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Dogs are incredible pets in so many ways. They’re intelligent, loyal animals who won’t hesitate to help their owners in times of crisis.

That’s what one inspiring story proves, as one dog saved his owner’s life, never stopping even as he hurt his own paw in the process, writes news16post.com

Reddit user u/shotgun-octopus shared the story online. He says that recently he was doing some work on his house, and the only one around was his dog, Ham.

“Ham was watching me work because he loves me,” he wrote.

But then, disaster struck: the man fell off the ladder, splitting his head open, cracking his ribs and breaking his knee.

The situation was dire, and he likely would’ve lost his life… if it wasn’t for his loyal dog.

With no one around, Ham began dragging him by the shirt to help. As the man yelled for help, Ham howled.

While dragging his owner, Ham tore his foot open, but continued his mission of getting the man to safety.

Luckily, Ham’s heroic effort paid off: they were able to get the attention of neighbors, who called emergency services.

The owner was rushed to the hospital, where doctors were blunt: he nearly died in that accident.

“They told me I wouldn’t have lived. Ham saved my life,” u/shotgun-octopus wrote. “I should be dead, but he saved me.”

His story went viral on Reddit, where he praised his dog as a hero: “Thank you, Ham. You are my best friend.”

How incredible. Thank god Ham was around to save his owner’s life! What a hero!

Share this amazing story and give a cheer for this brave dog!

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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.