Dog in Florida Was Born With Lime Green Fur – Here's What Caused It

by Angela Vuckovic

Published: May 8th, 2024

otsphoto/Shutterstock

On St. Patrick’s Day, everything is in green – people wear green outfits, put up green decorations, even drink green beer, and it seems that one pooch from Florida wanted to join in on the fun. Born exactly on St Patty’s Day, one Golden Retriever from a seemingly usual litter of pups sported green fur instead of the usual cream color! He was aptly named Shamrock for his emerald hair and became an internet star overnight for the same reason.

Carole DeBruler, the owner of the Golden Treasures Kennel in Pensacola, Florida, was the first to snap photos of the incredible puppy, just moments after it was born. “It was so shocking when we saw her”, she said, adding that the little doggo was clearly “born lucky”.

DeBruler filmed a detailed video of the puppy, posting it on the popular platform TikTok, where it quickly garnered over 8 million views. Of course, DeBruler was quick to explain the strange phenomenon at play here. The puppy was most likely stained with biliverdin, which was caused by bile in the womb of the dog's mom. It goes without saying that doggos don’t come with green fur, but the reason for this phenomenon is a natural, albeit rare occurrence. The condition is absolutely harmless and went away on its own as little Shamrock grew older.

DeBruler emphasized that Shamrock is completely healthy and happy, and just a tiny bit smaller than the rest of the puppies in the litter. In a follow-up video, a few weeks later, it was clear that Shamrock’s unique lime green color faded, but that his "feisty personality is just getting stronger."

Shamrock, just like her siblings, is an English cream golden retriever, meaning that their fur is a bit lighter than the standard coloring of most Golden Retrievers. And while they all certainly are prime examples of their noble breed, little Shamrock definitely stepped out of the norm with its striking green coat! Talk about a one-in-a-million occurrence!

Angela Vuckovic

A proud mama to seven dogs and ten cats, Angela spends her days writing for her fellow pet parents and pampering her furballs, all of whom are rescues. When she's not gushing over her adorable cats or playing with her dogs, she can be found curled up with a good fantasy book.

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Is Yawning Contagious Between Humans And Dogs? Study Says It Is

Many owners claim that when they yawn, their dog yawns, too. And now researchers have confirmed that they are right. Several studies have shown that dogs are more likely to yawn when their owners yawn. This phenomenon is called contagious yawning and is well-known among humans - you’ve probably done it yourself countless times. When we hear, see, or sometimes just think about yawning, many of us yawn. Now, research shows that our four-legged companions exhibit the same behavior.Studies done on humans show that people who catch a yawn from another person have better social skills. Researchers believe that contagious yawns show that we empathize with our fellow yawner. But does the same hold true for dogs?“It’s reasonable to assume that dogs who yawn when their owners do are more emotionally connected to them,” said Dr. Brian Hare, the founder of the Duke Canine Cognition Center at Duke University. Adding that dogs understand us better than any other animal, including primates.In humans, contagious yawning has been considered a sign of empathy. However, researchers are still debating whether this phenomenon may be a sign of a connection between people and their canine companions. A University in Tokyo study found that dogs yawned twice as often after watching their owners yawn than after watching strangers yawn. This finding suggested that a social bond associated with empathy might be behind this behavior. Teresa Romero, an animal behavioral researcher who conducted the study, explained that contagious yawning may be a way for animals who live together to coordinate their activities. This behavior may be deeply rooted in canine history, considering that they have been living with humans for more than 15,000 years. The long relationship with humans may have given the dogs the necessary tools to empathize with us.However, later studies were unable to determine such a connection. A meta-analysis of 257 dogs didn’t find conclusive evidence that contagious yawning in dogs is associated with empathy or familiarity.  “There’s just no strong support for a direct connection between contagious yawning and empathy, despite the fact that the predictions are very intuitive,” explained Andrew Gullap, a psychology professor at SUNY Polytechnic Institute in Utica, New York.  Dr. Hare, who studied dog yawns at Duke Canine Cognition Center has discovered that only five percent of dogs yawn contagiously. However, his findings come from an online, at-home test called Dognition. This test asks the owners to watch their dogs just for two minutes to see if they’ll do a contagious yawn. On the other hand, all other dog yawn studies have watched the dog for as long as five minutes after their owner yawned to see whether they’ll yawn too.“I’m not against the idea that dogs yawn contagiously,” Dr. Hare admitted. “We are just having a hard time demonstrating it. It’s possible we’re doing (the yawn test) wrong. We are going to analyze the data and find out more.” Several studies have concluded that dogs can yawn contagiously when they see or hear a person yawn. However, scientists still haven’t figured out what contagious yawning means. Studying dog yawning is difficult because dogs can yawn for many reasons - some of which have nothing to do with seeing a human yawn. Dogs can yawn spontaneously, and let’s not forget that yawning can be a sign of stress in dogs. A dog’s stress levels may be heightened during laboratory experiments in which the dog is videotaped to see whether they’ll yawn or not, affecting results.Hopefully, scientists will find better ways to study contagious yawning in dogs and discover what this behavior means. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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Does My Cat Have a Urinary Tract Infection?

