that you know how to do this, message me and I will track down someone in your town that can get your dog care.

Answer 8

I had to do the most humane thing for my 12 year old coydog named Reba she was suffering from severe arthritis and I couldnt afford to help her either, as much as it hurt me and as much as I miss her my baby had to be euthanised she will be gone a month the 30th

Answer 9

IM not a vet im only in teen but i would give her lots of love and care also massage her like once or twice a day.

Answer 10

Glucosamine Chondrotin helps some to alleve the pain, but it will only get worse with time.