Do Dogs Cry? Understanding Dog Tears and Emotions

Do Dogs Cry? What Your Dog’s Tears Mean

Dog owners often wonder if their canine companions experience and express emotions in the same way humans do. When a dog gazes up with glassy, watery eyes, it’s easy to interpret this as crying out of sadness or joy. But is this really what’s happening? In this article, we explore what science and veterinarians say about dog tears, why dogs might appear to cry, and how dogs truly express emotions.

Are Dog Tears Emotional?

The instinct to view dog tears as emotional is understandable. After all, tears in humans are closely tied to feelings of happiness, grief, or frustration. However, the scientific consensus is that dogs do not cry emotional tears like humans do. According to Dr. Chantale Pinard, DVM, MSc, DACVO, humans are the only species capable of producing tears specifically in response to emotion. Dogs, while they can experience a range of emotions, do not shed tears because they are sad or happy.

That being said, recent research has shown that dogs’ tear volume can increase in particular situations, such as when they are reunited with their owners after a separation. This is believed to be linked to a surge in the hormone oxytocin, often called the “love hormone.” While this could be interpreted as a form of tears of joy, the current evidence suggests a more physiological than emotional basis for these tears. Notably, the act of measuring tears—involving filter paper touching the dog’s eye—could itself cause more tearing due to irritation.

Scientific Studies on Dog Tears

• Oxytocin and Tear Production: Research shows that oxytocin, a hormone involved in bonding and affection, may lead to increased tear production when dogs are reunited with their owners.
• Distinguishing Emotional from Physical Tears: While dogs may produce more tears in the presence of their favorite humans, these tears are not necessarily tied to complex emotions as they are in humans.
• Methodological Skepticism: Some scientists point out that experimental methods, like irritation from filter paper, could provoke tearing unrelated to emotion.

Why Do Dogs’ Eyes Tear Up?

If your dog has watery eyes or you notice tear stains beneath their eyes, you may wonder what’s going on. There are several common reasons for this, none of which are emotional in the way humans cry.

Common Causes of Dog Tears

• Allergies: Just like people, dogs can be allergic to pollen, dust, smoke, or even certain foods. Allergies often cause watery eyes.
• Foreign Objects: Dogs are curious and may get dust, dirt, hair, or other foreign objects in their eyes, triggering a tear response to help flush the irritant out.
• Infections or Illness: Eye infections, blocked tear ducts, or other health conditions can cause noticeable tearing.
• Injury: Scratches or trauma to the eye area will often result in excessive tearing.
• Breed Characteristics: Some breeds with prominent or protruding eyes, such as Shih Tzus, Pugs, and Bulldogs, are more prone to watery eyes and tear staining due to anatomical features.

When Should You Worry About Your Dog’s Tear Production?

Tearing is not always a cause for concern, but certain symptoms should prompt a visit to the veterinarian:

• Excessive, persistent tearing not related to environmental factors
• Redness, swelling, or discharge in or around the eyes
• Sensitivity to light or apparent pain
• Changes in vision or cloudiness in the eyes

How Do Dogs Express Sadness?

Although dogs do not cry with emotional tears, they do experience sadness and distress—and they have unique ways of communicating these feelings.

Signs Your Dog Is Sad

• Vocalizations: Whining, whimpering, or howling are classic signs of canine distress or sadness. These sounds often accompany situations where dogs feel lonely, anxious, or want attention.
• Body Language: Dogs may lower their heads, flatten their ears, or tuck their tails when sad. They might avoid eye contact or withdraw from interaction.
• Changes in Appetite: A sad or depressed dog may eat less or show reluctance to eat at all.
• Reduced Activity: Dogs experiencing sadness often become lethargic, play less, or sleep more than usual.
• Clinginess: Some dogs seek extra comfort, following their humans more closely or attempting to stay in physical contact.

Why Dogs Get Sad

• Loss of a companion animal or human family member
• Significant changes in the household, such as a move or new addition
• Lack of attention or stimulation
• Extended periods of isolation

How Do Dogs Express Happiness?

