A Boston Terrier’s Tears: Understanding Canine Emotions and Expressions

A Boston terrier has broken hearts on the internet after a video of her bursting into “literal tears” after her owner took her toy ball away from her went viral on social media. This heartwarming display of emotion has captivated millions of viewers and sparked a discussion about how dogs express their feelings.

The Emotional Video That Touched Hearts

In a post shared to TikTok in late July by user @real.iggy, the pup can be seen crying real tears as her owner comforts her after taking her fetch ball away. The accompanying caption explained the situation, stating, “She’s sad that I took her ball away,” followed by the powerful statement, “Literal tears being shed.” The video quickly went viral on TikTok, garnering over 2.4 million views and 363,000 likes.

Can Dogs Really Cry?

Dogs are sensitive animals and are capable of experiencing a range of emotions, including joy, fear, and sadness. However, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC), dogs don’t cry tears like humans do. Their tear ducts are not connected to their brains, which means that their tears aren’t directly linked to their emotions.

So how do dogs express their emotions? The AKC explains that most dogs utilize various vocalizations, such as whining or whimpering, to communicate their feelings. These vocalizations are learned during puppyhood as a means to grab their mother’s attention.

The Significance of Dog Tears

When a dog’s eyes appear watery, it’s not necessarily a sign of emotional distress. Instead, it could indicate an underlying issue. According to the AKC, dogs’ tears may be a result of allergies, blocked tear ducts, eye infections, scratched corneas, or the presence of foreign objects in their eyes.

TikTok Users Respond

After the heartwrenching video spread across TikTok, viewers flooded the comments section with their reactions. One user pleaded, “Give that baby her ball back right now,” while another expressed concern by saying, “If a dog’s eyes water, you should take them to the vet.” Others shared their own experiences with dramatic Boston terriers and were touched by the dog’s sniffles and checking behavior.

Concerned viewers couldn’t help but empathize with the pup, urging the owner to return the toy ball. One commenter remarked, “Give her ball back. She’s breaking my heart. How can she not be breaking your heart? She is so sweet.”

Please note that the details of the case presented in the video could not be verified.

Sharing Your Pet’s Special Moments

If you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet that you’d like to share, we would love to see them! Send your submissions to life@newsweek.com along with some details about your furry friend. They could be featured in our Pet of the Week lineup, bringing joy to pet lovers everywhere.

Remember, dogs have their unique ways of expressing themselves, and it’s crucial to pay attention to their behavior and seek veterinary care if needed. Let’s celebrate the incredible bond between humans and their beloved pets.