My german shepard won't eat but is drinking water. She just lays around all day and she won't really move. We can't afford to take her to the vet. What should I do?

Also, she's an outside dog and we think she got into the trash and ate something. She is only like 6 months old and we hope its not too bad. Thx.

Please get to to a vet (work out a payment plan). Depending on what she may have eaten or what is wrong, she could die a painful death without vet help. Or check with your local shelter and find out if they will take her. This is an emergency, so please act now!

I second that, if she is prone to getting into the trash or if you suspect that she did this time, it could be that he had a bad case of "garbage gut" (eating all the old food and whatever else may be in there) or could have gotten something like a bone or part of something she chewed up and caused an obstruction.
The cost of an initial exam without diagnostics should not break the bank.
I would take her in see what they say after visually examining her and evaluate other things and go from there.
If you have to give her up to someone that can care for her if you can't handle the expense or euthanize to eliminate her suffering then in the long run it is better for her.
But, start with the exam, please get her seen.
I hope things aren't so serious and she recovers, but have her seen, she won't go long without eating.

Take her to the vet.

I don't want to sound harsh but I get tired of reading things like this. If you can't afford a vet, you should never have taken the responsibility of getting a dog in the first place.

When I was young and thoughtless I let my dog roam the city beach with me, and she ate tons of trash and I didn't even notice. The ER vet gave her something to make her vomit (after warning me that if certain poisons were the cause of her blood red eyes and foaming mouth and violent shaking), she'd probably die. She vomited up all sorts of food and non food items and then was fine, but I learned my lesson!

You haven't even mentioned your dog's ability to have bowel movements, which a vet is going to ask you to help determine if there's an obstruction. It's your JOB as caretaker of a dog to watch and know, train and be responsible. As I said, I learned my lesson. I know many people learn too late.

Amen Odinn7!

I second the bravo to Odinn.

I just spent $600 a month ago on vet bills for my Jasper only to be told that there was nothing they could do. We had to euthanize him. We're not well off. In fact, we live pay cheque to pay cheque. But we took this lovely dog in, because we had to do all we could, even if we couldn't afford it financially. He was almost 11 years old, and we had him from 4 months of age. This puppy is only 6 months old, not even a member of the family (outdoor dog!) and you can't afford her? Why did you bother to bring her home at all?

Vet bills are a part of having a pet. If you can't afford the vet, you can't afford the pet!

I've spent over $1500 on my old dog in less than 4 months and am looking at spending more.

Not many people can write a check out for a huge vet bill. Most vets will work with you.. maybe not with payments, but in treatments and tests.

I feel like repeating what Odinn said.. If you can't afford veterinary care of any type, than you have no business owning a dog. Find her a new home.

I once dropped $4000 within a week on one of my dogs. That was just his initial surgery, think about the aftercare. Follow-up, medications, etc.
I wasn't prepared but I had to find it for his sake.
I got 6 more wonderful years with him.
Was it worth it? Yes, every penny.
Would I do it again? Absolutely
I so wish people would think ahead before they bring home their cute puppy.
I'll second the finding another home if you cannot handle the financial responsibility.

So tired of you people whose only response is take him to the vet or if you can't afford it blah blah blah. I can't afford to run my 3 dogs to the vet for any little thing. I can tell you this, my dogs would probably have been euthanize d if I didn't rescue them. They get their shots and are fixed. I have volunteered for years with local animal shelters, rescue groups etc. There is not a person in this world who could love their dogs more than I do mine. They are part of my family and are well taken care of. Secondly. Vets charge outrageous fees. Most are in it for the money. Those who truly love animals will never turn away a dog in need. They will work something out. Finally, do you think the shelters are full now? Take away the people who can't afford outrageous vet bills but can give a homeless dog a great life and see the number of homeless pets triple. Concern yourself with those who mistreat, fight and abuse dogs. Zip it.

