When an animal has to fend for herself, everything becomes more challenging, especially staying safe and healthy, writes ilovemydogsomuch

Homeless animals contend with hunger, exposure to the elements, disease, and even fights with other strays. One dog was found all on her own lying near the entrance to a 7-11. She found a spot where she felt safe, by the front step, and passed out.

Thankfully, a kind human saw the dog and called a rescue organization immediately. The woman waited with the dog until help arrived. The poor pup was so depleted that she couldn’t even wake up. Her face was swollen, likely from a bite from another animal. It is unclear if it was from another stray dog or cat that fought her for food or if it was from an encounter with a hungry wild animal.

The rescue ambulance pulled up soon after. The woman who found the dog was so relieved to see them! These animal rescuers were amazing! They had their own state-of-the-art vehicle, uniforms, and plenty of equipment in case an animal needed urgent intervention. The rescuers called the vet clinic and told them they were bringing a dog, that was in bad shape, straight over.

Once they loaded the dog into the ambulance, they gave her IV fluids. This helped tremendously! When they arrived at the clinic, the dog had perked up a bit and was able to walk from the crate into the exam room. She proved that she was disoriented and had never been inside a building before. She walked straight into the glass windows. But luckily she didn’t hurt herself.

The dog, who was so sweet and calm, was then put up on the exam table. The initial fluids had worn off and she lapsed back into a semi-conscious state. This, of course, alarmed the vet. He put an IV back in and gave her more fluids. The veterinarian also administered pain medication. The doctor believes that the wound on her face was so painful that it caused the dog to go into shock.

The exhausted dog fought for her life. Her bloodwork came back and she had an infection. Things were touch and go but thankfully with successful antibiotics and 10 days at the clinic, the dog improved drastically. Some amazing news came next for the deserving pup, which you can see in the video below. We love a happy ending!

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.