A resident of Anson County, North Carolina, was out and about one day when they spotted a green bin sitting alone along the edge of some woods. Curious and a bit confused, they wandered over to peek inside — and were horrified to discover five tiny puppies, writes thedodo

The puppies were very young and too small to climb out of the bin on their own, meaning that someone had put them in there and then cruelly abandoned them. They were all completely trapped in the bin, baking in the 90-degree heat, and if they’d been left alone out there much longer, they most certainly wouldn’t have made it.

The Good Samaritan quickly got a crate and loaded all of the puppies inside, and offered them some much-needed food and water. They were soon transferred into the care of Rescue Dogs Rock NYC’s vet partner in Columbia, South Carolina.

“They were weak and dehydrated and apparently had a ‘funny smell,’” Jackie O’Sullivan, cofounder of Rescue Dogs Rock NYC, told The Dodo. “One was not doing well so we feared parvo, but after some fluids, baths and good nutrition, so far all five are doing OK.”

The puppies were determined to be around 6 weeks old, and were named Sullivan, Snoopy, Sanders, Simon and Sassafrass. After being vaccinated, dewormed and treated with medication and lots of fluids, the puppies are doing well and beginning to grow, and everyone at the rescue is so thankful for the kind person who saved their lives.

“They are lucky they were found in time,” O’Sullivan said.

The puppies still have a ways to go before they’ll be up for adoption, but people are welcome to start applying for them now. They’re receiving the best care currently, and as soon as they’re strong enough, they’ll be able to go off and find their loving forever homes, where they’ll never have to worry about being neglected again.

Source: thedodo.com

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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.