21-year-old vet assistant Jessie DeFreita, of West Sussex, England, already had four cats and a rescue dog of her own, but when she laid eyes on a tiny pup who came into her office, she knew she had to have her, writes ilovemydogsomuch

The puppy, initially named Honey, was left practically bald after all of her fur fell out, due to a nasty case of mange. She was brought into the vet’s office by her previous owners, who had neglected the sweet pup for far too long.

But it wasn’t her mange that stood out to DeFreita’s, it was her “beautiful eyes.” And despite everything that she had been through, her eyes still showed a glimmer of hope.

The veterinarian said if the puppy wasn’t brought in when she was, she may not have survived much longer. With that said, Honey needed ’round the clock care.

That’s when DeFreita stepped in to help. She volunteered to foster the pup and wound up bringing her home soon after.

Since the pup was a playful biter, DeFreita decided that her original name “Honey” wasn’t a great fit for her. So she changed her name to “Terra,” Terror with an A.

But three months later, the biting pup wound up living up to her initial name after all. Not only was she extremely sweet now, but she also looked unrecognizable.

Her transformation is so incredible that she doesn’t even look like the same dog. All of her fur has grown back, and she’s an adorable, happy little puppy.

Not only has DeFreita helped nurse Terra back to health, but she has also given her a permanent home!

This just goes to show that a little bit of TLC goes a long way.

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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.