Karina Chikitova lives with her family and her dog, Naida, in the remote Sakha Republic in Siberia, writes ilovemydogsomuch

One day, the 3-year-old wandered off into the nearby forests with Naida, and ended up getting lost in the dense wilderness.

As the area did not have any phone network, it was well beyond 4 days when the Chikitovas were able to inform the authorities about their missing daughter. The locals knew that surviving the bear-infested wilderness was impossible for a little girl. Their only solace was that Naida was with Karina.

The entire village banded together and kept searching for days, but there was no sign of the toddler. As weeks went by, everyone started fearing the worst because there was every possibility that Karina had starved or been mauled by a wild animal.

Toward the end of 11 days, the search team found a ray of hope when they spotted Naida. With mixed feelings of hope and fear, they followed the dog. In an utterly heartbreaking moment, they found Karina lying still in the grass-bed that Naida had built for her!

Karina was bony and completely dehydrated after surviving 12 nights in the savage wilderness. She was in hospital for days. When she recovered, she explained how Naida had been the sole reason why she is still alive!

The faithful dog had not only fended off the wild animals, but also kept Karina warm in the minus temperatures. While Karina ate berries and drank river water to keep going, it was Naida who was worried about returning home. The anxious pooch eventually ventured out to find the rescuers, and led them to Karina’s hiding spot.

Karina had suffered many infectious bug bites and she was extremely malnourished. But the resilient girl gradually recovered. These days, she is an aspiring ballerina with many starry dreams in her eyes!

As for Naida, she’s the public’s favorite hero! The local authorities have even installed a gleaming statue of Karina and Naida to honor the dog’s bravery!

What a story of loyalty, resilience and bravery!

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.