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When this sweet Pit Bull was left behind, she had no hope of a future. To say she was starved and neglected is a vast understatement. She was likely days away from death. Her owners not only didn’t care to feed her, but they also left her behind when they moved away, writes ilovemydogsomuch.

When she was finally found, she was curled up in a ball trying to stay warm. Her poor body was breaking down as each rib showed. But then a guardian angel came into her life and changed her course forever. Lisa, a compassionate woman, thankfully found the sweet girl she’d later name Nova. She brought her home and gave her a good meal.

The next day, it was time to see the vet. The vet was honest and told Lisa that he wasn’t sure if she’d make it but of course it was worth trying. He gave her a few recipes and some ideas of how to strengthen her body. Lisa was willing to try anything. Lisa felt if Nova didn’t survive, at least she would live the rest of her life feeling loved.

Lisa implemented a diet of puppy food and it started to work right away. Nova would wag her tail every time she ate as if eating was a reward, not a necessity. Nova was so happy to see Lisa come through the door every day after work that she was desperate to jump up and greet her but she was too weak to do so.

The dog’s legs needed to be strengthened and that was Lisa’s next task. And of course, she worked with her diligently. Nova struggled for a while but they were both determined to get those legs off the ground. Within a few weeks, Nova was able to properly greet her mama at the door.

In the video below, Lisa boasts about Nova’s first trip to get a Starbuck’s Puppuccino. It was, of course, delicious! Lisa was going through some hard times herself and says that Nova rescued her right back. Isn’t that the best thing ever? The story continues and it is so inspiring. We couldn’t be more grateful for people like Lisa. To see Nova’s story, check it out below.

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Originally appeared on : 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.