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When a dog is badly treated and has faced many challenges, there comes a point where giving up seems to make sense, writes ilovemydogsomuch

For one dog, death was close. She was on her own starving to death. They found her in the middle of a field too weak to stand. But even though she had given up, they were not giving up on her.

After rescuing the dog, they named her Lady. She was brought to the medical center for urgent care. She was skin and bones and beaten down by her hard life. Her expression said so much. Her eyes showed her pain and that she was just too tired to go on.

After her initial exam, the medical staff diagnosed her with a parasitic infection that had ravaged her joints. With x-rays and lots of blood work, they came up with a treatment plan. She needed a lot of help, medication, and good nutrition. But mostly, she needed to feel safe and loved so she could fight to live.

With time and love, Lady made an amazing transformation. The medical staff spared nothing to get her as healthy as possible. Her mange was treated, she was given IV antibiotics and a high-calorie diet. Lady started to believe in her new human friends, and in herself.

Her fur grew in beautifully and her whole demeanor changed. She even had some pep in her step! Her rescuers understand that it will take time for her to completely heal. She’s hesitant of certain people. But each day she learns more and more.

Lady has life in her eyes now. She believes in herself. She’s like so many other dogs that had given up but were saved just in time. Her story is inspiring as is her life. We are so grateful that animal rescuers continue to work to give dogs like Lady a second chance.

Source: ilovemydogsomuch

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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.