We have had our dog since January 06, We aren't in the greatest shape to go get him test for allergies. We just found out that that is what he has. First we thought it was fleas...no. Nothing like that. We would have to pay for all the testing then the meds. He is constantly chewing himself or scratching. But I love him to death. I look at it as..give him back to the SPCA and let them find him a home that can take care of him OR keep him and let him chew himself to death? This is our 2nd dog that we have tried. I don't want to lose him, but ... Help me!!!! Give some advice please!!
2006-09-15 08:18:00 · 20 answers · asked by wonder woman81 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
You should perhaps do some research in your Local listings and call around for a clinic that offers discount rates. I know there's several. The one near my house for example has discount rates on Saturdays. They offer all services, cheaper. There are even programs that you can apply for at some clinics where they can open credit for you and you can pay small amounts monthly. Don't give up, if you love the dog, find a way to keep her. But don't let her suffer. If you find nothing, and have decided you can't afford to help her than, as a last resort I would find her another home. I know you love your dog or you wouldn't be on here asking for help. Good luck.
2006-09-15 08:34:05 · answer #1 · answered by germ_ball 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't give the dog back...I have a dog with awful allergies. I found it was less expensive to just have the blood tests OR the scratch test, don't pay for both. If you do decide to go with the blood test a regular vet can do it, you won't need a dermatologist. That will help with the cost too.
Another thing you need to think about it is if it turns out to be air born allergies, can you afford the shots, because if you can't then there is not point in having the tests done at all. Just put the dog on a hypoallergenic diet and that's that.
While deciding, you can give the dog benydryl. My 70 lb dog takes 1/2 a pill a day. the vet said a whole pill would be fine, but it kind of knocks him out. In addition, I have wipes that kill yeast for the constant paw licking and biting, and I clean is ears daily to cut down on the irritation.
Let me know if have any other questions.
2006-09-15 08:41:05 · answer #2 · answered by Tara B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That poor baby. If you KNOW for a fact the SPC will find another home for him I'd give him back. His health is important. If however, he would not be adopted and you do love him, you can seek out a vet or even someone at the SPC who can offer you discounted meds. My dog has allergies. No tests required. He takes a pill daily. 30 day supply is $10 only and I use an organic shampoo with no additives . Of course he is a small dog so pills for a larger dog might be a bit more. But there is a way to keep him and to care for him if you are willing to seek out the right folks. Love goes a long way too. He knows he is loved at least. I wish you luck with all.
2006-09-15 08:22:28 · answer #3 · answered by Catie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a dog with allergies and we didn't have to go through a bunch of testing our vet knew what the problem was just by our description of his behaviors. The vet then put him on a type of canine prednisone (which was fairly cheep) and now our dog is just fine. If you love your dog then possibly look for a cheeper vet who will try medication for the allergies with out all that testing. I feel once you took on the responsibility of taking the dog you should live up to that responsibility. If you had a sick child you would not be able to give him/her back. Not to sound mean but a dog is also a big responsibility.
2006-09-15 17:00:56 · answer #4 · answered by spnky 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you can't afford his medical expenses, I suggest giving him back to the SPCA. His symptoms are treatable and need to be treated. If you can't afford it, let someone else help him. Sometimes love is just not enough.
You might want to contact the SPCA to see if they know of a vet that would treat him for free or at a reduced rate. There are a few private pet stores in my city that give a discount for SPCA adopted pets, I'm sure there must be vets out there that would do the same.
2006-09-15 08:25:51 · answer #5 · answered by hello 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have you tried researching possible dog allergies at your local library?? Maybe there is some way you can test for simple allergies at home and save up for harder tests in the meantime. If you love the dog then you should try to help it to the best of your ability. If you feel there is no way to help it on your financial standing then try to find a no kill animal shelter that will take on the puppy and its problems.
2006-09-15 08:35:16 · answer #6 · answered by kathryn g 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi there! Don't give him back. =( My dog has allergies as well, and I give him a pill once a day to help him with it. They were kind of expensive (I think mine cost about $60 last time I got them), but it makes him feel much better. If you go to a local vet, explain to them your situation and see if you can pay for the medicine in payments that you can afford. If the vet is a good vet, he will care that you are giving your dog quality treatment. If this doesn't work, and you still think you need to get rid of him, see if one of your friends want him, or if not, give him to a rescue society. They won't ask questions, and would rather you give your dog to them than the SPCA. This way you know they are going to go to a good home because they are pretty strict in who they give dogs to. (I got my current Shih Tzu through a Shih Tzu rescue group at http://www.petfinder.com) Good luck and hope your baby feels better! =)
2006-09-15 08:30:24 · answer #7 · answered by aloneinga 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take him back to the humane society. They'd rather have you do that than just give him away or have him put down. If you can't afford the vet bill, by all means take him back. He will adapt to a new family. Think of the misery he must be in.
I think your first instinct is to take him back, and I think you're right. He needs care you can't give him. Contrary to what some people like to pretend, a dog is *not* a child. There are alternatives for him. Take advantage of them, you'll be glad you did.
2006-09-15 08:28:45 · answer #8 · answered by Nightlight 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
So you don't have the money to pay for the meds. he needs?Well have you talked to your vet to see if you can make his perscriptons he needs any cheaper.Maybe if you talk to you vet you can work out some sort of payment plan every month so you can keep him.But if not and you don't have anyone who can help you then it will be heartbreaking but you'll need to give him up.I had to give my baby up when i was going to college and it broke my heart.I hope you can find a way to keep yours.Maybe you can get one of those big ring things that goes around his neck until you figure something out.
2006-09-15 08:24:17 · answer #9 · answered by Kara D 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
frist change his food most of the time allergies are from the food we give them.2 try a oatmeal based shampoo .Than 3 rd you can go the benadrial route .1 2time a day
2006-09-15 08:23:55 · answer #10 · answered by sayjon1972 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