Do Animals Cry Emotional Tears? What Science Says
The idea that animals might cry emotional tears like humans is both touching and controversial. While many pet owners believe their furry friends feel emotion — sadness, joy, fear — science remains cautious in affirming whether animals express these emotions with actual tears. To explore the reality behind emotional crying in animals, especially dogs, we delve into current scientific understanding, behavioral evidence, and veterinary insights.
Understanding Tear Production in Dogs
Like all mammals, dogs have tear ducts that serve to clean and lubricate their eyes. These ducts function primarily for eye health — draining liquid toward the nose and throat rather than streaming down the face like in humans. This means that most dog tears are physiological rather than emotional.
Common Causes of Watery Eyes in Dogs
- Allergies: Triggered by pollen, food ingredients, smoke, dust, and dander.
- Blocked tear ducts: Can prevent proper drainage and lead to tear staining.
- Eye infections: May include additional symptoms like discharge, swelling, and irritation.
- Foreign objects or irritants: Dirt or small particles can cause excessive tearing.
- Eye injury or scratched cornea: Often occur in active or playful dogs.
- Breed predisposition: Brachycephalic dogs (like Pugs and Bulldogs) are more likely to have watery eyes.
- Eye disorders: Conditions such as dry eye, glaucoma, or abnormal eyelash growth can lead to tear overflow.
Dogs and Emotional Communication
Dogs are emotionally intelligent creatures. They communicate their feelings through body language and sound, not with tears. Behaviors such as whining, whimpering, howling, and seeking physical closeness show they’re experiencing emotion or discomfort. Puppies learn to whine for attention, a behavior that can persist into adulthood.
Do Dogs Ever Shed Emotional Tears?
A recent study published in Current Biology measured tear production during emotional events. Researchers found dogs produced more tears when reunited with their owners versus other familiar humans. Tear volume was assessed using the Schirmer tear test, suggesting a potential link between emotional arousal and tear production, possibly driven by a spike in oxytocin, the hormone responsible for bonding.
However, this finding remains controversial. Many scientists and veterinarians argue that tear volume can fluctuate due to environmental irritation or variations based on breed. There is no consensus that dogs — or any other animals — shed tears due to emotions the same way humans do.
Signs of Sadness or Discomfort in Dogs
Even though dogs don’t cry like humans, they show sadness in other noticeable ways:
- Lethargy or reduced activity
- Loss of appetite
- Less interest in play or interaction
- Squinty or red eyes
- Protrusion of the third eyelid
- Frequent blinking and pawing at the face
Emotional Responsiveness in Dogs
Dogs not only exhibit emotions but also respond to human feelings. Many dog owners note their pets offer comfort during stressful times by nuzzling, licking, or laying close. This behavior reflects their attunement to human body language and vocal tones, not a mirror of human crying patterns.
When to Consult a Veterinarian
If your dog has chronic watery eyes or visible discomfort, consult a veterinarian. Eye issues can escalate if untreated. Watch for:
- Discharge that’s yellow or bloody
- Persistent redness or swelling
- Behavioral signs of eye irritation
Daily Eye Care Tips
- Use a warm cloth to wipe away discharge gently.
- Prevent scratching with an e-collar or paw covers.
- Trim hair around the eyes to avoid irritation.
- Minimize exposure to irritants and allergens.
- Treat tear stains with whitening shampoos if recommended.
Final Thoughts
Dogs are deeply emotional beings, capable of love, fear, and sadness. While they may not shed tears from sorrow like humans, their sophisticated emotional expressions are communicated via behaviors, sounds, and attentiveness. Current science continues to explore emotional tears in dogs, but for now, humans remain the only species known to truly cry emotional tears.