Is your cat using the litterbox more frequently? Have you seen them straining or struggling to do their business? These are common signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI), a struggle faced by many aging cats.While a UTI is not life-threatening if caught early, it can be incredibly uncomfortable for your feline friend.This post will help you learn the signs and symptoms of a UTI in cats, understand the causes of an infection, and equip you with the information needed to decide if a trip to the vet is necessary. Most importantly, it will help you take steps to keep your cat feeling happy and healthy as quickly as possible.What Is A Urinary Tract Infection in Cats?Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are bacterial infections that occur in a cat’s bladder or urethra. UTIs are common in dogs but much less regularly seen in cats. However, senior cats and those with endocrine diseases, like hyperthyroidism or diabetes, are at a much higher risk. Luckily, these infections areas easily treated in most cases if caught and addressed early. This is why it’s so crucial for cat parents to be familiar with the warning signs.Common Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infections in CatsWhen a cat begins to experience an infection, the warning signs are subtle and may be hard to spot. This is further complicated by the fact that symptoms can mimic many other conditions that affect the urinary tract or bladder.The most common signs to watch out for include:Straining or struggling to urinateOnly passing small amounts of urine or failing to urinate completelyBlood in the urineCrying or vocalizing while urinatingIncreased frequency of urination Accidents outside the litterboxFrequent licking of the genitalsAs some of the conditions associated with these warning signs can be severe or life-threatening, and a UTI left unaddressed can quickly become more serious, you shouldn’t ignore any of the red flags. If you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinarian.Can Urinary Tract Infections in Cats Go Away on Their Own?If the infection is mild and your cat has a strong immune system, there is a chance that their body can fight off the infection effectively. However, this only occurs in the early stages, before any noticeable symptoms. If you have noticed any of the signs I listed above, the infection has likely progressed to the point that it requires treatment and veterinary care.Are Urinary Tract Infections Contagious?If you have multiple cats in your home, you will be relieved to hear that UTIs are not contagious from cat to cat. However, the development of a UTI in one cat could indicate that lifestyle or nutritional choices are being made that could increase the risk of other cats suffering from a similar struggle.This is a good sign to take a step back and reevaluate the decisions that have been made, including what you feed your cats, accessibility to fresh water (or encouragement to drink more water), and potential stress triggers. For more about this, keep reading to see tips to prevent a UTI in cats.How Does a Veterinarian Diagnose a UTI?When you first visit your vet’s office, they will conduct a physical exam and likely perform a urinalysis. This will help them better understand your cat’s physical condition and will help rule out many of the conditions associated with the warning signs. They will likely ask you several questions related to your cat’s lifestyle, water consumption, how often and how much they are urinating, and whether there have been any noticeable behavioral changes.The urinalysis checks your cat’s urine for the presence of substances like blood, proteins, sugar, and ketones. This provides unique insight into your cat’s overall health and well-being, helping your vet better understand what is happening.Your vet may also send a urine sample for a urine culture. This will confirm if there is a bacterial infection and the type of bacteria present. Unfortunately, a urine culture will often take several days before the results are available.Additional testing may be needed in rare cases, depending on the results of the initial exam. This could include x-rays, blood pressure, ultrasounds, or biopsies. Your veterinarian will provide you with more detailed information about what tests are needed and why they are necessary.

