We know our dogs have feelings, and we’ve all caught our pet looking particularly forlorn at some point. You may even observe a teary eye and automatically attribute your dog’s gaze to sadness. But can dogs cry like we do when it comes to expressing their emotions?
Unlike humans, dogs do not cry when they’re sad, says Dr Chantale Pinard, DVM, MSc, DACVO, associate professor of veterinary ophthalmology at the University of Guelph in Canada. In fact, humans are the only species capable of breaking into emotional tears.
However, if you notice your dog is tearing up, it could be due to allergies, something stuck in the eye, an eye injury, or a medical condition. We did some digging and spoke with experts to clear up the confusion regarding dog crying.
Here’s why your dog might be tearing up, how dogs show sadness, and what you can do to help.
Are Dog Tears Emotional?
The simple answer is no. We see tears as emotional, so when we see dogs cry, we might think they feel sad. But just because dogs can experience emotions and produce tears doesn’t mean the two are related.
Research showed dogs’ tear volume increased when they reunited with their owners due to high oxytocin levels (aka the ‘love’ hormone). Though this study suggests dogs shed tears of joy, some scientists and veterinarians are sceptical.
First, no specific breeds were mentioned. Some breeds, like Shih Tzus, have prominent eyes that water easily. Second, the filter paper used to measure the tears rubbed against the dogs’ eyes, causing irritation and producing more tears.
Another theory is that dogs developed the ability to produce tears to bond with humans. Research has shown that humans responded better to photos of dogs with tears added. This suggests dogs may have evolved to produce tears to encourage nurturing care, food, and love from their humans.
What Do Dog Tears Mean?
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. If your dog is leaking tears, something may be wrong. Dr Pinard says excessive tearing is a common sign of eye pain.
In dogs, tears can be the result of:
- allergies
- eye damage
- foreign body on the eye
- an eye infection with discharge
- corneal ulceration
- uveitis (inflammation inside the eye)
- glaucoma (increased pressure inside the eye)
- a blocked tear duct (common in brachycephalic breeds)
If you notice your dog’s eyes watering, look closer to ensure there’s nothing on the eye’s surface. If the ‘crying’ or leaking continues, check with your veterinarian.
Some common symptoms that may appear alongside excessive tears include:
- blinking
- pawing or rubbing
- third eyelid sticking out (cherry eye)
- redness of the conjunctiva (tissue surrounding the cornea)
- tears on the cheek
Do Dogs Feel Sadness?
There’s growing evidence that dogs experience emotions, including grief and a depression-like state. They can even recognise emotions in other dogs and humans.
“I don’t think we fully understand how dogs express all their emotions, and we certainly don’t know exactly how they experience them internally, but they are so entwined with our lives that there is likely to be some overlap,” remarks Dr Jennifer Abrams, an associate certified applied animal behaviourist (ACAAB) with USA-based Behavior Vets.
Additionally, Dr Abrams says a dog’s breed, environment, and lifestyle can influence their emotions like anger and sadness.
While we can never be 100% certain of our dogs’ feelings, we can usually interpret their body language and behaviour and respond appropriately.
7 Signs Your Dog Is Sad
Although your dog won’t shed emotional tears, they can express sadness through behaviour and body language. Dr Adams says some signs your dog is sad include:
However, just like humans, dogs experience sadness in different ways.
iStock/Nastasic
How To Make Your Dog Happier
Seeing a sad dog is heartbreaking, but there are ways to brighten their mood. Dr Abrams says some ways to make your dog happier include:
- alleviating stress
- regular exercise
- a healthy diet
- consistent routine
- opportunities to play
If you’re concerned about your dog’s emotions, check in with your vet first. Once any medical conditions are ruled out, you can look to work with a qualified dog behaviourist to help you adjust.
Getting the right trainer and making your dog happier can set your pup up for a lifetime of joy.