So tired of you people whose only response is take him to the vet or if you can't afford it blah blah blah.
Too many people post here after spending thousands on a new puppy or getting one without doing any background reading on what dog needs and what it will cost, and then are upset when they find out a vet visit is needed or neutering has to be done in order to make the animal comfortable or well again, or solve aggression issues. That's all we ask. Read up on a certain kind of pet if you never had one before and have a good idea of the upkeep cost. And I have never known a vet who was in it for the money. Like you say, most shelters will offer vet coupons or will give you info about a low-cost vet in your area.

So tired of people like you Kitten.. My dog (Mr Owen Lowell) was facing having to have expensive surgery. I posted on here in tears saying I would do everything in my power to get him the surgery. I would sell everything I have to get him better. Cancel the internet, not pay bills.. whatever it took. If it still was not enough I would have found him new owners that would get him the surgery. That is what a true animal lover does... they don't allow their pet to suffer. Yes vets are expensive but when you get a pet you got to do what you got to do.

So you are an animal lover and you want us to diagnosis on line without seeing the dog, without knowing the dogs past medical history, without the benefit of doing needed testing. Are you going to comfort the owner if their pet passes away due to a preventable disease that was treatable? Are you going to comfort them when they found out they should have taken the dog to the vet sooner as they were in pain and suffering.

Despite what you may think, Kitten, if you cannot afford veterinary care, than you cannot afford an animal. It goes hand in hand. There is no other way around it.

There are some vets who do charge a lot of money, but that is why you must shop around. Most vets will not do payment arrangements because people just simply do not pay their bills. Should grocery stores lend you food and hope you pay them back? Should your mortgage allow you to skip a few payments in hopes you pay them back? NO! So why should a vet be any different? I agree, vet prices are very expensive.. especially if you let a problem sit and fester. Vets have bills to pay and employees to pay.. so tell me, why should they just fix your dog for free or reduced cost? Yes, the veterinary world loves animals.. they're all in it for the health and well being of the pet.. but guess what.. They need a paycheck too. So ZIP IT yourself..

If you refuse your dog veterinary care, I think you should take yourself out of the category of those who care for their pets. You cannot afford a simple vet visit? To even speak to a vet and learn about your options? Really? That's pathetic.

Shelters do not investigate their adopters.. I think they should. Veterinary costs needs to be something that is factored into purchasing/adopting a puppy. If you cannot afford veterinary care, or think that veterinary care should be $200 max.. Than you should not adopt a puppy.

I'm sick of people like you, kitten, who come on here wanting some magical cure to your dog's ailments. Lethargic, not eating or drinking.. those are not good signs. But unless you talk to the experts (vet) there is no way of telling if this is just a stomach bug or a blockage.

I work for a vet office.. so you probably think I'm bias... but whatever.. Anyway.. there are people who don't have much money, but they make darn sure that their dogs are taken care of and who will take them in if the dog is lethargic and not eating. Truth is.. and I see it all the time.. if you take your dog in NOW, the costs of care are much cheaper vs letting this get worse.

So tell me again about how you take superb care of your pets... You cannot afford the vet and are searching the internet for a quick fix. That's not taking care of your pets. That's putting a life that is 100% dependent on you to take care of them, at risk.

So tired of you people whose only response is take him to the vet or if you can't afford it blah blah blah. I can't afford to run my 3 dogs to the vet for any little thing. I can tell you this, my dogs would probably have been euthanize d if I didn't rescue them. They get their shots and are fixed. I have volunteered for years with local animal shelters, rescue groups etc. There is not a person in this world who could love their dogs more than I do mine. They are part of my family and are well taken care of. Secondly. vets charge outrageous fees. Most are in it for the money. Those who truly love animals will never turn away a dog in need. They will work something out. Finally, do you think the shelters are full now? Take away the people who can't afford outrageous vet bills but can give a homeless dog a great life and see the number of homeless pets triple. Concern yourself with those who mistreat, fight and abuse dogs. Zip it.

