She was scared, hungry, and in pain… waiting and slowly losing all hope.
“Why did you get me if you weren’t going to love me? Why am I hungry? Why am I in a ditch? Why is everything hurting… Why?”
There were so many unanswered questions, that sadly, she’ll never get an answer to, but that doesn’t matter anymore.
She decided to trust a human voice one last time and she was thankfully rewarded with love – the one that will never turn their back on her.
Help Me, Please
The founder of the North Carolina-based rescue, “Ruby and Laurel Animal Rescue, Inc.,” was walking down the road one afternoon when she suddenly spotted a tiny white head popping out of the ditch.
She couldn’t believe her eyes.
As she crouched down to get closer to her level, the terrible smell of her mangey skin hit her.
The poor puppy needed help so badly, and it was somewhat of a miracle that it was she, the founder of an animal shelter, who came across her.
“This baby has seen the worst of humans, but still belly crawled out of the ditch and into my arms. She goes in first thing tomorrow for medical treatment and vaccines,” Margaret Hamilton, Founder and Executive Director, wrote on TikTok.
The puppy was in so much pain, having suffered a lot in her short life, but she still found the strength to crawl out of the ditch and into the arms of the kind person.
She immediately melted in Margaret’s arms, offering so much love despite everything.
She brought the little puppy home for the night, where she trimmed her overgrown nails and gave her a medicated bath.
The poor pup was sunburned on top of her demodectic mange, and her skin was very red and painful.
The Road To Recovery
The next morning, Maggie brought the puppy to the veterinary clinic in North Carolina for an exam. The vet confirmed she was heartworm-negative and approximately three years old, but needed medication to treat her ringworm and her mange.
She was so tiny that everyone was shocked she was almost three years old because she still looked like a puppy. She must have had a very rough three years of her life.
They decided to name her Slurpee!
In just two days after being rescued, Slurpee changed so much. Her little personality blossomed, and she turned into the happiest little girl ever.
“Slurpee is feeling better by the day and we are already seeing improvements on her skin condition. Demodectic mange looks scary but is not contagious,” Maggie wrote on TikTok.
In a couple of weeks, she will hopefully be completely healthy and forget the ditch she was heartlessly dumped into.
Better days are ahead of you, sweet girl.
If you want to help Slurpee and the rescue that saved her life, please donate to their GoFundMe page.
If you’ve ever looked into your furry friend’s eyes and felt a deep connection, you’ve probably wondered about the emotions behind them. Dogs have a unique way of communicating their feelings, but have you ever noticed tears rolling down their cheeks? The idea of dogs shedding tears may tug at your heartstrings, but the mystery behind it is worth exploring.
As a seasoned dog trainer, you’ve witnessed a range of behaviours in these loyal companions. Every action seems to convey a message from wagging tails to playful barks. But when it comes to tears, the story might not be as straightforward as it seems. Let’s take a closer look at this intriguing aspect of canine behaviour and uncover the hidden truths behind whether dogs truly shed tears.
The Anatomy of Dog Tears
Let’s understand the anatomy of dog tears. Dogs have tear ducts for lubricating and protecting their eyes, similar to humans. The primary function of tears is to keep the eyes moist and free from debris.
- Composition of Dog Tears:
Dog tears contain water, oils, mucus, and antibodies. These components work together to maintain the eye’s health and protect it from infections. - Emotional vs. Physical Tears:
Dogs produce tears for both emotional and physical reasons. Emotional tears are linked to feelings, while physical tears help cleanse the eyes and remove irritants. - Tear Production in Dogs:
Dog tear production is essential for eye health. Excessive tearing or lack of tears can indicate underlying health issues that need veterinary attention. - Signs of Eye Discomfort:
If your dog shows signs of excessive tearing, squinting, redness, or discharge, it could signal eye discomfort or a possible eye infection. Consulting a vet is crucial in such cases.
Understanding the anatomy of dog tears sheds light on how dogs communicate their emotions and maintain their eye health. Keeping an eye on your furry friend’s tear production and eye condition is vital for their overall well-being.
Signs of Emotional Distress in Dogs
Dogs, like humans, can experience emotional distress, and it’s crucial to recognize the signs to support your furry friend’s well-being. Here are some indicators that your dog may be going through emotional distress:
- Behavior Changes: If your dog suddenly starts behaving differently, such as becoming more withdrawn, agitated, or unusually aggressive, it could be a sign of emotional distress.
- Appetite and Eating Habits: A change in appetite, whether your dog starts eating significantly more or less, can be an indication that something is amiss emotionally.
- Excessive Licking or Chewing: Dogs may resort to excessive licking or chewing on themselves as a coping mechanism when feeling distressed.
- Avoidance or Hiding: If your dog starts avoiding interactions, hiding in unusual places, or isolating themselves, they might be dealing with emotional turmoil.
- Increased Vocalization: Unusual whining, barking, or howling that persists could signal that your dog is in emotional distress.
- Destructive Behavior: Engaging in destructive behavior like chewing furniture or excessive digging can be a manifestation of underlying emotional issues.
- Potty Accidents: Suddenly having accidents indoors after being housetrained could be a result of emotional distress rather than a behavioral problem.
