Can Dogs Cry — Tips

Dogs produce tears primarily for eye lubrication and protection, with excessive tearing usually indicating health issues

Dogs express emotions through vocalizations like whining, whimpering, and howling rather than crying tears

Recent 2022 research shows dogs may produce more tears when reuniting with owners due to oxytocin release

Watery eyes in dogs typically signal allergies, infections, blocked tear ducts, or eye irritation requiring veterinary attention

When you see your beloved pup with wet eyes, your first instinct might be to wonder: can dogs cry? The sight of a dog’s eyes watering often tugs at our heartstrings, leading many pet owners to assume their furry companions shed tears for the same emotional reasons humans do. However, the science behind canine tear production tells a fascinating and different story.

While dogs are incredibly emotional animals with rich inner lives, they don’t express sadness, joy, or other emotions through crying tears the way humans do. Understanding the difference between medical tearing and emotional expression is crucial for every dog owner who wants to properly care for their pet’s health and well-being.

The Science Behind Dog Tears

To understand whether dogs cry, we must first examine how tear ducts function in canines compared to humans. Dogs do produce tears, but their tear production serves primarily physiological rather than emotional purposes. Veterinary ophthalmology specializes in diagnosing and treating canine eye health issues, including abnormalities in tear production.

How Dog Tear Ducts Work

Dog tear ducts operate differently from human tear ducts in several key ways. While humans have tears that flow down their cheeks when crying, dogs’ tears drain into their nasal cavity through a system of small ducts. This anatomical difference means that under normal circumstances, you shouldn’t see tears streaming down your dog’s face.

The canine tear production system creates three types of tears:

Basal tears - Continuously produced for eye lubrication and protection

Reflex tears - Produced in response to irritants like dust or foreign materials

Emotional tears - Only found in humans as a response to feelings

If you notice your dog's eyes watering, it is usually due to irritants, allergies, eye infections, or blocked tear ducts, rather than an emotional reaction.

Scientific Evidence on Emotional Tears

Current scientific consensus firmly establishes that dogs do not cry tears as an emotional response. Unlike humans, who are the only species capable of producing emotional tears, dogs lack the neurological connection between their emotional centers and tear production.

Research examining canine neurobiology shows that while dogs possess a complex limbic system similar to humans - mediating emotions through hormones like oxytocin and cortisol - these emotional processes don’t trigger lacrimation (tear production). Even under acute distress, changes in a dog’s tear production remain unrelated to their emotional state.

The 2022 Japanese Study: A New Discovery

However, recent studies have revealed an intriguing exception. A 2022 Japanese research study found that dogs may produce more tears when reunited with their owners after separation. This increased tear volume appears linked to oxytocin release - the same hormone involved in human bonding and emotional connections.

The study measured tear production using filter paper before and after reunions, finding significantly higher tear volume when dogs were reunited with their owners compared to reunions with familiar non owners. This suggests that while dogs don’t cry from sadness, they may have a physiological tear response to positive emotional experiences.

Common Medical Causes

Allergies are among the most frequent culprits behind watery eyes in dogs. Environmental allergens like pollen, dust, or certain food ingredients can trigger increased tear production and inflammation around the dog’s eyes.

Eye infections and conjunctivitis cause excessive tearing along with other symptoms like redness, discharge, and discomfort. Infection—whether bacterial, viral, or fungal—can lead to these symptoms and may indicate an ocular infection that requires prompt veterinary treatment to prevent complications.

Glaucoma represents a more serious condition where increased pressure within the eye can cause pain, tearing, and potentially vision loss if left untreated.

Blocked Tear Ducts

Blocked tear ducts are particularly common in certain breeds, especially flat-faced dogs like Pugs and Bulldogs. When tear ducts become blocked, tears cannot drain properly into the nasal cavity, resulting in overflow that appears as wet eyes or tear staining.

