Tennessee couple Bryan and Alicia Holloway would often let their 18-month-old toddler, Bryson, play with their family dog in the yard. Their bright Australian Shepherd dog, named Shiloh, would always be gentle with Bryson, so the Holloways were sure that their kid was safe with the dog, writes ilovemydogsomuch

One day, the parents panicked when they saw Shiloh aggressively lunging at Bryson while playing in the yard. For a second, the Holloways doubted the dog’s intentions. But then they saw a huge Copperhead snake crawling by their son’s foot! Shiloh didn’t care about his own life and immediately attacked the snake!

Within the next few seconds, Shiloh used his body to shield his tiny human brother from the snake. The snake escaped the yard but the dog shivered uncontrollably and collapsed on the ground. The parents realized that their brave pooch had been bitten by the venomous snake. They rushed Shiloh to the hospital, where he received timely antibiotics and antihistamines that saved his life!

Shiloh endured immense swelling and pain for a few weeks, but he’s doing okay now. The family is extremely grateful to Shiloh for rising up in the face of danger and saving their little boy. They consider themselves blessed to have such a loyal and brave companion by their side. As for Shiloh, he proudly considers himself to be the bona fide protector of the Holloway clan!

Click the video below to watch a report on how Shiloh heroically battled the snake and saved baby Bryson’s life!

Source: ilovemydogsomuch.com

---------

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.