Recognizing these signs of emotional distress in your dog can help you provide the care and support they need. If you notice any of these behaviors, consulting with a veterinarian or a professional dog behaviorist is advisable to address your furry companion’s emotional well-being effectively.
Reasons Why Dogs Cry
1. Pain or Discomfort
When your dog is in pain or discomfort, they may cry to communicate their distress. This could be due to an injury, illness, or underlying health issue. It’s crucial to monitor your dog’s behavior and seek veterinary care if you notice excessive crying.
2. Anxiety or Fear
Dogs may cry when they’re anxious or fearful. Loud noises, new environments, separation anxiety, or traumatic experiences can trigger crying in dogs. Providing a safe and comforting environment can help alleviate their anxiety.
3. Attention-Seeking Behavior
Some dogs cry to seek attention from their owners. They may whine or whimper to gain your focus or affection. While it’s essential to show love to your furry friend, rewarding crying behavior excessively might encourage it further.
4. Loneliness or Boredom
If left alone for long periods, dogs may cry due to loneliness or boredom. They thrive on companionship and interaction with their human family. Engaging them with toys, puzzles, or interactive play can help alleviate their feelings of isolation.
5. Discomfort or Need
Dogs may cry to express discomfort or fulfill a specific need. Whether they’re hungry, thirsty, or need to relieve themselves, crying can be their way of signaling these basic requirements. Regular feeding schedules and ample hydration can address such crying instances.
6. Temperature Sensitivity
Extreme temperatures, either too hot or too cold, can cause discomfort for dogs, leading to crying or whining. Ensuring a comfortable environment with appropriate bedding, heating, or cooling options can help regulate their comfort levels.
7. Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions, such as eye issues, dental problems, or allergies, can also cause dogs to cry. Regular veterinary check-ups and prompt treatment of any health concerns can prevent unnecessary distress for your furry companion.
Understanding the reasons behind your dog’s crying behavior can help you address their needs effectively and ensure their overall well-being. If you notice persistent or concerning crying episodes, consulting with a veterinarian or a professional dog behaviorist is advisable to rule out any underlying issues.
Do Dogs Cry Tears of Joy?
Dogs don’t cry tears of joy like humans do. When dogs experience happiness, they may show it through tail wagging, playfulness, or excited behavior. Joy in dogs is often displayed through physical actions rather than tears.
Unlike humans, dogs’ tear ducts are not designed to produce emotional tears. Instead, they primarily produce tears to protect and lubricate the eyes. So, if your dog seems happy and playful, it’s more likely to wag its tail than shed tears of joy.
Observing your dog’s body language and behavior is key to understanding their emotions. Pay attention to how they interact with you, their environment, and other animals. Understanding your dog’s signals can help you strengthen your bond and ensure their well-being.
While tears of joy may not be part of a dog’s emotional repertoire, they can display a range of other emotions through their actions. Whether it’s excitement, fear, or contentment, dogs communicate their feelings in various ways, providing ample opportunities for you to connect with and care for your furry friend.
Remember, every dog is unique, and the more you observe and understand your dog, the stronger your connection will be. So, enjoy the tail wags, playful antics, and companionship that your dog offers, knowing that their expressions of joy go beyond shedding tears.
The Difference Between Dog Tears and Human Tears
Dog tears and human tears differ in composition and purpose. While humans shed tears as a response to emotions, such as sadness or joy, dogs primarily produce tears for eye protection and lubrication. Here’s a breakdown of the dissimilarities:
- Composition:
- Human tears contain emotional elements like stress hormones, while dog tears serve the essential function of keeping their eyes moist and clear from debris.
- Emotional Significance:
- Humans cry emotional tears due to feelings like happiness or sorrow, whereas dogs express emotions through body language and vocalizations, not tears.
- Physiological Function:
- Dog tears help in maintaining eye health by preventing dryness and keeping their vision clear, unlike human tears that can be a response to various emotional stimuli.
Conclusion
You’ve learned that dogs don’t cry tears like humans do. While they may shed tears for physical reasons, like eye protection, their tears aren’t tied to emotions. Understanding your furry friend’s behavior cues is key to decoding their feelings. Dogs express joy through actions, not tears. By observing their body language, you can build a stronger bond and ensure their well-being. Remember, dogs communicate in their unique way, so pay attention to their signals. So, next time you see your dog’s eyes glistening, know that it’s likely for eye health rather than an emotional moment. Keep caring for your pup and cherishing the special connection you share.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why do dogs cry tears?
A: Dogs primarily produce tears for eye protection and lubrication, not as a response to emotions like humans.
Q: Can dogs cry tears of joy?
A: No, dogs do not cry tears of joy. They show happiness through actions like tail wagging instead.
Q: How do dogs communicate emotions if they don’t cry emotional tears?
A: Dogs communicate emotions through their behavior and body language, showcasing various feelings without shedding emotional tears.
Q: Why is it important to monitor a dog’s tear production?
A: Monitoring tear production in dogs is crucial for identifying potential health issues and ensuring eye health and comfort.
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Hey there, I’m Janet Brooks, a dog-loving student from California. I’m all about helping pups in need, especially those without homes. Me and my awesome friends work together to give shelter and love to stray dogs. Oh, and I also write blogs about dogs to share helpful info.