This condition, known as epiphora, causes excessive tearing that can lead to:

Brown or reddish staining around the eyes

Skin irritation from constant moisture

Secondary bacterial infections

Unpleasant odors around the eye area

Breed-Specific Predispositions

Certain breeds are more prone to eye-related issues that cause tearing:

Maltese, Yorkshire Terriers, and Shih Tzus often experience blocked tear ducts due to their facial structure

Cocker Spaniels are predisposed to cherry eye and other eyelid abnormalities

German Shepherds frequently develop pannus, a condition affecting the cornea

Environmental Irritants and Injuries

Dogs’ eyes can become irritated by various environmental factors, leading to increased tear production:

Dust, pollen, and smoke

Foreign objects like grass seeds or debris

Chemical irritants from cleaning products

Wind and dry air conditions

Eye injuries, including a scratched cornea from rough play or encounters with other dogs, can also cause significant tearing along with pain and discomfort.

There may also be other reasons for eye irritation and tearing, such as exposure to new environments or underlying health conditions.

How Dogs Actually Express Emotions

While dogs don’t cry tears to express emotions, they have developed sophisticated ways to communicate their feelings through vocalizations and body language. When dogs are sad, they show it through changes in behavior rather than by shedding tears.

Vocalizations: The Real “Crying”

When people say their dog is crying, they’re typically referring to vocal expressions rather than tears. A crying dog uses vocalizations to express emotions such as sadness, stress, or a desire for attention. A dog cry can indicate a range of emotions, from stress and fear to excitement and anticipation. Dogs use various sounds to communicate different emotional states:

Whining often indicates:

Anxiety or stress

Seeking attention from owners

Physical discomfort or pain

Excitement or anticipation

Whimpering typically signals:

Fear or distress

Submission to other dogs or humans

Pain or illness

Separation anxiety

Howling can express:

Loneliness or isolation

Response to high-pitched sounds

Communication with other dogs

Territorial behavior

Body Language Indicators

Dogs express emotions primarily through body language, which includes:

Tail position - High and wagging for happiness, tucked for fear or sadness

Ear placement - Forward for alertness, back for submission or fear

Facial expressions - Relaxed features for contentment, tense for stress

Posture - Upright and confident or low and withdrawn

Behavioral Changes Indicating Sadness

When dogs experience sadness or grief, they typically show behavioral rather than tear-based responses:

Lethargy and decreased activity levels

Loss of appetite or changes in eating patterns

Withdrawal from family activities

Changes in sleep patterns

Reduced interest in play or exercise

Research indicates that approximately 63% of dogs change their vocal patterns and behavior after losing a companion, demonstrating their capacity for grief without emotional tears.

Pain and Physical Discomfort

Dogs often whine or whimper when experiencing physical discomfort. Common pain-related causes include:

Joint pain from arthritis or hip dysplasia

Digestive issues causing abdominal discomfort

Dental problems or oral pain

Injuries from accidents or rough play

Active dogs may be more prone to injuries that cause vocalization, especially during the five to seven hours following intense exercise or play sessions.

Separation Anxiety and Stress

Many dogs develop separation anxiety when left alone, leading to:

Continuous whining or howling

Destructive behavior

Attempts to escape

Excessive pacing or restlessness

This stressed state can persist for extended periods, sometimes lasting five to seven hours until owners return.

Attention-Seeking Behavior

Intelligent dogs quickly learn that certain vocalizations get them attention from their owners. This can become problematic if dogs learn to manipulate their humans through crying sounds when they want:

Food or treats

Playtime or exercise

Access to forbidden areas

General attention and interaction

Excitement and Happiness

Not all dog crying indicates distress. Dogs may whine or make crying sounds when:

Anticipating walks or car rides

Greeting family members after absence

Seeing other dogs or favorite people

During particularly engaging play sessions

Learning to distinguish between distress and excitement vocalizations helps owners respond appropriately.

When to Be Concerned About Dog Tears

While most canine tearing is benign, certain symptoms warrant immediate veterinary attention.