So tired of people like you who think that love is enough. It's the same mentality that many people have about children. Oh, they'll love the child, give it a good home, but if the child gets sick can they afford a doctors care? Would you let a child suffer, because you seem to be willing to let an animal suffer.

Vets are expensive, I agree, but part of having a living, feeling being in your care, is making sure that that being is taken care of. There's more to having a dog than just giving it food and taking it for walks, and loving it. You have to look after it's physical health as well, and if you can't do that, you shouldn't have a dog.

No one is saying that only the super rich should be allowed to have pets. If that were the case, most of the people on this site wouldn't have pets at all. I have 2 dogs, 4 rabbits, 3 gerbils, 2 birds and two fish. We're not a high income family. Every single one of my pets would get the treatment they need if the need arouse. I'd find a way, even if it meant selling my car, getting another job, living off bread and water.

Not one person said that you had to run to the vet for every little thing. The OP (original poster) of this thread, was not dealing with a little thing. Her dog was very ill, and the vet was the only option.

Shame on you.

Sorry Alty can't give you a greenie.. I agree with you 100%.

Lucky, Alty Pplease, Pathetic, Hmm don't think so.. I called MY vet. I would never neglect my dogs. I repeat I cannot affore to bring my dog to the vet for any little thing. Looking on the internet for similar cases etc. You seem ignorant to the fact that if it wasn't for low cost spay and neutering and shots there would be a lot more animals in the shelter. But, I guess that doesn't bother you. Do some research and your will find many vets that will not refuse a dog in need no matter the pet parents financial status. North Shore, LI. etc.

Mogram, you just sound like a moron. I have had dogs my whole life and again am not looking for a quick, especilly from people who think they know it all. My dogs get their shots and are all fixed. I have volunteeed my whole life helping dogs in need. What have you mouths done. I never said I would not take my dog to a vet, of course I would. Ive been to many a vet (rip-offs) and know many dog lovers who take better care of their pets than they do themselves and can barely afford them. I take Superb care of my babies. My 24 year old maltese passed away last year, before that my 20 yr old beagle mix. I couldn't imagine life without dogs. If you don't have any advice other than Take him to the vet, then don't say anything, obviously we know that already.

Thank you for your judgement of me. You don't know me and don't know what I do for animal rescue. Plus it is none of your business. If you don't like what I had to say then too bad I stand behind it. If you go through my posts you will see I was faced with selling my to get my dog the surgery he may have needed and if that was not enough then I would have rehomed him. I am out of this thread as I don't want to take away from the message in this thread.

When your dog is ill and not eating or drinking you find a way to get him/her to the vet. You sell things, cancel internet etc, or don't pay bills and catch up later. You don't let your dog suffer.

Lucky, Alty Pplease, Pathetic, Hmm dont think so.. I called MY vet. I would never neglect my dogs. I repeat I cannot affore to bring my dog to the vet for any little thing. Looking on the internet for similar cases etc. You seem ignorant to the fact that if it wasnt for low cost spay and neutering and shots there would be alot more animals in the shelter. But, I guess that doesnt bother you. Do some research and your will find many vets that will not refuse a dog in need no matter the pet parents financial status. North Shore, LI. etc.

Mogram, you just sound like a moron. I have had dogs my whole life and again am not looking for a quick, especilly from people who think they know it all. My dogs get their shots and are all fixed. I have volunteeed my whole life helping dogs in need. What have you mouths done. I never said I would not take my dog to a vet, of course I would. Ive been to many a vet (rip-offs) and know many dog lovers who take better care of their pets than they do themselves and can barely afford them. I take Superb care of my babies. My 24 year old maltese passed away last year, before that my 20 yr old beagle mix. I couldnt imagine life without dogs. If you dont have any advice other than Take him to the vet, then dont say anything, obviously we know that already.

So, you get upset because you think we judged you. You're the one that came to this site, found one thread you wanted to post on, and then decided to bash people you don't even know.

