In Winchester in Hampshire County, UK, a construction worker named Matt Southcott was walking by a street when he saw a pile of rags. He didn’t pay much attention to it, because hey, why would anyone bother with a pile of rags on the side of the road? But what shocked him was when he saw the rags move, writes Nicolette Mansueto-Ferniz from iheartdogs.com

At first he thought they were sheep since their hair were so matted that they were unrecognizable. It turns out, what he saw weren’t rags or sheep at all–they were dogs with severely matted hair. But what’s even more heartbreaking was that they were a family of dogs–a mama dog and her eight puppies.

Upon realizing that the “rags” were actually a family of dogs, Matt immediately contacted the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSCPA) so they can be rescued.

It took the groomers around 3 hours to shave each dog. Not only were the dogs dirty and severely matted, but they got scared every time a human touched them. These dogs were seriously neglected and they may have been abused and beaten as well.

The dogs were so filthy, which showed that they got very little or no care from their previous owner. The mother dog even had stones trapped in her paw pads. When the groomer gathered all the matted hair they shaved from the dogs, they were able to fill three large sacks with them.

The mama dog, who was around 8-years-old, was named Sian; and her pups, who were around one-year-old, were named Fay, Mavis, Martha, Justin, Wills, Kate, Maria and Dave.

We are relieved to know that these dogs are rescued and are now being cared for.

A big thank you to Matt for not ignoring these dogs and for calling the authorities so they can be rescued. We are also very grateful for RSCPA‘s efforts in helping these dogs and taking care of them.

Originally appeared on : The daily Mail

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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.