Red Flag Symptoms

Contact your veterinarian promptly if you observe:

Sudden onset of excessive tearing with no apparent cause

Colored discharge (yellow, green, or blood-tinged) from the dog’s eyes

Eye redness accompanied by squinting or pawing at the face

Persistent tear staining that worsens despite cleaning

Vision changes such as bumping into objects or reluctance to navigate stairs

Emergency Situations

Seek immediate veterinary care for:

Signs of severe pain (whimpering, refusal to open eyes)

Sudden vision loss or blindness

Trauma to the eye area

Swelling that affects the eye’s ability to open or close

Any foreign object visible in or around the eye

Accompanying Symptoms to Monitor

Pay attention to additional symptoms that may accompany excessive tearing:

Changes in appetite or energy levels

Unusual behavior patterns

Discharge from the nose

Coughing or respiratory symptoms

Fever or other signs of systemic illness

Gentle Eye Care

For minor tearing issues:

Use a warm, damp cloth to gently clean around the dog’s eyes

Apply dog-safe eye wipes specifically designed for pets

Trim facial hair around the eyes to reduce irritation

Keep the area dry to prevent bacterial growth

Never use human eye drops or medications without veterinary approval, as these can be harmful to dogs.

Environmental Management

Reduce environmental triggers by:

Using air purifiers to minimize allergens

Keeping windows closed during high pollen days

Avoiding strong chemical cleaners around your pet

Providing a clean, dust-free sleeping area

Emotional Support Strategies

For dogs experiencing emotional distress:

Maintain consistent daily routines

Provide adequate physical exercise and mental stimulation

Use positive reinforcement to build confidence

Create safe spaces where dogs can retreat when feeling overwhelmed

Training and Management Strategies

Effective management of crying behavior requires understanding the underlying cause and responding appropriately.

Selective Response Technique

Learn to distinguish between different types of crying and respond accordingly:

Ignore attention-seeking crying to avoid reinforcing manipulative behavior

Respond to genuine distress with comfort and investigation of the cause

Redirect excitement-based crying into appropriate channels like training or play

Positive Reinforcement Approaches

Encourage quiet behavior by:

Rewarding calm, quiet moments with treats and praise

Teaching a “quiet” command using positive reinforcement

Providing alternative ways for dogs to communicate their needs

Avoiding punishment, which can increase anxiety and crying

Environmental Enrichment

Reduce boredom-related crying through:

Puzzle toys and interactive feeders

Regular training sessions to provide mental stimulation

Appropriate physical exercise based on breed and age

Socialization opportunities with other dogs and people

Professional Support

Consider working with certified Fear-Free trainers or veterinary behaviorists when:

Crying behavior persists despite management efforts

Separation anxiety significantly impacts the dog’s quality of life

Multiple behavioral issues occur simultaneously

The behavior poses safety concerns for the dog or family

FAQ

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Do dogs cry when they’re happy?

While dogs don’t produce emotional tears like humans, the 2022 Japanese study found that dogs may produce slightly more tears when reunited with their owners due to oxytocin release. However, this is a physiological response to bonding hormones rather than emotional crying. Dogs primarily express happiness through tail wagging, playful behavior, and excited vocalizations.

Can dogs sense when humans are crying?

Yes, dogs are remarkably attuned to human emotions and can recognize when their owners are upset. Research shows that dogs can distinguish between different human facial expressions and vocal tones, often responding with comforting behaviors when they sense distress. Their ability to read human emotions is one reason why the human-animal bond is so strong.

Why does my dog have persistent tear stains under their eyes?

Chronic tear staining, especially common in light-colored breeds, typically results from blocked tear ducts, excessive tear production due to allergies, or anatomical factors like shallow eye sockets. The staining occurs when tears overflow and create a moist environment where bacteria and yeast can grow. Regular cleaning and addressing underlying causes can help manage this condition.

Is it normal for puppies to cry more than adult dogs?

Yes, puppies naturally vocalize more than adult dogs as they’re still learning to communicate and may feel anxious about separation from their mother and littermates. Puppy crying often decreases as they mature and become more confident in their new environment. However, excessive crying in puppies should be evaluated to rule out health issues or severe anxiety.

Should I comfort my dog when they’re whining?

The appropriate response depends on the cause of whining. Comfort dogs experiencing genuine distress, pain, or fear, but avoid reinforcing attention-seeking behavior by ignoring manipulative whining. If you’re unsure about the cause, observe your dog’s body language and consider consulting with a veterinarian or animal behaviorist for guidance on appropriate responses.