I've worked in rescue since I was old enough to volunteer. I spent years volunteering my time at the Humane society. I had to hold down perfectly healthy dogs while the needle went in, all because of ignorant people that couldn't or wouldn't make the commitment to care for the pet they had to have! Don't talk to me about rescue you git! I have 13 animals in my home, the majority of them are rescues, and every single one of them gets vet care if they need it!

So you want us to ignore someone that comes to this site asking for a diagnosis for their pet? You want us to walk away, because we shouldn't say "take your dog to the vet" which is the only answer?

Hey sweetheart, if you want to give a diagnosis (which nobody, not even a vet, can do online) feel free, but not on this site. Don't bother whining to me when the dog you diagnosed died and you're being sued.

Bye now.

Ok, so we are the bad guys for advising people to seek out veterinary care for their sick pets?

Tell me, what would you advise for a largo puppy who's been sick for a few days now? Or chronic vomiting and diarrhea.

You're a no body, kitten. So seriously keep your stupidity to yourself.

Ok, so we are the bad guys for advising people to seek out veterinary care for their sick pets?

Tell me, what would you advise for a largo puppy who's been sick for a few days now? Or chronic vomiting and diarrhea.

You're a no body, kitten. So seriously keep your stupidity to yourself.

Exactly Lucky! I wish I could agree with you more than once.

How dare we recommend vet care when an animal is sick? We're horrible people! (sarcasm)

for a largo puppy

LoL that is the worse typo ever.. I meant parvo puppy... I wrote that from my phone.. silly touch screens!

To those folks above who seem to think that a response of you shouldn't own a pet if you can't pay the vet bill: How does this help the person now? You are absorbing their time to maybe finding a way to get the bill paid. There are all sorts of reasons someone may not be able to pay a vet bill. Is this not a forum for those who want help and not a sermon. It may be true that some folks shouldn't have pets. But give them an answer to their current problem, give that animal in crisis a chance to live and then suggest, if they can't afford the animal, that they find a nurturing and financially stable home for it.

Cordially
A dog lover who lost his 11 year old Berniese-Australian mix, last March, to a brain tumor ($2000) and is losing the battle to keep my 16yr old German-Australian mix ($800 & counting) alive.

To those folks above who seem to think that a response of you shouldn't own a pet if you can't pay the vet bill: How does this help the person now? You are absorbing their time to maybe finding a way to get the bill paid. There are all sorts of reasons why someone may not be able to pay a vet bill. Is this not a forum for those who want help and not a sermon. It may be true that some folks shouldn't have pets. But give them an answer to their current problem, give that animal in crisis a chance to live and then suggest, if they can't afford the animal, that they find a nurturing and financially stable home for it.

Cordially
A dog lover who lost his 11 year old Berniese-Australian mix, last March, to a brain tumor ($2000) and is losing the battle to keep my 16yr old German-Australian mix ($800 & counting) alive.

Did you read all the posts on this thread?

Have you read anything?

Read my posts on the pet forum. I have always stated that if your pet is sick, and you can't afford the vet bills, the only option is to re-home the pet to someone that can pay the costs to ensure the animals health. If it means giving up your dog, cat, rabbit, whatever, so that it can live, that's the only option.

You're not the only person that's spent thousands to keep their beloved pet alive.

You came here, you read nothing (that's obvious) you posted, and the people that said that the OP should get a vet, are the bad guys?

We can't diagnose. If you want to try and diagnose, go ahead, but when you get sued because the dog died, because you can't diagnose (not even a vet can do that) online, you're on your own. I won't guess when an animals life is at stake. The only option is the vet, and if you can't afford the vet you have two options, you can watch the pet you claim to love die a slow painful death, or you can find someone that's willing to pay for vet care to take your pet.

I'm so sick of these one hit wonders coming here, posting, thinking they know us, and know what we stand for when they didn't even have the decency to read everything.

