How to Tell If a Dog Is Crying: Understanding Canine Emotions and Eye Health
While dogs are highly emotional and expressive animals, they do not cry emotional tears like humans. Although they do have tear ducts, the function of these is primarily to maintain eye health rather than express feelings. Understanding the difference between emotional expressions and physical symptoms is essential for pet owners who are concerned their dog may be crying.
Do Dogs Shed Emotional Tears?
Humans are the only species known to routinely shed tears in response to emotion. In contrast, dogs' tear production is usually associated with physiological functions, like cleaning the eyes and draining excess fluid via tear ducts to the nose and throat—not down the cheeks like in humans.
A 2022 study explored whether dogs produce more tears when reunited with their owners. Researchers found an increase in tear volume using the Schirmer tear test, which they linked to elevated oxytocin levels. However, many veterinarians remain skeptical due to potential irritants influencing tear production and variation among breeds.
Common Causes of Watery Eyes in Dogs
If you notice your dog has watery eyes, it is more likely to be due to a medical or physical issue than an emotional one. Here are common reasons dogs may exhibit watery eyes:
- Allergies: Environmental triggers such as pollen, smoke, dust, or certain food ingredients can irritate eyes.
- Blocked tear ducts: Prevents proper fluid drainage, causing overflow.
- Eye infections: Yellow or bloody discharge, swelling, and redness may accompany watery eyes.
- Foreign materials: Dirt or debris can scratch the cornea or cause irritation.
- Injury: Scratches or trauma are common in active or playful dogs.
- Breed-specific traits: Brachycephalic breeds (like Pugs or Shih Tzus) often have prominent eyes that are more prone to tearing and staining.
- Eye conditions: Issues such as dry eye, glaucoma, and abnormal eyelash growth can also cause discomfort and excess moisture.
Emotional Expression in Dogs
Dogs may not cry tears due to emotions, but they have other ways of signaling distress, sadness, or discomfort. These signs include:
- Whining and whimpering: Common among puppies and adult dogs to express hunger, discomfort, or need for attention.
- Squinty eyes and blinking: Can indicate discomfort or sadness.
- Less engagement: Reduced playfulness or appetite often signals emotional distress.
- Pawing at the face: May suggest eye irritation or attempts to self-soothe.
- Lethargy: A clear emotional and physical sign of an unhappy dog.
Dogs are also sensitive to human emotions. They may approach, nuzzle, or stay close when their owner is upset and showing signs of sadness. This response is likely related to their bond and ability to interpret non-verbal cues such as body language and tone of voice.
How to Care for a Dog With Watery Eyes
Proper care and awareness can help maintain your dog’s eye health and prevent discomfort. Here are recommended steps:
- Clean discharge: Use a warm, damp cloth to gently clean around the eyes.
- Prevent scratching: Use an e-collar or soft clothing like socks on paws.
- Trim long hair: Especially breeds with facial hair that might irritate the eyes.
- Manage allergens: Identify and reduce exposure to environmental triggers like dust, smoke, or aerosol sprays.
- Use whitening shampoos: Special products can reduce tear staining in light-colored dogs.
- Vet consultation: If symptoms persist—especially if you see discharge, redness, or swelling—professional evaluation is necessary.
Final Thoughts
Though dogs have the capacity to feel emotions deeply, they do not cry in the same way humans do. Instead, they rely on vocalizations, behaviors, and body language to express their feelings. By understanding these signs and recognizing when eye issues warrant medical attention, pet owners can better support the physical and emotional well-being of their canine companions.
Learning the difference between emotional expressions and health symptoms ensures that emotional needs aren't mistaken for medical conditions, and vice versa.
