Raden Soemawinata had a distressing day as he arrived at Brighton Pier in Melbourne to scatter his grandmother’s ashes into the bay. It was a difficult moment that most of us have experienced. Nevertheless, his day took an unexpected turn when he was presented with a chance to rescue a life as he bid farewell to a beloved life

A small Maltese-shih tzu wound up in the sea when he was still at the dock. His name is Bibi, and he was so small that the strong gusts from across the harbor pushed him off the pier and into the water.

Sue Drummond, his owner, was terrified that her precious little puppy would drown.

Soemawinata did not pause. He stripped down to his underpants and leapt into the water, wearing only his underwear and a shirt. Drummond, like the others who had assembled, waited to see what would happen.

Bibi was struggling in the water, but Soemawinata caught him and brought him back to the pier.

Drummond, who was thrilled to have her tiny pet back and safe, rewarded him with a hearty hug. She probably had no idea this might happen, but one thing is clear. She won’t be at the dock with Bibi for long if she doesn’t hold on tight.

Things would have gone out quite differently if Soemawinata had not been present. Bibi is a small dog, and she might not have made it back to safety.

Soemawinata is now being referred to as a hero, and it was due to more than just being in the right place at the right time. He, too, noticed something and took action. His quick thinking saved a life and made one very pleased dog owner.

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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.