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For most dogs, taking some form of pills – be it a supplement for preventing health issues or a medicine to treat existing ones – is a part of their daily routine. Sadly, that doesn’t mean that most dogs are used to the process and that they take the pill without protesting. Even though in most cases pills are not optional, our doggos often stubbornly refuse to ingest them. They’ll whimper, run, or straight out refuse to open their mouth. So how do you go about it and give a pill to your dog? Here are some useful tips and tricks that can make this task simple and quick!How to Get a Dog to Take a Pill – 5 Simple Tricks You Can Try Right NowOne of the best tricks you can use is to hide the pill in food. As we all know, most pooches are voracious and will gobble up anything you have in your hand. Any tasty treat will be quickly gulped down, with the hidden pill as well! In case you have a smart doggo on your hands, you can trick them by “accidentally” dropping some food with the pill hidden inside it and try to fake – prevent them from taking it – that works wonders for my spoiled poodle who’d eat anything if she thinks it’s forbidden. You can also try peanut butter, as it is sticky and flavorful, making it hard for the dog to detect the pill. Meat is great too, as dogs love it and it can hide a pill easily. If your dog is a picky eater or simply finds a way to get the pill out of the food every time you try to sneak it, you can also utilize  the specially designed pill pocket treats for dogs, which have a special hiding place for a pill. They’re irresistible too!

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Cat Saved from Hot Car Now Modeling for Target

It was a heartbreaking discovery for animal lovers in June 2002 when 47 cats were rescued from extreme heat in a vehicle parked at an eastern Minnesota rest stop. The cats were medically assessed, cared for, and adopted out to loving families. Unfortunately, during the rescue, one of the cats ran off, leading to a month-long search. A cat matching the missing kitty’s description was found sitting on a doorstop in the area and brought to Tuff Start Rescue by a good Samaritan. The cat was in rough shape after a sweltering heat and a month on the run. “When he got to us, his jaw was severely fractured, his temperature wouldn’t read, he had a severe maggot infestation in his mouth, his ears, everywhere,” described Dr. Nicole Perreault, a veterinarian, and Tuff Start Rescue’s founder and president. “It was like a visceral pain when I looked at him, and wondered, OK, what do we do here? What’s the most humane [thing to do?] but then he lifted his head and looked at me, and I thought, ‘OK, you have survived all this time to make it to this clinic and this rescue.’ So I was like, we’re gonna give this a shot.” The cat, named Hercules, had a long road to recovery, including specialized foods, around-the-clock medications, and jaw surgeries to stabilize his jaw. Little did anyone know that this second chance was only the start of an impressive story… Throughout his recovery, Hercules was under the care of his foster mom, Jill LeBrun. Before long, it was clear that life with LeBrun wasn’t just a temporary stop in his journey. Accepting that it was meant to be, LeBrun officially adopted Hercules and happily welcomed him into her family. Now ten years old, Hercules continues to thrive in LeBrun’s care. He loves bird watching, nibbling his favorite kitty treats, and being loved on by anyone and everyone. He has also started a new chapter in his life. After discovering a local animal talent agency was searching for cats “with unique faces” for upcoming work, LeBrun submitted a photo of Hercules for consideration. His adorable little face and tongue, always hanging out, quickly captured hearts, and he was called in for a photoshoot. Shortly after the photoshoot, she was shopping at Target when she was met with a heartwarming surprise – a familiar face staring back from the store shelves. “I got to the cat litter aisle, and all of a sudden, the whole aisle was like, Hercules’ face on all the rows of cat litter pails,” LeBrun described. “There was another woman in the aisle looking for products, and I had to stop myself from looking over at her and being like, ‘That’s my cat!’” She confessed to being a proud cat mom, taking pictures of the products before straightening up all the pails to best showcase her adorable little model. Why is LeBrun so excited to share Hercules’ story? She hopes his tale of recovery and success can help encourage others to consider fostering or adopting an animal in need -even if they look a little “different.” You never know when you’ll find your new best friend (or the next furry model).Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

