Dogs end up on their own for a number of reasons. Usually, they are lost and we do our best to reunite them with their families. One day, a dog appeared at a family’s home insistent on getting inside. She crawled beneath their backyard gate to say “hello”, writes ilovemydogsomuch

The husband thought she was quite adorable. She had a collar on but it was in bad shape. The wife wasn’t a fan of the dog and wanted her to leave. She would take her own dogs inside, afraid the strange dog would bite them. But the dog didn’t have a mean or aggressive bone in her body!

The couple figured she likely belonged to someone in the neighborhood or the neighboring town. When she would come by, the husband would continue to welcome her but the wife would get upset. She felt she was a nuisance.

The kind husband suggested they write a note to her owner and attach a camera to her so they could see where she went. That’s when a heartbreaking scenario unfolded.

When they viewed the footage they could see that everywhere the sweet dog went, she was unwelcome. People ushered her away from their property. You could hear some of the neighbors shouting at her to go away. It was terrible. All this sweet dog wanted was to be loved.

The couple asked their vet to come and see if she was healthy and if he had any advice. He came over and examined the dog. He was certain she belonged to someone because she was so well-behaved and friendly. He tells the couple that this dog is used to being pet and shown love and that is why she is so loving in return.

She crawls under their gate every day with a smile on her face. How could anyone deny her?

Finally, the wife has a change of heart. Once she watched the video of everyone shooing the dog away and hearing what the vet had to say, she felt bad for the dog. She agrees with her husband that they can hold onto the dog and care for her until her owner is found. If her owner isn’t found, they will keep her and officially adopt her.

Even though the wife was difficult at first, we are thrilled she had a change of heart. The full story is posted below. It has some silly music and graphics but there is an important underlying message: never assume anything. Love first, ask questions later!

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.