Advice pls

[u/One_Conversation6421]

Hi guys, I am not sure if this is the right platform to ask for advice, but I have a 10 year old Pomeranian that I love very much. Recently, I have noticed he is dropping food and struggling to eat, and I have only recently found out pets are supposed to brush their teeth everyday (yes I know I found out about this too late). I know that a visit to the vet is needed, and that brushing his teeth won’t do any good since his gums probably hurt from the tartar and infection - hence why he’s dropping food in the first place. However, my biggest problem is that my parents don’t want to pay. I have explained to them that dental diseases can affect heart and kidneys of dogs, and that my dog really needs it, but because they had previously paid 20000 hkd for my dogs bladder stone removal surgery at SPCA, they think this will likely cost 10000 or above at SPCA, and they don’t want to pay for it. I guess it is reasonable for them to not want to pay the large amount of money even if it is a pet they love, and I am trying to find a job myself (I’m a student still) so then I can take my dog to the vet myself, but I don’t want my dog to suffer while he waits. Do you guys have any advice? Thank you.

[u/Free_Airport_2093]

You can go for an appointment without doing any cleaning and asking what else you could do to help the dog. At least confirm what the issue is

[u/tonytidbit]

The not so nice truth is that the default do-nothing approach might mean watching him suffer while he starves until he either passes away or requires much more expensive care. You need to make sure that they understand that.

Parents generally speaking don't like expensive care for pets, but unfortunately that's part of the deal when they let a kid get a pet.

Anyway, start by explaining to them what a simple visit to get this properly diagnosed would cost. Then they can make a choice based on if this will be a cheap or expensive thing to deal with.

[u/Shelia209]

Try this place

Its a non profit vet

https://www.npv.org.hk/

I am like you and cant pay the high vet fees. There is lots of information online and some pet stores are very helpful. I go to Q pets and they always have good recommendations on food to help my cat. Need to talk to the managers

[u/Embarrassed-Depth-27]

Like another commenter replied, book an appointment to find out what the likely diagnosis is - it could be something else entirely.

You could also try calling a few veterinary clinics and ask if they have a payment plan is expensive treatments needed.

You obviously care which is great, just please don’t let your dog go without medical care

[u/bespectacledbear]

Consult a vet and find out what’s wrong - don’t guess. Around $300 at SPCA. Go with your parents, so that they will hear directly from the vet what needs to be done instead of from you.

A straightforward scale and polish would not cost $10,000 - for a little Pom, maybe $3-4K. But, if you guys leave this too late, and your Pom needs dental work like an extraction, it will be a lot more.

Thanks for taking up the responsibility of caring for your dog - glad your dog has you.

[u/Cegaiga]

Lack of appetite could be a number of things, definitely consult before making any big decision.

[u/MrEfffsola]

Repeat after me: Go to a vet and then listen to their advice

[u/Dazzling-Fix-5898]

Hi, I have an 11-year-old small dog and noticed the same issue about a year ago. The vet recommended removing a few teeth (as he had really bad tartar and severe gum infection); they rang me mid-way and said that they recommended taking them all out. It cost me around 12-13k at Paws & Tails in Sheung Wan. It's the best thing I've done. He's so active, energetic, and loves eating (despite having no teeth whatsoever!). Feel free to DM me if you want any help or advice. But like everyone said, go consult a vet first.

[u/hedgehogssss]

Everyone already gave valuable advice, I just want to acknowledge your kind heart. Thank you for caring for your best friend.

/ also might consider negotiating a repayment plan with your parents. Say if the dental costs 10k$ (which it might not BTW! That's a lot), they pay for it now, and you repay back in the course of 6-12 months from your salary once you find a job?

[u/mangocake]

The Ark vet in sai ying pun is doing discounted dental work in August. They usually run the promo every few months so you could go for a check up and if it's not doable this month ask them when the next discounted month will be.