First Pet Lounge Launched at Chinese Airport

Flying with pets can be stressful, from navigating security screening and busy airports to keeping your pet safe and settled on the flight. But Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport in China has decided that it’s time to make some changes to pet-friendly travel.After recognizing that a growing number of pets are traveling through the airport, it was decided that there was a demand for pet-specific accommodations. As a result, they created the first pet waiting lounge in the country, offering a comfortable place for pets to wait during layovers, flight delays, or unexpected cancellations.The lounge features 24-hour surveillance, temperature and humidity monitoring with alerts, and location tracking. It is regularly staffed and patrolled by pet specialists and offers both on-demand feeding and remote medical services as needed.The facility is approximately 2260 square feet (210 square meters) and was designed with pets in mind. It offers separate dog and cat zones, a pet entertainment area, and dedicated waiting spaces.“Pets are often treated as ‘live cargo’ in air transport, but the ‘furry children’ have already become members of many families,” explained Zhou Jie, general manager of Shenzen Airport Domestic Cargo Terminal. “The establishment of the pet lounge has changed the mode of mixed transport of pets and air cargo in the past. Based on the digital platform and internet of things technology, a remote medical diagnosis system and epidemic prevention measures have been introduced to provide pets with foster care, nursing, and other services to ensure their safety and comfort.”While this is the first pet-specific lounge in China, it’s not the first to be built worldwide. Several other airports have created specialized services to care for pets traveling through their doors or are near pet-focused accommodations.Directly next to Los Angeles International Airport, Kennel Club LAX provides luxury amenities for pet visitors, including a high-end pet hotel, grooming, spa treatments, training, a play area, and other activities to ensure that furry travelers enjoy the best possible experience during their stay. Soothing music helps to create a relaxing environment, and a dedicated free shuttle will ensure your pet doesn’t miss their flight.Another US-based example is the ARK at John F Kennedy Airport in Queens, New York. Unlike Kennel Club LAX, the ARK is airport-owned and operated – the only such facility currently operating in the country.In addition to dog and cat zones, the ARK offers care for horses, birds, and livestock. The ARK Pet Oasis, dedicated to caring for companion animals, features spacious kennels with 24-hour observation. Pets are provided with food, water, crate cleaning, opportunities for outdoor relief, and, if you choose to add the service, a bath. They are also uniquely qualified to assist with U.S. Customs Clearance.A USDA Level II certified veterinarian is on-site to provide care in the event of illness or emergency. When required, pets can be transported off-site to a nearby veterinary hospital.Dedicated pet lounges and facilities like those listed here are the exception. However, travel-loving pet parents across the country and worldwide can celebrate the fact that new accommodations continue to be developed and opened for pet travelers. We look forward to a pet-friendly future at airports everywhere!Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Scientists Found a New Type of Training that Makes Dogs Better Behaved

