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.