It’s every shelter dog’s biggest wish to find a loving, forever home, writes ilovemydogsomuch

As fate would have it, a dog named Merrill was about to find her new owner. Merrill is a 3-year-old Pit Bull who called Rocket Dog Rescue her home for the longest time. The San Francisco, California-based rescue was elated to find a match for Merrell, but things took a unique twist.

When the man went to the rescue to take Merrell home, she refused to leave her furry best friend behind. Merrill and her 8-year-old best friend, Taco the Chihuahua, were brought to the rescue together. Since volunteers had no idea who their previous owner was, they assumed the duo were very bonded based on their behavior. They did everything together including eat, play, sleep, and snuggle.

Whenever someone tried to separate the duo, they would cry and whine. It would be impossible for them to be apart without them becoming sad and depressed. No one wants to be away from their best friend in the world, after all. The staff updated the beautiful story and told potential adopters that the duo had to be taken together. As luck would have it, a family looking to adopt came upon Merrill and Taco’s story online.

They went to the shelter to meet the dogs, and they fell in love. A month later, Taco was seen by a vet who told the family the dog had fluid in his lungs and an enlarged heart. Without intervention, he would not be long for the world. Taco was placed on medications and saw a specialist. With time, Taco got so much better. Although he has respiratory issues, he loves hanging out with Merrill.

For more about this inspiring duo, press play on the video below.

Source: ilovemydogsomuch.tv

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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.