OK than Billy, what should the op do than... what's wrong with the dog ?

OK than Billy, what should the op do than... what's wrong with the dog ?

Yes, let's hear from Billy who seems to know it all. What should the OP do? Apparently we're supposed to offer solutions. Well, since you seem to think that there's a solution other than seeing the vet, what do you suggest?

Keep in mind that if you suggest something, and the OP's dog dies, you could end up being sued, and the OP will end up with a dead dog. But hey, you don't think we should advise people with sick dogs to go to the vet, so what's your solution. I'm on the edge of my seat waiting to hear your advice.

Sits down with a bowl of popcorn, pen and paper to listen to the new "experts" advice on how to fix a sick dog without going to the vet. I should have had this person around when we had to take Owen to the vet so much for his issues. Just think all of the money I could have saved.. oh wait I found the money to take my dog even not paying some bills, etc.

I agree with Lucky and Alty... There are times a vet is 100% necessary money or no money but hey lets hear your expert opinion

Sits down with a bowl of popcorn, pen and paper to listen to the new "experts" advice on how to fix a sick dog without going to the vet. I should have had this person around when we had to take Owen to the vet so much for his issues. Just think all of the money I could have saved.. oh wait I found the money to take my dog even not paying some bills, etc.

I agree with Lucky and Alty... There are times a vet is 100% necessary money or no money but hey lets hear your expert opinion

Can I have some popcorn too? I'm dying to hear what Billy the one post wonder has to to offer to the OP, that doesn't involve going to the vet.

Where is Billy? Why did he leave when he has so much wisdom to impart? Come on Billy, we all want to know what the OP should do to keep her dog alive since the vet is obviously (according to you and the Kitty one hit wonder) out, and we shouldn't expect people to do the right thing, we should give them bull sh*t advice that will put their dogs life at risk.

Go ahead, enlighten everyone, we're all eager to learn how a very sick dog can survive without going to the vet for treatment. We're all dying to hear your diagnosis of this particular case. Impart your wisdom, obviously you must know a lot about this sort of thing, since you joined this site, and the only thread you posted on was this one. So, instead of coming here to give a sermon, share your wisdom, since we're all apparently too stupid to give the right advice.

We're waiting.

And since you felt the need to add a mini bio, which apparently was meant to show us that you're a much bigger dog lover than any of us.

Codially,

A dog lover that lost her 16 year old lab cross a year and a half ago, and then five months later lost her 10 year old border collie cross. I won't even post how much it cost in vet bills, but it cost dearly, and I'd pay it all over again. I currently am owned by a 4 year old beagle and a 1 year old border collie cross, and I'd sell my home and everything I own, if I needed to get them to the vet. That's what a real pet owner does.

Sure it has lots of butter and white cheddar on it

When someone signs on, offers nothing, calls long-standing, respected members morons, I have to wonder how sad their personal lives are, where the confrontational attitude comes from, why -

Do they think they are helping anyone?

Sad, little people I guess, eager to flaunt their "credentials," positive that no one else has any experience or empathy or - for that matter - anything to offer.

As always I wonder why the one timers (in this case two timers) come from. One person, two screen names?

I am not one to take my animals to the vet for every stubbed toe and every sniffle.. but the people who come onto here asking for help have already waited days to weeks to possibly months.

I think it's unfair and not right that people come on here wagging their fingers in our face, sitting on their high horses and telling us that we ar 100% wrong in advising people to take their pets to the vet when the animals is acting sick. On top of that, they have nothing to offer the OP anyway in what they think might be wrong with the dog.. that makes it even worse. If you have an idea as to what might be wrong, there is nothing wrong in suggesting or sharing your own experience.. not stating that pets don't need vets when they are deathly ill or not acting weird.

These one-hit wonders are rather annoying.. All they do is stir the pot and that's about it. Not even any reasoning behind what they think/believe/say. Ugh!