Homeless animals have enough challenges, even when they’re healthy, writes ilovemydogsomuch

They are on their own and need to find food, water, and adequate shelter. But when they are in poor health, finding the basics is even more difficult. For one dog whose eyes were so cloudy he couldn’t see, no one could believe he had survived this long.

By the time someone finally came upon the dog, he was thin and dehydrated. His eyes were so cloudy and white that it was obvious he couldn’t see much in front of him. How he had survived this long was a total mystery… and a total miracle!

The Good Samaritan reached out her hand and told the dog he was safe now. But even with her kind words and reassurance, it was obvious that the dog had given up. He curled up into a ball in the dirt as if he didn’t deserve to be rescued. It was soul-crushing, to say the least. But the woman wasn’t going to give up on him… no matter what!

The rescuer tried to coax the dog out of the dirt cave he dug for himself to keep him cool and safe. But he didn’t want to go anywhere. He was scared and couldn’t see anything in front of him. The woman decided she’d have to grab him in order to save his life. No rescuer wants to scare a dog or traumatize them further but sometimes there is no other choice.

Finally, the dog is pulled out from the dirt and put into a crate. The rescuer takes him right to the vet clinic nearby. She names the dog Mali. The veterinarian determined that his cataracts were severe and that is why he couldn’t see and his eyes were so white. The only way he could regain his sight was with surgery.

The woman decided to raise money and with enough donations, the dog was able to undergo treatment. The surgery was life-changing! Mali is still recovering at the vet clinic but his prognosis is excellent! His rescuer has volunteered to foster him once the vet clears him to go home.

Mali will have a good life now thanks to the kindness of compassionate animal lovers, just like you! We are beyond thrilled by this happy ending. To see Mali’s amazing rescue and transformation, check it out below. Thank you so much to the woman who saved him and Mali’s excellent medical team.

Source: ilovemydogsomuch.tv

---------

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.