When you notice your dog’s eyes wet, you might wonder, do dogs cry like humans do? Dogs do not cry as emotional tears as people do, but they can have watery eyes for various reasons, including happiness, stress, or eye health issues. This difference is critical to caring for your pet effectively. If your dog’s eyes are consistently watery, it could indicate an eye problem that requires veterinary attention. On the other hand, watery eyes during exciting moments can be a normal response to strong emotions or environmental factors.
Have you ever looked into your furry friend’s eyes and wondered if those glistening droplets mean they’re feeling sad like we do? For years, the answer from science was a firm “no.” But recent research is making us rethink everything we thought we knew about our canine companions and their emotional expressions.
The Surprising Truth About Dog Tears
Most dog owners will tell you their pets have a full range of emotions. We’ve all seen the tail wags of joy, the guilty look after destroying a shoe and those sad puppy eyes when we’re heading out the door. But can dogs actually cry emotional tears like humans do?
Traditionally veterinarians and animal behaviorists have maintained that dogs don’t cry emotional tears. As the American Kennel Club (AKC) explains while dogs have tear ducts that keep their eyes clean and functioning correctly, these tears typically drain back toward the throat and nose rather than spilling down their cheeks like human tears.
However, a groundbreaking study published in 2022 is challenging this long-held belief!
The Game-Changing Study on Dog Tears
In August 2022, researchers published a study in Current Biology Magazine that suggests dogs might produce emotional tears after all – specifically when reunited with their owners.
The researchers used what’s known as the Schirmer tear test to measure dogs’ tear volume before and after reunions with their owners. This test involves placing small pieces of filter paper inside the lower eyelid to absorb and measure tears.
What they found was fascinating:
- Dogs produced more tears when reunited with their owners compared to baseline measurements
- This increased tear production was significantly higher than when dogs were reunited with familiar non-owners
- The tears appeared to be related to the release of oxytocin, often called the “bonding hormone”
As reported by NPR, this study “challenges the long-held notion that humans are the only creatures that are capable of producing tears as an emotional response.”
Not Everyone Is Convinced
While the study has made waves in the scientific community, not all experts are convinced. Jessica Meekins, an associate professor of veterinary ophthalmology at Kansas State University, expressed skepticism to NPR about the findings.
Her concerns include
- Tear production naturally fluctuates in individual animals and species
- The study didn’t establish a clear cutoff for what would be considered “excessive tearing”
- The composition of the tears wasn’t analyzed to confirm an emotional trigger
Meekins suggested that analyzing the tears for hormones, electrolytes, proteins, and other components would be an interesting addition to future research.
Why Dogs’ Eyes Water (Besides Emotions)
Whether or not dogs cry emotional tears, there are several common reasons why you might notice your dog’s eyes watering:
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Allergies: Just like humans, dogs can have watery eyes due to allergic reactions to pollen, food ingredients, smoke, dander, or dust.
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Blocked tear ducts: When tear ducts get blocked, tears can’t drain normally and may spill out.
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Eye infections: If the fluid is yellow or bloody, your dog might have an eye infection. Look for other symptoms like irritation or swelling.
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Foreign objects: A speck of dirt or other irritant in your dog’s eye can cause temporary tearing.
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Scratched cornea: More common in active dogs, a scratched cornea can cause watering along with pawing at the eye, frequent blinking, or inflammation.
If your dog’s eyes are consistently watery, it’s always best to consult your veterinarian to rule out medical issues.
How Dogs Really Express Sadness
Even if the jury is still out on emotional tears, dogs definitely express sadness – just in different ways than humans do. According to dog experts, here’s how your pup might show they’re feeling down:
Vocal Expressions
- Whimpering or whining: Puppies learn this behavior to call for their mother, and adult dogs often continue using it to communicate needs.
- Sighing: A deep doggy sigh can sometimes indicate disappointment or sadness.
Body Language
- Shaking or trembling: Some dogs shake when upset, particularly after being reprimanded.
- Hiding: Sensitive dogs may retreat to a “safe place” like their crate or under the bed when sad.
- Seeking extra snuggles: Many dogs want human comfort when feeling down.
- Ignoring you: Refusing eye contact, not listening to commands, or turning away can indicate a dog is upset.
Individual Cues
Every dog-human relationship is unique, so your dog might have their own special way of showing sadness – like bringing you a comfort object or making a particular gesture with their paw.
The Emotional Intelligence of Dogs
Dogs may not express emotions exactly like humans, but that doesn’t mean they’re not emotionally intelligent. In fact, dogs are incredibly tuned in to our feelings.
“Dogs are incredibly cued into our feelings, emotions, facial expressions and even our health,” says Jen Jones, a veteran dog trainer and behaviorist. “So, while dogs can’t express sadness or think about it in the same complex way humans do, they certainly do understand and feel much more than we might realize.”
Studies have shown that dogs can detect when their humans are sad or stressed, and often respond with comforting behaviors. This empathetic response appears to be hardwired into dogs through thousands of years of evolution alongside humans.
Can Dogs Cry Tears of Joy?
The 2022 study mentioned earlier didn’t just suggest that dogs produce emotional tears – it specifically linked increased tear production to positive emotions during owner reunions.
The researchers examined 22 dog-owner pairs and noted that when dogs saw their owners after spending five to seven hours apart, they produced tears that may be related to the release of oxytocin. This suggests that if dogs do cry emotional tears, they might be tears of joy rather than sadness!
The team found that when the same dogs were greeted by familiar people who weren’t their owners, they showed significantly decreased tear volume. This indicates the response is specific to the bond between dogs and their owners.
What This Means for Dog Owners
So what should we take away from all this research? Here’s my perspective:
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Trust your instincts: You know your dog better than anyone. If something seems off, pay attention.
