On a property in Lawrence County, Alabama, sits a small house built of cinderblocks, without electricity or plumbing. Until recently, the yard surrounding this house was full of dogs — and they were all desperately in need of help, writes thedodo

These dogs almost looked like moving statues when rescuers from the county arrived last month. All of the roughly 30 dogs had such severe cases of mange it gave them a plaster-like appearance.

“Almost every dog was hairless. Puppies were found nursing different momma dogs — they went to whichever mom was closest,” Guardians of Rescue, the organization helping the dogs recover and find forever homes, wrote on Facebook last week.

The dogs were covered in fleas and parasites and they all suffered from sarcoptic mange. And many of the dogs were too scared to get close to the people trying to help them. Animal control officers had to trap several of the dogs to bring them to get help.

“No one knows for sure why they let these dogs get to this point, but they will no longer suffer,” Robert Misseri, president of Guardians of Rescue, told The Dodo, adding that the people living on the property were arrested and charged with animal cruelty.

Not all of the dogs could be saved: “Several of the dogs were in such poor condition that they sadly did not survive,” Guardians of Rescue wrote.

The dogs who did manage to survive still bear the physical and emotional scars of neglect. Even after being brought to safety, one dog seemed too scared to even lift his head.

Because Lawrence County lacks an animal shelter, Guardians of Rescue is helping to place the dogs where they can be treated for their condition, and eventually, when fully recovered, get adopted.

One dog was saved just in time to give birth to her puppies.

“The dogs are improving due to love and medical treatment,” Misseri added.

Even after such suffering, the dogs are finally starting to hold their heads up, as if looking forward to a new life.

After several weeks of treatment and regaining the trust of people, the dogs were almost unrecognizable. And many started to find families.

“Many of the dogs have been adopted, and you can see how their skin has changed,” Misseri said. “They are doing amazing.”

Source: thedodo.com

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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.