Stray animals not only face starvation, they are left to deal with medical complications on their own, writes ilovemydogsomuch

Thankfully, animal heroes do all they can to step in and help. When a group heard about a homeless dog with a massive tumor, they tried to track him down. It wasn’t easy, but finally, they got a call that he was wandering through a pagoda nearby.

Once they arrived, they were in awe at the size of the mass on his shoulder. The dog was in obvious pain and continued to try and lick the pain away. The rescuers were devastated that he had been going through this all alone. They had to get him to the vet clinic right away.

He was now considered an urgent case and was rushed to Emergency Vet Partner. The vet was taken aback that the dog had even survived this long! When the vet and his team got closer, they could smell the infection ruminating from the tumor and the tissue around it. It was filled with puss and blood. He needed surgery immediately.

Once the vet removed the tumor, it was like looking at a whole new dog. He still needed IV antibiotics and pain meds around the clock. The rescue group started reaching out to medical fosters to take him in once he was discharged.

Amazingly, the former stray began to recover faster than expected and was well enough to go to his new home. His medical foster mom simply adores him! She makes sure he makes all his vet appointments and takes all his meds. He’s still on pain medication but is coming along really well! The vet says he will make a full recovery and live a normal life.

We are delighted that this precious pup was saved just in time! Thank you to all the animal heroes out there that do this out of the kindness of their hearts.

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.