Stray dogs are just as good as other dogs, if not better. Sadly, these adorable creatures are often abandoned on the streets and have to fight for their very lives. Their bad circumstances make them afraid of people and aloof with them. However, no matter how humans treat them, they still love people and consider them as best friends.

A lost toddler who went missing from home was found on the streets of St. Louis, Missouri walking with a stray pit bull that appeared to be protecting him. The pit bull refused to leave the boy’s side until he was reunited with his family.

According to FOX 2, the young boy named Kh’amorion Taylor was wearing his pajamas and wandering down a street on the morning of October 1st with the dog by his side when a neighbor spotted him. The neighbor was shocked to see the pit bull seemingly guarding the young boy until he got home safely.

The neighbor, who wished to remain anonymous, was walking her dogs when she found the boy. “I knocked on the doors up and down the street,” she told the TV station. “Knocked on the doors, no answers; no one who did answer, they didn’t recognize the child.”

“He looked well taken care of, he was very neat, very clean; he just didn’t have the shoes on,” the woman said of Taylor. Taylor’s father eventually recognized his son on a social media post and was reunited with him shortly after. Taylor is said to have said “puppy” repeatedly as the dog was taken in by the St. Louis Police Department.

The Good Samaritan said she thought it was part of her civic duty to help. “It is important that we stick together, that we help each other, that we go back to the things that our grandparents and their community used to do,” she told FOX 2. “That we build a sense of unity.”

Watch the video here:

As for Taylor’s canine guardian angel, the St. Louis Police Department is now thinking about adopting the stray dog. Many people have since commented on the department’s Facebook page asking them to adopt the dog. “Are you adopting the stray pitbull? Please adopt him as an honorary member,” wrote one person.”PLEASE adopt the loving Pit Bull….He deserves a safe good home! Don’t allow him to stay on the streets…” wrote another.

We’re hopeful such a loving, protective dog will find a forever home soon.

Source: Reshareworthy

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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.