My puppy has a skin condition. What can I use if I can't afford a vet?

Hi, and thanks for your question. This could be due to an allergy, although it could also be infection or mites. First of all, in order to rule out skin parasites, you will need to treat with a high quality flea treatment, then ask the vet to perform a skin scrape - this might reveal an infection or a mite infestation. If all of those came back negative, the next step is to treat the allergy symptomatically and try to discover the cause of the allergy. Three main type of allergies are usually affecting pets: food allergies, flea and parasite related ones and environmental type (allergens coming from trees, pollens, dust etc etc). Some medications can be given by the vet in order to repair any possible skin lesions (like steroids and antibiotics). Oatmeal shampoo can provide some temporary relief so it can be used. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

This is likely to be cause by mites (demodex is probably involved). A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to quickly confirm this clinical suspicion and treat appropriately. Antibiotics or specific medications for mites (ivermectin) may be needed. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. Please find the time to give us a feedback about the consultation as that will be used to improve our service.

So sorry but we are having issues with the photos coming through so I cannot view them. Even if I could see the photos we cannot diagnose over the internet. We can only give you possibilities as to what MAY be going on and general remedies if we feel comfortable that it may help and not cause any harm. You must understand that many skin conditions will present the same and it is not often obvious what it is just by looking at it. Sometimes testing needs to be done to figure it out (just like in humans). Since I can't see what you are talking about I will do my best to help you. It does not sound like a serious condition. It is likely a bacterial infection of the skin or it could be scabs from scratching due to parasites (like fleas or mites). Those would be the most common things in a puppy Domo's age. I would recommend you bathe her in a medicated shampoo (that contains Chlorhexidine) but I cannot find one in your area when I search in Malaysia. You will most likely need to get that from your vet. If you are really worried you can always take her to the vet sooner although I am quite sure she can wait one week until her appointment. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Mochi! I am glad you will be bringing him to the Vet! I would worry about mites, either demodex or scabies, ring worm or a bad skin infection. If it is a skin infection the Vet will likely prescribe a medicated shampoo and antibiotics. If he has mites they will prescribe medications. As of now I would just wait for the exam, I would say bathe him but it would be ideal for the Vet to see his skin as is. Try to feed him some boiled chicken or watered down canned puppy food. Good luck!

I am so sorry to hear that your puppy Soturi has mange. This can be common in puppies. I understand the cost of veterinary care can be difficult at times, can I suggest exploring this resource to help find affordable pet care? http://m.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_pet.html Puppy is itchy and uncomfortable for Soturi and does need medications which are prescribed by a veterinarian to help. An oatmeal bath may help make him temporarily more comfortable. However, the infection will only go away with medicated shampoo from the vet. Best of luck to you both.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This looks like a focal infection. You can try to use a medicated shampoo containing chlorhexidine twice weekly for 2 weeks. If there is no improvement or in the meantime this appears to be getting worse, have him evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Good luck and have a good night!

This looks like dry skin. You can try adding fish oil to Blue's diet to see if that helps. For every 30 pounds of body weight, give him 1,000 mg fish oil containing 300 mg of EPA/DHA combined. Since he is 15 pounds, cut that in half. Ultimately, however, seeing a vet is best for him. If paying for a vet is an issue, you can see if your vet accepts payment plans, if there is a low cost clinic in your area, or you can apply for Care Credit online. There is also an organization called Red Rover that give grants for treatment of sick animals, and you can see if you qualify for one of their grants. Best Friends also has a list of resources that offer financial assistance on their website. http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_pet.html?credit=web_id91754962 https://www.redrover.org https://www.carecredit.com http://bestfriends.org/resources/financial-aid-pets http://lessonsfromaparalyzeddog.com/when-pet-owners-cant-afford-veterinary-bills/ http://www.dogheirs.com/resources-affordable-veterinary-care/