As a dog owner, when you go on vacation, you should either have your dog stay at a doggy daycare or kennel, or leave them with a family member or sitter who will take great care of them until you get back.

One family did not take any of these steps, and sadly left their two dogs in the yard while they went on vacation for a long duration of time. The dogs were left alone without food or water and quickly became sick.

Their neighbors finally reported them once the dogs’ smell became too unbearable to handle, even from a distance. Unfortunately, it was little too late for Molly’s brother, who wound up passing away.

Luckily, Molly was rescued by Sidewalk Specials, but her road to recovery was not an easy one. She was in pretty bad shape after going so long without food and water, but they helped her put on weight and took great care of her.

But being abandoned without food or water was not her worst problem. It turns out that she had cancer, but she successfully went through chemotherapy and just finished her last session.

Today, she looks like a brand new dog! Her fur grew back in where it had been missing, and she’s finally at a healthy weight. Now she is learning how to be a ‘dog’ again and is doing very well. She overcame her cancer and is finally feeling strong again. And best of all? She was adopted! She loves to run and play outside and is adjusting well to her new home!

While Molly was being taken care of by Sidewalk Specials, she met another rescue dog there who also came from a rough situation. That dog, named Monty, was dropped off at the shelter by his owner’s to be euthanized, all because they no longer wanted him.

During this time in both of their recoveries, Molly and Monty got along great and became the best of friends. They stayed by each other’s side and helped each other heal. And of course there were a lot of tail wags and zoomies in the process!

Sidewalk Specials also took great care of Monty and when he was given a clean bill of health, he was put up for adoption. He, too, found a loving forever home! These two mangy dogs who were unwanted and neglected by their owners won’t ever have to worry about being abandoned ever again.

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10 Common Dog Health Problems

Some health problems are specific to certain breeds, such as breathing complications for flat-faced dogs. But several other canine health issues can affect any dog. Here are 10 typical health conditions you need to watch out for in your four-legged best friend:

Top 10 Common Dog Health Problems

Skin Problems

One of the most obvious signs that your dog has a skin condition is itching. Other symptoms that may suggest that your dog has a skin problem include rashes, redness, dry skin, lumps, bumps, skin sores, dandruff, and hair loss.

Ear Diseases

Approximately 20 percent of dogs suffer from ear disease. It’s particularly common in breeds with floppy ears like cocker spaniels and basset hounds. It’s common to see wax buildup or discharge in their ear canal. But others may experience pain, itchiness, redness, swelling, and crusting in the ears.

Urinary Tract Infections

Simply known as UTI, this condition can make it uncomfortable for your beloved companion to pass urine. Signs of urinary tract infection include drinking water more than usual and passing urine more often than usual. Your dog may also only pass a small amount or lose bladder control. Additionally, you may see blood in their urine or notice a strong smell to it.

Vomiting

There are countless reasons why your pet may throw up. You don’t need to visit the vet each time your dog vomits. But it’s also not something you can just ignore. Don’t try to guess. If the vomiting persists or occurs with other symptoms like diarrhea or lethargy, you need to rush to the vet. It could be a sign of severe health problems, such as poisoning or gastrointestinal blockage.

Diarrhea

This symptom may occur on its own or be accompanied by vomiting. Its potential causes are similar to vomiting. One or two episodes of diarrhea may not be a pet emergency. But recurring diarrhea can result in dehydration.

Parasites

At some point in their lives, your pet may have to deal with discomfort due to internal or external parasites. Symptoms of parasites generally vary, depending on a few factors. These include the kind of parasite that has plagued your pet, where it lives, and how severe its infestation is.

Dental Issues

Like us, your dog can develop canine dental diseases due to high levels of plaque buildup. Several signs indicate that your pet may have dental disease. These include difficulty eating, bleeding of the gums or teeth, loose teeth, and bad breath.

Obesity

Nearly 30 percent of the general dog population is considered obese. Several factors contribute to a pet’s risk. These include age, genetic predisposition, lack of exercise, and overfeeding, among others.

Arthritis

This joint problem can restrict your dog’s mobility. Bring Fido to the vet if you see your dog slow down or limp before and after walks. Other signs include licking or chewing on tender areas and behavioral changes.

Poisoning

Symptoms of dog poisoning vary widely, depending on the kind of toxin a pet has been exposed to. The signs can range from vomiting to drooling, breathing difficulties, seizures, or worse, coma. Some of the most common poisonous substances are human foods like chocolates, grapes, raisins, onions, and caffeine. Other known culprits are human medications, household cleaning products, pesticides, and some plants.