Training a dog can seem intimidating, and doesn’t always yield the expected results. Luckily for all dog owners out there, a new study has found another way to train your four-legged companion. Scientists at Aberystwyth University, located in Wales, United Kingdom, have discovered that scent training could improve pet dogs' behavior. The study shows that pet dogs trained to detect scents have a better mental ability and capacity to carry out certain tasks.Previous research only compared highly trained working dogs, like assistance dogs or search and rescue dogs, with untrained pet dogs. Now, for the first time, the researchers have tested the effects of scent training on two groups of untrained dogs. A research team from Aberystwyth University led the study in collaboration with Emma Stoker, owner of Puppy Plus, a dog training company based in Newton, Wales.The study involved 40 dogs of varying degrees of training, whose owners were asked to fill out a questionnaire with basic information about their pet. Researchers gave the dogs two tasks, both requiring impulse control. In the first test, called the “detour task”, the dogs needed to navigate a transparent barrier to get food. The second “A not B task”, tested the dogs’ ability to switch their choice from one pot to another, depending on where food was placed. Researchers separated the dogs into two groups to see whether their ability to detect scents would improve their cognitive ability. The dogs in the first group were given the “detour task” and had to navigate around a transparent barrier to get a treat. In the second group, the researchers said “Look” to the dog to get its attention and then showed it a treat before hiding it under a pot. Dogs in the second group underwent scent training, separated into three phases - familiarization, training, and test phase. In the first phase, only one pot was used. In the training phase, two pots were used, and in the final, test phase, three pots were used.Pate scent was rubbed on all pots to make it harder for the dogs to sniff out where the treat was hidden. If the dog didn’t respond within 20 seconds of being released to find the treat, or if it picked the wrong pot, the dog was shown the treat but wasn’t rewarded. Researchers discovered that dogs who received scent training performed the tasks more efficiently than those who weren’t trained. The study also showed that scent training improved dogs’ inhibitory control and helped them focus on completing a specific task. What’s important for dog owners to know is that poor impulse control is believed to be the main cause of a lot of unwanted behaviors in dogs, such as house soiling and destructive behavior. This new study suggests that scent training could help owners improve their dogs’ behavior. Dr. Sarah Dalesman, the co-author of the study, said: “This research shows that dogs that train primarily in scent work have stronger inhibitory control, suggesting that this training can have a positive effect on their behavior.”“Scent training is offered by a lot of dog trainers, and easy to practice at home. It might offer a great way for owners to improve their pets’ behavior, and we’re aiming to test this theory in future studies.”If scent training isn’t compatible with the way your pup learns, you can try agility or puzzle training. Puzzle training provides mental and physical stimulation and can come in handy when a dog needs to stay home alone or confined. Agility training is another option. Agility is a sport in which you direct your dog through a pre-set obstacle course allowing them to gain problem-solving skills. Try different training activities with your dog to find out what you and your pooch enjoy doing together the most.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Dog Weddings Are The Latest Trend in China – And It’s Adorable

A lavish tiered cake, a dreamy outdoor venue, white lace, and flowing gowns – it is a sure recipe for a dream wedding. But don’t be surprised to hear that it was arranged for a pair of Golden Retrievers, Bree and Bond. In front of all their friends and family – both human and canine – they “tied the knot” and became newlyweds.This happened in China, where pet weddings are on the rise – a stark contrast to the fast-declining marriage and birth rates of the populace in China. The latest trend of splurging on pet weddings is steadily rising in China as Reuters reports, especially in its urban centers. In fact, spending on dogs has increased by 3.2% in 2023, to a grand total of 279.3 billion yuan ($38.31 billion), a steep rise from just one year before. "People have weddings. Why can't dogs have weddings?" said Rye Ling for Reuters, owner of newlywed retriever Bree. He was emotional after escorting his female pet down the aisle, where she “exchanged vows promising to always share treats and play with her husband Bond”.Bree and Bond’s owners, Rye Ling and Gigi Chen, said to the news outlets that they are in no rush to get married themselves and that they have instead meticulously planned the wedding ceremony of their pets months ahead. They arranged for professional photography, wedding booklets, and a custom-made, 800-yuan (cca $110) wedding cake that even had Bree and Bond toppers!The owner of a Shanghai-based pet bakery, Yang Tao, said that she was initially surprised that someone ordered a lavish wedding cake for their pets."I think there will be more and more dog weddings," she said, adding that it was not the first time she catered for such ceremonies since opening in 2022. "We have already received an order for a few months from now ... and that's for a dog wedding."Rye Ling added that his hope was for the wedding ceremony to give Bree and Bond a “sense of ritual”. He added that he wanted only one child and that he also hopes to welcome puppies soon.

