Dog repeatedly throwing up

Question
Hello Shelly,
I know this isn't a site for medical help but I'm only sixteen and can't afford to bring my dog to the vet and quite frankly my mother doesn't have any money at the moment nor would she be willing to pay for a vet even if she did. My 9 year old golden retriever dog Kiara keeps throwing up, and lately she has lost a lot of weight, which wasn't a bit deal at first because she was overweight, today though she has thrown up about five times, and I'm really worried, all she is throwing up is water mostly. Do you know the most common reasons why this will happen? What can I do?  Thanks, Richelle

Answer
Dear Richelle,

Thank you for writing to me about your Golden Retriever.  I am so sorry that she's ill.  There are many things that come to mind regarding the symptoms you have mentioned from a blockage to cancer.  If this is cancer, she is suffering and should be evaluated by a vet.  Is there any way you can work something out with the vet such as a payment plan?  Times are hard for so many people right now but our dogs are family members and deserve to be given medical help when they are sick.

In some area there is financial help for people who can't afford to pay for vet care for their pets.  If you send me your email address and general location, I will send you a list of some of these organizations that offer assistance.

Also, I have seen people post on Craig's list asking for help..even asking for donations to be sent directly to the vet's office or to a paypal account.

It's a long shot but you could also try Golden Retriever rescue groups.  If you got your dog from a breeder, that person might also reach out to help with a vet visit.

Best Regards,
Shelley Davis