I don't know why I can't "greenie" you so... here's a round of applause.

So many dogs in my area are adopted from shelters and rescues... and end up right back there the first time they get sick OR need shots OR need medical treatment.

Great post miss_a.

Twinkie I think you know that I volunteer at a shelter, and a lot of those dogs seem to have allergies. My staffy and boxer mixes also have allergies. Seems to run common in those breeds. A lot of people surrender their dogs due to the cost of having a dog with problems. There is a beautiful mix breed in the shelter now, and he was surrendered because of his odor. The people said he made the entire house stink, and they couldn't afford the cleaning or the cost of his "special medicated" food that the vet prescribed. They complained about his incessant shedding causing their allergies to flare up (after owning the dog for 4 years). We switched him to a holistic diet, gave him a good anti fungal bath and proper grooming, and Voilà! He is a wonderful smelling dog with no hot spots or constant itching. Sadly because of his age... well you know the rest.

I don't run to the vet every time my dog has a loose stool, but I will and do if my dog is in discomfort or pain. I hate paying those prices as much as the rest of you, but that's the joys of owning a pet. I have no problem with the OP using SW if it works, and if the vet says it's okay. I may not run to the doctor/vet every time an ailment pops up, but I would never self medicate myself, E or the dogs.

I have dealt with a dog with a chapped nose before. I took her in because she had other problems and the vet advised me to continue to put vaseline on her nose to help moisten it.

It is a solid myth that dogs with warm noses are sick, however a cracked and dry, very painful nose might need to go see the vet.

Continue to put vaseline on her nose. Something is better then nothing and call around and find a cheap vet. Office visits are the most expensive part of a vet trip, so if you know what you're looking at to show up, then you'll know how much to save up for with an exam and possibly meds. I'm guessing if you go in with $150-$200 you'll be fine.

You could also go to a groomer. If they are a very seasoned groomer, they do have some tricks to help you out. Itd be less expensive and it just might work.

Quote:

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You don't need to be a 'medhead' to want to take proper care of your pet.
While it's fantastic to adopt a pet from a shelter, you do need to take into account financial aspects, as its unfair to keep a dog poorly (whilst love, care and attention are crucial, it needs proper care too, you wouldn't give this advice to someone asking about their child instead of a dog)

To anyone considering adopting or buying a dog, they are expensive to care for properly. And its strongly advisable to take out pet insurance, so if anything does go wrong, your vets bills won't affect you as badly.

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Great post. :)

Instead of the comment feature, use the post feature so we can greenie you (give you a helpful rating).

Comments can't be rated. :(

I took her to the vet. They gave me drops for her eyes and cream fro her nose. They also have grants so I didn't have to really pay for the visit. I just had to pay $15 for the medicine:) They said they will keep giving me eye drops and cream for her at a low rate. She has a dry fungal infection on her nose. So its good that I took her. And for her eyes they said its just allegeries.:) thanks everyone

Thanks for the update, Rebecca. :)

I hope her little nose is getting better. Do they have any idea what might be causing the allergic reaction?

I don't get how to do the whole thingy so you can rate me. But I know it'll be good so thanks. But yeah its from the ivy trees that we have in my back yard and in my front yard. Its not poision ivy but its just ivy. So that's what's causing her alleregies.

Thanks for the update rebeccah. Glad your vet was willing to work with you. Sadly not enough vets offer those types of service, so it makes proper vet care harder for low income families.