Dog Gets Bitten in the Face to Save His Owner From a Venomous Snake

A dog from Colorado Springs is being called a hero after stepping between his owner and a rattlesnake, saving her from a venomous bite.The pup’s name is Rizzo. The loyal and brave lab-mix has a wonderful personality and has been an essential part of his owner’s life, bringing emotional support and company.On Monday morning, Rizzo and his owner, Carrisa Welch, were hiking when a rattlesnake, lying in wait in the middle of the hiking trail, struck. “I heard the rattle, turned around, and instantly yanked him,” Rizzo’s owner told KRDO. Unfortunately, she pulled Rizzo too late, and he was bitten in the face. The poor pooch ended up spending a day and a half in the emergency room.“I wasn’t wearing my boots. Those were my trail running shoes - if he had not taken the bite I feel like it would have been me,” said Welch.Welch’s brother-in-law, Joshua Randall, has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover the cost of Rizzo’s treatment, which has created substantial expenses for his owner. According to the GoFundMe page, Rizzo has been an integral part of his owner’s life, bringing joy and companionship into Welsh’s everyday life. “His bravery and loyalty deserve recognition, and your contribution will ensure he receives the care he needs to heal and thrive once again,” wrote Randall in the campaign. Speaking with the local news outlet, Welch explained how Rizzo was there for her when she was dealing with mental health struggles in the past and that there’s no amount of money she wouldn’t pay to save her pup’s life. Rizzo is now home after racking up a few thousand dollars in vet bills. He has bald spots on the legs where the treatment was administered but is expected to make a full recovery.“I’m grateful and blessed to have him,” Welch said.Although only a few snake bites prove fatal before the dog receives emergency veterinary help, Rizzo was lucky to survive after being bitten in the face. The severity of the snakebite depends on several factors including, the dog’s size, the type and size of the snake, the amount of venom delivered, and the location of the bite wound. American Kennel Club advises owners to call their veterinarian or an emergency clinic immediately if a snake bites their dog. Owners should also inquire whether the vet or clinic carries the antivenom. Antivenom is the best treatment for snakebite and is the most effective when given immediately, but it will also work if administered hours or even days after a bite. Other possible treatments for snakebite in dogs include an opioid injection for the pain.Some veterinarians may attempt to treat snakebite on a dog using other methods, most of which are ineffective. Studies have shown that sucking out venom, antihistamines, ice, corticosteroids, antibiotics, and NSAIDs aren’t effective for treating venomous snakebites on dogs. Don’t take your dog to a vet who advocates the use of any of these methods for treating snakebites. This type of treatment won’t help your dog get better and you’ll also end up spending thousands of dollars for nothing. Eventually, when you decide to take your dog to another vet, you may not be able to afford the effective treatment your pooch needs to recover fully.If your dog gets bitten by a snake, try not to panic and always call the vet to ensure they have a proper treatment plan for venomous snakebites in place. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Elevate Your Pet's Wellbeing with Purina Pro Plan Innovative Nutrition

NOTE: This is sponsored content produced in partnership with Purina and PetSmartIn a world where our pets are not just companions but cherished members of the family, providing them with the best possible care is paramount. Central to that care is nutrition, and for those who seek the pinnacle of advanced, scientifically-backed formulas for their dogs and cats, Purina and their Pro Plan line stands as an industry leader.A Legacy of Innovation in Pet NutritionAt the heart of the Purina Pro Plan line is an unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of pet nutrition. This dedication is powered by a formidable team of over 500 nutritionists, veterinarians, and scientists who work tirelessly to develop formulas that meet the diverse needs of pets at every stage of their lives. With over 140 targeted formulas, Pro Plan offers a solution for every pet, whether it’s a dog with a sensitive tummy or an aging cat requiring a diet that supports cognitive health and longevity.Trusted by Experts, Chosen by Champions

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You might just be surprised at your dog's communication skills.

