my question is for DOG LOVERS..?

Question

We got tasha after our 2nd baby died the lord knew that my husband and i needed her at that moment and we found her on a st. coner she was sick and frail that was in 2001 we still have our tasha but we know something is wrong with her and we aren't quite sure what it is, she was being treated for a ear infection for the third time and now she is literally chewing on her fur to the point she has none. we know are dog is in pain and we are doing all that we can but right now we aren't able to take her anywhere cause the vets said it will cost alot of money. I am on disability and my husband as well and it breaks our heart because we want so much to help our tasha and we can't so please if anyone knows what is happening to our dog please tell me so i know how to get her help. It will leave a huge void in our lives if tasha dies so please if anyone knows why this is happening tell me and if you know what to do for her i would really appreciate it. ty

Answer 1

Change her food. You need a high quality food with natural ingredients and no preservatives or additives. Corn and wheat products are usually to blame, but it could be any number of ingredients.
Look up Wellness, Natura Pet Products (very good, try the skin and coat supplement, it works wonders), Avoderm and Artemis. They all have websites by those names.
The poor quality foods (anything from Petco, Petsmart, Walmart and the grocery store) have ingredients that don't nourish the dog, and actually cause harm. Read a bood called "Foods Pets Die For" by Ann N Martin, for all the grusome details.
You will pay a little (OK, a lot) more for them, but you will save money, in the long run, on vet bills and medicine that doesn't work.
I have a VERY allergic dog, you are describing her symptoms exactly. I put her on California Natural Lamb and Rice (by Natura Pet Products) and give her the skin and coat supplement, and I am amazed and very happy with the result. I can't say enough good things about this food. Innova EVO is supposed to be even better, but truthfully, I can't afford it.
Good Luck and I hope this helps.


EDIT:
I had assumed you treated her for fleas. If you didn't, do so. Fleas are also allergens, as well as a cause for itch in non-allergic dogs. Get Advantage or Frontline from a Vet. Again, expensive, but worth it in the long run.

Answer 2

If you don't have money for the vet then I believe you should give the dog to a rescue group. I kno it will be extremely difficult but think about it, does Tasha want to be living like she is now? Constantly scratching and having no hair on her body? That is not a good life for a dog. She would be much happier somewhere where she can get help and live a full quality life.

Answer 3

I'm sorry this is happening to you, the only thing I can come up with is to take Tasha to another vet. A lot of Veterinarian Clinics out there are scams, with unexperienced vets, so its good to get other opinions, I learned it the hard way. I would recommend you take Tasha to see a older vet, with more experience. I hope Tasha gets better!!

Answer 4

The previous posters all seem to have given appropriate responses regarding the medical condition and treatment, so I'll just add a little about low-cost medical care.

Dogs are expensive, end of story. This is something all potential adopters should consider when they bring a pup into their lives. For those of us that don't make a huge amount of money, however, there are options for decently priced medical care.

I would suggest looking into a veterinarian clinic called Banfield. They are typically located inside Petsmart, but are not technically affiliated with the store themselves. They have a program called the Wellness Program that allows you to pay a preordained monthly fee (typically 15 or 20 dollars a month) to cover the basic annuals costs such as vaccinations, the annual check up, etc.

When you are on the Wellness Plan, all checkups and in house examinations are included, so you pay nothing out of pocket to have your dog checked out. You do end up having to pay for specialized treatment (such as expressing anal glands) or medication (mange dips, antibiotics, flea treatment, etc). Overall, however, you are going to end up saving money by not having to pay for each individual visit.

Most Banfields also have something that is called "Wellness Hours" where you can bring your pet in during certain predesignated hours to be examined and/or treated. If you do this during these specific hours, the examination fee is waived and all you pay for is the treatment itself. Call your local Banfield to see if they offer Wellness Hours and what they are.

Hopefully this helps you out some.

Answer 5

She could have a skin disease if she is chewing her fur off, or have some type of mite. But I know how pets can be a financial burden it really sucks that it costs alot and you probably really need to get her into a vet. Not to be mean but dogs deserve care as much as we do, they live and breath like us so they shouldn't have to go through pain. Check with vets or shelters ask them questions on what could it possibly be, If you think it's serious then take her in some place have a credit were if you qualify you can make payments. Good luck to you and your puppy.

Answer 6

Bless u for loving her. My dog chewed her fur and cried. We bought over the counter hydrocortisone spray in WalMart pet department. I had to spray her a few times a day, night also but it helped. Her vet said she itched because her skin was old, she was 12. You can also give a pinch of Benedryl orally. It did not help my dog but it helps some dogs. God sent her to you. Also try to get ear drops with zylocaine or lidocaine added. Not sure if they are over the counter.

Answer 7

Have you explained all of this to your vet?Maybe he/she could put you on a payment plan many will if your payment history has been good up to now.And it's highly possible that vet will reduce fees for you.
If not find another vet.Maybe the next vet will pick up on something this ones missed.

Answer 8

could be a immune / allergic disease or infection...if that's the case, it requires vet attention. you could get it diagnosed and then order the medication off the net.

i think if you told a thoughtful vet of your problem, they would help you out even if you had little money. i think you should ask a few and tell them your concerns, you might be surprised.

also, you could use an elizabethan collar to help stop the scratching. you could even make one if you have to.

Answer 9

THE MOST OBIOUS CONCLUSION IS THAT SHE HAS FLEAS. IT MIGHT ALSO BE STRESS. HAS SOMETHING NEW HAPPEND LATELY? IT COULD ALSO BE MANGE, OR MITES, WHICH THE VET WOULD HAVE TO DO A SKIN SCRAPPING TO SEE IF THAT IS WHAT IT IS. IT IS COSTLY, AND IT IS SOMETHING YOU WOULD HAVE TO DEAL WITH FOR THE REST OF HER LIFE. IT ISNT SOMETHING THAT YOU CAN JUST TREAT ONCE AND IT GOES AWAY, AND IF TREATMENT IS STOPPED, IT COMES BACK WITH AVENGANCE, AND COULD ESCALATE TO THE POINT TO WHERE IT GETS IN THE BLOOD STREAM. I RECOMEND TAKING HER TO THE VET RIGHT AWAY, TO PREVENT IT FROM SPREADING ANY FURTHER.

Answer 10

Hi I'm a dog lover, I don't know what is wrong with your dog but may I make a suggestion? take it to the PDSA they treat animals when owners have little or no money. I do feel sorry for you and your dog too I hope you manage to make her better.