A Pit Bull named Saint was on the brink of death when he was found living in a homeless camp. His emaciated body was being ravaged by multiple parasites and he had just grown tired of dealing with the bitter pain every day. He badly wanted his suffering to end, and that made him shun everything that was necessary to keep him alive.

A woman named Heather discovered Saint’s misery and it broke her heart into pieces. Overwhelmed with pity for the innocent pooch, she decided to take him home as a hospice dog. The idea was to make him feel loved and comfortable in his final days, but Heather was confused when Saint straight up refused to consume food, writes ilovemydog.

Saint had become a complete shut off due to his prolonged stressful life, and he simply wanted to give up. He didn’t care about getting petted or interacting with his caretakers as he began losing his vitality. But even when he couldn’t stand on his own, Heather did everything in her power to let him know he mattered – and that changed everything!

Heather’s painstaking efforts to cheer up Saint tugged at his heart and he decided to put up a fight for her! He began eating and gradually found himself connecting with the world again. With slow and steady steps, his health improved and reignited his spark for life!

Despite the past burdens that weighed him down, Saint chose to embrace the present and thrive with his new family! He began looking forward to those liberating car rides, beach trips and play-dates. Considering he was at his lowest low at the beginning at this video, it’s a true pleasure to see him demanding affection toward the end! Saint is truly an inspiring survivor and an underdog champion!

Click the video below to watch Saint going from zero to hero after he embraces his second chance at life!

Source: ilovemydog

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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.