A woman, with a heart of gold, came across a puppy that was too weak to move. She saw that he had a mom that was watching over him but the mother was in bad shape too, writes ilovemydogsomuch

The puppy was rail thin and riddled with mange. He was weak and laying on the sidewalk.

The kind woman watched as he struggled to get up and walk to his mom who had gathered scraps of food for him to eat. Refusing to leave him like that, the woman wrapped him in a blanket and took him to the vet. The vet was astounded. His condition was terrible. The vet confirmed he had mange as well as scabies. Poor baby!

The staff worked on giving him an IV with pain meds and antibiotics. The mange had caused an infection and they needed to bring his fever down. He needed rest in a warm, dry kennel. Sleep was a priority now. As time went on, the puppy was improving but it was a slow process. His appetite also got better and he was able to be vaccinated.

Once he was stable enough, he was started on treatment for mange and scabies. He spent so much energy scratching his little body. The treatment would make all the difference in the world! Knowing he would pull through, they gave the deserving pup a name, Indie.

Indie, though still suffering, showed his gratitude for being so well-cared for. He gave his new human friend who saved his life subtle tail wags and tiny kisses. She loved it. It was moments like this that made all her efforts worth it!

What broke his rescuer’s heart most was that she found out that Indie and his mom actually had an owner. The owner let them live on the streets and come home when they wanted to. They received infrequent feedings and ZERO medical care.

But now Indie’s suffering was a thing of the past. His transformation is slow but it is nothing short of a miracle. The rescuer went back and helped mom too! You have to see Indie now. He still has a long road ahead but he’s more energetic and his fur is coming in nicely. This ‘broken puppy’ is now whole thanks to a rescuer who had faith in him. You can’t miss the full story.

Source: ilovemydogsomuch.tv

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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.