A man who was suffering from end-stage liver disease attributes his survival to one thing: his dogs, writes ilovemydogsomuch

Zach, an admitted alcoholic, was told he was at the end of his life. His liver had completely shut down from years of alcohol abuse. His doctors gave him three months to live.

But Zach is still here and swears it’s his dogs that saved his life. Even without a liver transplant, Zach’s health completely turned around. While he lay suffering on his sofa, his dogs surrounded him. Through the miracle of love, Zach’s body began to heal itself. Especially when he embraced the adventures that lay ahead of him with his dogs at his side.

The dog lover decided that if it’s his dogs that saved his life, he would use his time on earth to rescue animals in need. He began to volunteer for the Humane Society and take in fosters (LOTS of fosters!). Zach never turned a dog away.

It’s 12 years later and Zach is still going strong. In fact, he started his own rescue organization, Marley’s Mutts. The organization has saved over 6,000 animals!

This is where a sweet dog named Vida comes in. We meet Vida at the beginning of the video made by The Dodo (posted below!) Vida is just a tiny thing that was brutally injured. Her jaw is broken in six places. Zach decides to take Vida in, no matter what the outcome is.

Once Vida’s mandible is removed, she is in much less pain. Zach is elated. He visits her right after surgery and she comes stumbling over. She knows where the love is at!

Soon, Zach can bring Vida home. Vida is given all the medical support she needs as well as the emotional support she craves. And soon, even without a mandible, Vida learns to eat and drink on her own! It’s incredible.

The little dog’s next step in life is truly a dream come true that you can’t miss. We won’t spoil it for you but let’s just say Zach is certainly paying it forward. As he continues to attribute his survival to his dogs and their love, he continues to save dogs so they too can experience a wonderful life. See Zach’s story and Vida’s happy ending in the video below!

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.