If dogs don’t shed tears when they’re happy, how do they show joy? The answer is in their exuberant body language and social behaviors:

• Wagging Tails: A classic sign of doggy joy, often accompanied by a wiggling body.
• Jumping and Spinning: Many dogs can’t contain their excitement and will leap or spin when greeting their favorite people.
• Face Licking: Licking is a sign of affection and social bonding.
• Play Bows: The classic “bow” with front legs on the ground and rear in the air signals playfulness and happiness.
• Vocalizations: Happy yips, barks, or even expressive “talking” noises are common during reunions or playtime.

Can Dogs Shed ‘Happy Tears’?

Recent studies have ignited public interest in whether dogs can shed tears of joy. Researchers found that dogs showed a measurable increase in tear production when reunited with their owners after a separation, and this increase correlated with higher oxytocin levels.

But many experts remain cautious about labeling these as true emotional tears. The increase in tear volume is likely linked to physiological changes in the dog’s body (like oxytocin surges) rather than a conscious emotional response as in humans. Additionally, the mechanics of measuring dog tears (using filter paper) may itself cause eye irritation and thus, more tears.

Debate: Are Dog Tears Emotional or Physical?

Regardless, it’s clear that dogs experience strong emotions about their humans and demonstrate them in a variety of ways—even if not through emotional tears.

Other Reasons for Tears in Dogs

Besides emotional and medical causes, there are practical factors to consider:

• Environmental Irritants: Smoke, perfumes, or cleaning chemicals can make a dog’s eyes water.
• Grooming Products: Shampoos, sprays, or soaps can lead to eye irritation if they come into contact with the eyes.
• Blocked Tear Ducts: Some dogs are born with tear ducts that do not drain properly, leading to tear overflow and staining.

How to Care for a Dog with Watery Eyes

• Gently wipe away tears with a clean, damp cloth.
• Keep the hair around your dog’s eyes trimmed to prevent irritation.
• Use vet-approved eye wipes or solutions—never products intended for humans.
• See a veterinarian if tearing persists, is accompanied by redness/discharge, or affects your dog’s comfort or vision.

How to Comfort a Sad Dog

If you suspect your dog is sad (but not medically ill), try the following:

• Increase play or exercise time to boost endorphins.
• Engage in gentle, reassuring petting or grooming.
• Provide mentally stimulating toys or treats.
• Establish routines for stability and comfort.
• If sadness persists or is accompanied by changes in appetite, energy, or bathroom habits, consult your veterinarian.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do dogs cry real tears like humans when sad?

No, dogs do not produce emotional tears when they’re sad. Their tears serve to clean and protect the eyes rather than express feelings.

What does it mean when my dog’s eyes are watery?

Watery eyes in dogs are usually due to environmental irritants, allergies, anatomical features, or medical conditions. If excessive or accompanied by other symptoms, see a vet.

Can dogs feel sadness?

Yes, dogs can feel sadness and distress, which they express through behavior, vocalization, and body language rather than tears.

Is it possible for dogs to cry tears of joy?

Some research suggests that dogs’ tear volume increases when reunited with their owners, possibly due to oxytocin. However, whether these are true emotional tears is debated.

Should I worry about tear stains on my dog’s face?

Tear stains are common in certain breeds and often not a cause for concern unless accompanied by other signs of infection, discomfort, or changes in eye appearance.

Summary: Understanding Dog Tears and Emotion

While dogs do not cry emotional tears as humans do, they are deeply emotional creatures with rich social lives and strong attachments to their families. Their tears are usually a response to irritation, anatomy, or medical issues, not sadness or joy. Dogs communicate their feelings through body language, vocalization, and enthusiastic greetings, which, to a loving owner, can be worth far more than any tears.

Author

Shinta

 

Shinta is a biotechnologist turned writer. She holds a master's degree in Biotechnology from Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences and a PG Diploma in cellular and molecular diagnostics from Manipal University. Shinta realised her love for content while working as an editor for a scientific journal.

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