Puppy Dog Eyes Didn't Evolve Just for Humans, Study Finds

Every doggy parent will agree that resisting puppy dog eyes is virtually impossible. Until recently, researchers have believed that dogs developed this adorable and deeply manipulative facial expression because of domestication. But a new study debunks this theory.Previous research studies, published in 2019 and 2022, surmised that dogs evolved new muscles around their eyes to improve their communication with humans. However, a new study into African wild dogs challenges this theory, finding that other canine species have similar muscle adaptations that make them capable of pulling puppy dog eye expressions.The 2019 study found that domestic dogs had more developed specialized muscles around their eyes, compared to wolves, which allowed them to make a wider range of facial expressions. Researchers theorized that these muscles evolved as dogs began living with humans so they could mimic human expressions and therefore encourage their companions to take better care of them. “We were curious to see, is that true. Or do these muscles also exist in other highly social canids?” said Heather Smith, the lead author of the new study. Her findings were published in the journal The Anatomical Record.To see if other canines have the same puppy dog eye muscles as domestic dogs, scientists dissected a dead African wild dog that was donated by a zoo. To everyone’s surprise, African wild dogs had the same muscles and they were just as developed as those in domestic dogs. Additionally, researchers discovered that African wild dogs also possess facial muscles that support the movement of their characteristically large ears. “This morphology suggests that ocular facial expressions contribute to within-pack communication in wild dogs and are not unique to domestic dogs,” researchers wrote in the study. “African wild dogs have the same well-developed facial muscles that generate the puppy dog eye expression in domestic dogs,” said Smith. “So it kind of debunks the idea that domestic dogs are the only canids that have this, and that they evolved specifically for us.” African wild dogs communicate mostly vocally, but their well-developed facial muscles suggest that these canines use other, still unknown, non-vocal forms of communication within the pack. Researchers speculate that the well-developed facial muscles used for puppy dog eyes, help African wild dogs to silently communicate and coordinate while hunting. Previous studies into puppy dog eyes found that domestic dogs have more developed eye muscles around their eyes than wolves. Now, researchers believe that’s because wolves rely less on visual communication while hunting than domestic dogs and African wild dogs. Wolves hunt in many different landscapes, including in mountains and dense forests. In these conditions, each wolf is more likely to be hidden by a rock or a tree when stalking prey. As a result, wolves may have evolved to communicate using more complex vocalizations and scent signs rather than visual cues. Although puppy dog eyes didn’t evolve just for humans, this facial expression has helped strengthen the bond we have with our pups. Those tiny facial muscles flex, creating an infamously cute, pleading expression.Resisting puppy dog eyes is extremely hard, and dogs know it! Every time your pooch wants an extra treat, more time in the yard, or more food, they will look at you with those big pleading eyes and manipulate you into giving them exactly what they want.But, at the end of the day, there’s nothing to complain about. You love your pooch and will give them anything they want, puppy dog eyes or not. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Can Cats Suffer From Depression?

Does your otherwise playful and friendly cat no longer seem interested in their favorite toys? It’s natural to worry when you notice a change in your best friend’s behavior. Changes in your cat’s mood or activity level may signal that something more serious is happening. We often watch for the warning signs of physical illness, but what about depression? Did you know that your cat can also struggle with their mental health? This article will examine the very real risk of feline depression, including the warning signs, what to do if you suspect your cat may be struggling, and prevention tips. Discover helpful strategies to boost your cat’s mental health and help them get back to their usual playful, purring self today. Can Cats Get Depressed? Cats are known for their independence and aloof attitude, but this doesn’t mean they don’t feel things – sometimes very intensely. Just like people, your cat can suffer from mental health challenges, including anxiety and depression. Not only does depression impact them mentally and emotionally, but it can also affect their physical health and well-being. This is why it’s important for us to acknowledge the risks, identify signs that something is “off,” and seek help for our cats when needed. How Can I Tell if My Cat is Depressed? We all know cats are masters of hiding when they aren’t feeling well. This is why physical illnesses and sicknesses can be so difficult to spot. The same is true for cats who are facing challenges with their mental health. The signs are often subtle, meaning we, as cat parents, must be hyper-vigilant. Some of the more common warning signs to watch out for include: Increased vocalization (constant meowing, yowling)Loss of appetite Unexplained weight loss Sleeping more than usual or at times they’d typically be active Loss of interest in activities they once enjoyedDecreased grooming or attention to hygieneDull, matted coat No longer seeking attention or interaction Out-of-character aggression or irritability Hiding or isolating themselves Many of these signs can also be associated with physical illnesses or diseases. If you notice any of these changes, make an appointment with your veterinarian. They will run tests to rule out any physical health problems before discussing recommendations to help manage your cat’s mental health.