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A rescue group based in the United States received a call about a dog coming from Iran. They knew she was paralyzed from a broken spine but they didn’t have a lot more info about her. The rescue group reached out to Tedi asking if she could foster Pani. She said yes but Tedi had no idea what she was in store for.

As soon as Pani arrived at her new foster home, Tedi noticed that she was very timid. She was cautious every moment of the day. She’d even sleep, or rest, with one eye open. She didn’t trust anyone or anything which made perfect sense since she spent her whole life on the streets.

As a stray, Pani had to fight for survival and it was difficult for her to understand that she was now safe. No matter what Tedi tried, Pani couldn’t relax. She was sleep-deprived as she fought to stay awake 24/7. As Tedi says in the video below, “She wanted to go to sleep and she wouldn’t let herself.”

But Tedi was nowhere near giving up on the sweet dog. She understood she had been through so much. She enrolled Pani in physical therapy which would help increase her mobility. Pani loved getting into the water where her limitations didn’t hold her back.

Pani was fitted for a wheelchair as well. She was able to run on a leash like a “normal” dog and that built up her confidence tremendously. Once she became an expert on her wheels, Pani never wanted to come in for walks. She loved it that much! Just look at that smile!

Despite all her accomplishments, Pani still struggled with sleeping. When a dog sleeps, he or she is most vulnerable and Pani understood that. Her foster mom tried her best to calm her but it would still take time and trust. Tedi explains that with baby steps, she was able to at least get Pani to lie by the foot of the bed and rest.

In time, Pani would make her way up to Tedi on the bed. And before long, she was right beside her asking to be pet. Tedi’s affection worked miracles on the nervous dog. It took three long months of persistence but Pani now sleeps comfortably on her back which is the most vulnerable position for a dog.

With all this effort, Tedi was petrified of what would happen next with Pani. Would her forever family be able to make her feel as safe so she could actually sleep? You have to see what follows in this terrific story. We are so grateful for rescue groups and fosters. Thank you for all you do every day for dogs in need!

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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.