Do Dogs Cry Emotional Tears? Understanding Canine Emotions and Tear Production
Dogs are deeply emotional creatures, forming strong bonds with people and other animals. If you've ever seen your dog with watery eyes, you might wonder if they're crying from sadness or joy—just like humans do. But the truth about canine tears is a bit more complex.
How Do Dogs Experience Emotions?
There's no doubt that dogs feel a wide range of emotions. They show joy when you come home, fear during thunderstorms, and even sadness when left alone. They're sensitive to their environment and the moods of those around them. However, the way dogs express these feelings is different from how humans do.
The Science of Tears in Dogs
Like most mammals, dogs have tear ducts. These ducts help keep their eyes moist, clean, and healthy. But unlike humans—who are known to shed tears as an emotional response—dogs' tear ducts serve a mainly physiological purpose. Their tear fluid doesn't usually stream down their faces in response to emotion.
- Tears in dogs drain toward the nose and throat rather than falling down the cheeks.
- Humans are currently the only species known to routinely shed emotional tears.
This means that when you see a dog with watery eyes, it's rarely because they're feeling sad or happy in the way people do when they cry.
Why Do Dogs' Eyes Water?
If your dog's eyes look teary or watery, there are several possible causes—all unrelated to emotion:
- Allergies (to pollen, food ingredients, smoke, dander, dust)
- Blocked tear ducts
- Eye infections (may also cause yellow or bloody discharge)
- Dirt or foreign material in the eye
- Eye injury or scratches (especially in active dogs)
- Certain breeds (like brachycephalic dogs) are more prone to watery eyes and staining
- Eye conditions such as dry eye, glaucoma, chronic irritation, or abnormal eyelash growth
If you notice persistent tearing along with redness, swelling, or discomfort, it's best to consult your veterinarian for advice.
The Myth of Emotional Tears in Dogs
The idea that dogs cry emotional tears is widespread but not supported by scientific evidence. While recent research has explored whether dogs might produce more tears during emotional moments—such as reuniting with their owners—the findings aren't conclusive.
- A study published in Current Biology found that some dogs produced more tears when reunited with owners after separation (measured by a Schirmer tear test).
- This increase may be linked to oxytocin (the bonding hormone), but many scientists remain skeptical.
Tear production can vary widely due to irritation during testing or breed-specific traits. The scientific community hasn't reached consensus that dogs routinely shed tears because of emotion.
How Do Dogs Express Sadness or Discomfort?
If your dog is upset or feeling down, they'll likely show it through behavior and body language rather than tears:
- Lethargy or less energy
- Lack of interest in food or play
- Becoming quiet or withdrawn
- Slightly squinty eyes
- Blinking or pawing at the face
- Whimpering and whining sounds
Puppies often whimper for attention—a behavior that can continue into adulthood as a way to communicate needs like hunger or wanting a potty break. When people say their dog "cries," they're usually referring to these vocalizations rather than actual shedding of tears from emotion.
The Human-Dog Emotional Connection
Your dog can sense your emotions remarkably well. Many will approach you if you're upset—nuzzling, licking your face, or simply staying close by for comfort. This sensitivity comes from reading your body language and tone of voice; it's one reason why people feel so emotionally connected to their pets.
Caring for Watery Eyes in Dogs
- Gently wipe away any discharge with a warm, damp cloth.
- Avoid letting your dog rub their eyes; use an e-collar if necessary.
- Trim long hair around the eyes to reduce irritation risk.
- Identify and minimize exposure to allergens where possible.
- If needed, use whitening shampoos for tear stains (with vet approval).
- Always follow your veterinarian’s recommendations for diagnosis and treatment if eye issues persist.
If symptoms worsen—such as increased redness, swelling, pain signals like pawing at the face—or if there's unusual discharge (yellowish or bloody), seek veterinary care promptly to prevent complications.
The Bottom Line: No Emotional Tears—but Plenty of Emotion!
Your dog may not cry tears when they're sad or overjoyed like humans do—but they still feel deeply and communicate those feelings through other means. Pay attention to changes in behavior and vocalizations; these are often the best clues about what your canine companion is experiencing emotionally.