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Watch for medical issues: If your dog’s eyes are consistently watery, don’t just assume they’re emotional – check with your vet.
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Respect your dog’s emotional life: Whether or not dogs cry emotional tears, they definitely have rich emotional lives that deserve our respect and attention.
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Stay tuned to science: Research into animal emotions is constantly evolving, and what we know today might change tomorrow.
How to Comfort a Sad Dog
If you think your furry friend is feeling down, here are some ways to help cheer them up:
- Quality time: Extra attention and playtime can boost your dog’s mood.
- Physical comfort: Many dogs feel better with gentle petting or snuggling.
- Exercise: A good walk or play session releases endorphins for both of you.
- Routine: Dogs thrive on predictability, so maintaining their schedule can provide comfort.
- Treats and toys: A favorite treat or new toy can be a welcome distraction.
Just remember that prolonged sadness or sudden behavioral changes could indicate a health problem, so consult your veterinarian if you’re concerned.
The Bottom Line on Dog Tears
While scientists continue to debate whether dogs can cry emotional tears, there’s no doubt that the bond between humans and dogs is deep and meaningful. Our canine companions may express their emotions differently than we do, but that doesn’t make their feelings any less real.
The 2022 study suggesting that dogs produce tears of joy when reunited with their owners opens up exciting new possibilities for understanding the emotional lives of our four-legged friends. Even if these findings are eventually challenged or refined, they remind us that there’s still so much to learn about the animals who share our homes and hearts.
So the next time you look into your dog’s eyes and see a little moisture, remember – while it might not be an emotional tear in the human sense, it could be part of the complex and beautiful way that dogs express their connection to us. And isn’t that something worth celebrating?
Do you think your dog cries emotional tears? What behaviors do they show when they’re sad or happy? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments below!
When to Seek Veterinary Care
Determining whether your dog’s tears result from emotions or eye problems can sometimes be challenging. When in doubt, it’s always advisable to seek professional veterinary care. Veterinarians possess the expertise and experience to comprehensively examine your dog’s eyes, diagnose any underlying issues, and recommend appropriate treatment. Timely intervention is essential to prevent eye problems from worsening, potentially causing your dog unnecessary pain or distress.
Multipet International: Caring for Your Emotional and Healthy Dog
At Multipet International, we understand that knowing do dogs cry due to emotional or health reasons is crucial for pet owners. That’s why we offer a range of products to help you care for your pet’s emotional and physical well-being. Our pet toys and accessories are designed to provide comfort and reduce stress, which can be a factor in emotional watering of the eyes. Additionally, we offer products that help maintain your dog’s eye health, ensuring they stay happy and healthy. Our commitment to quality and unique designs ensures your pet receives the best, whether it’s for playtime or health care.
Much like humans, dogs can shed tears as an emotional response to various situations. These tears often manifest their feelings, whether it be joy, sadness, fear, or anxiety. When your dog greets you with joy upon your return home or sheds tears when faced with a distressing situation, it’s a poignant display of their emotional state. Other behavioral cues, such as wagging tails, body language, or vocalizations, typically accompany these emotional tears. Recognizing and empathizing with your dog’s emotions allows you to offer the comfort and support they need during these moments of vulnerability.
Can dogs cry with emotion?
FAQ
Do dogs Cry emotional tears?
Dogs do not cry emotional tears like humans. However, they can produce tears due to eye irritation, allergies, or other medical conditions. While dogs may not shed tears when feeling sad, they can express emotions through other behaviors. Whining, whimpering, and body language are common ways dogs show distress or sadness.
Do dogs cry when they’re sad?
While dogs don’t cry when they’re sad, they do produce tears. Dogs have two types of tear production: basal and reactive. Dr. Pinard says basal tear production keeps the cornea and surrounding tissue moist. Meanwhile, reactive tears happen when your dog’s eyes are irritated. Unlike humans, dogs’ tear ducts don’t drip from the eye.
Can dogs break into emotional tears?
No. While canines express needs and wants vocally, there is no scientific evidence proving that dogs, or any other animals, actually produce tears as a response to what they’re feeling. We seem to be the only species capable of breaking into emotional tears.
Can dogs cry tears of Joy?
New research says that yes, dogs can cry tears of joy! Dog owners know all too well the emotional reunions they have with their dogs—with tail-wagging, barking, licking, jumping and gazing. Sometimes dogs get so excited they even pee. Scientists found that this socio-emotional relationship is a powerful one.
How do dogs express emotions?
Dogs primarily express emotions through body language and vocalizations rather than through tears. Do Dogs Cry? Dogs do not cry emotional tears like humans. However, they can produce tears due to eye irritation, allergies, or other medical conditions. While dogs may not shed tears when feeling sad, they can express emotions through other behaviors.
Do dogs Cry?
There are many different causes for excessive watering of the eyes in dogs, so it’s imperative to consult your veterinarian for an official diagnosis. If by crying we mean whimpering, howling, mewling, or whining, then yes, dogs most certainly do cry. But only in humans are tears mysteriously connected to our hearts and brains.
Can dogs cry tears when sad?
How can I tell if a dog is crying?
What does it mean when a dog tears?
Dogs tear up due to irritation from something in their eye, like dust or allergies, which causes excessive tearing to flush out the foreign object. It can also be a sign of a medical issue, such as an eye infection, a blocked tear duct, or a corneal ulcer. In some cases, dogs may tear up due to emotional responses, such as joy or sadness, which are thought to deepen the bond with humans.
Do watery eyes on dogs mean they are crying?
Their eyes may get moist, but it is usually for physical reasons, not emotions like sadness or joy. Instead of tears, dogs use whining, howling, or barking to express how they feel. You might notice watery eyes if there is an allergy, injury, or irritation, but it does not mean they are sad in the way humans are.