Do Dogs Cry? The Science Behind Canine Tears Explained

How Dogs Express Emotions

Dogs do not express emotions in the same way that humans do. They rely on body language, vocal sounds, and subtle changes to show how they feel.

Physical Signs of Emotional Expression

• Dogs use many different signals to show emotion. When your dog is happy or excited, you may see tail wagging, a relaxed body, or playful jumping. Sad or anxious dogs often hide, tuck their tails, or have hunched bodies.
• They may also whine, bark, or whimper to show nervousness or discomfort. Some dogs shake or pace if they are scared. Eye contact, ear position, and even yawning are used to tell you what they feel.
• Unlike people, dogs show feelings through behavior more than through facial expressions. Panting and licking lips may mean stress. A dog seeking comfort from you or acting distant could be feeling strong emotion.

Differences Between Canine and Human Crying

• Humans often cry emotional tears. Dogs, on the other hand, do not cry in the same way. Their eyes may get moist, but it is usually for physical reasons, not emotions like sadness or joy.
• Instead of tears, dogs use whining, howling, or barking to express how they feel. You might notice watery eyes if there is an allergy, injury, or irritation, but it does not mean they are sad in the way humans are.
• Recent science shows dogs can get teary-eyed during emotional moments—such as being reunited with their owner—but this is not crying in the human sense. These dog tears are linked to emotions, yet dogs rely much more on body language and vocal cues.

Role of the Bond Between Dogs and Humans

• The connection between you and your dog shapes how your dog shows their feelings. Strong bonds can cause a dog to seek closeness, show excitement, or even tear up a little when you come home after being away.
• This bond relies on trust and regular positive contact. Dogs may lean on you, follow you, or nuzzle you when they want comfort. These actions build a sense of safety and deepen the canine-human bond.
• Researchers believe that this special relationship can make dogs’ emotions stronger and even cause them to shed tears of joy when reunited. Your dog watches your reactions and learns how to communicate, using both physical touch and eye contact as key tools.

Do Dogs Shed Tears Like Humans?

Dogs can get teary eyes, but their tears are not always a sign of crying from sadness the same way humans cry. The reasons for tear production in dogs are usually linked to physical needs rather than emotions.

What Causes Teary Eyes in Dogs

Dogs’ eyes sometimes look watery or teary. This can happen for several reasons, but it is usually not because your dog is feeling sad or emotional.

Common causes of teary eyes in dogs include:

• Allergies, which make the eyes react to dust, pollen, or certain foods
• Foreign objects, like a piece of dirt, getting stuck in the eye
• Injuries, such as a scratch or irritation
• Eye infections or blocked tear ducts

Some breeds, like Pugs or Shih Tzus, may get teary eyes more often because of their facial shape. If you see red stains under your dog’s eyes, this could be from extra tear flow. Unlike humans, dogs do not cry emotional tears, but their eyes may tear up as part of a physical response.

Understanding Canine Tear Production

• Tears in dogs help protect and lubricate their eyes. Their bodies make tears to keep the eye healthy, wash away dust, and stop infection. This is a basic body function and is different from emotional crying.
• Dogs can make noises or whine when they are upset or need attention. Even so, when a dog feels sad or happy, it does not usually shed emotional tears. Most scientists agree that dogs’ watery eyes are connected to eye health and not their feelings.
• However, a study suggests that dogs might have some tear response when reunited with their owners, but this is still being researched and is not exactly the same as human crying. If your dog has frequent teary eyes, it is often a sign of a medical issue, not an emotional one.

The Role of Emotions in Dog Tears

Dog tears can be connected to their emotional state. Both positive and negative feelings may influence the way a dog’s eyes water, but dogs do not cry for the same reasons people do.

Oxytocin and the ‘Love Hormone’

• Oxytocin, sometimes called the “love hormone,” is produced in the brain and helps create bonds between dogs and their owners. When your dog interacts with you, levels of oxytocin rise in both of you. This hormone is linked to feelings of happiness, comfort, and trust.
• Studies show that dogs may tear up when oxytocin levels go up. When you reunite with your dog after being apart, oxytocin is released. This can cause your dog’s eyes to get watery, which makes their expressions softer and more “puppy-like.” Research found that dogs’ eyes produce more tears in these moments because of this hormone’s effect on their body and emotional state.
• Pet owners also respond to these teary eyes. Scientists believe that oxytocin-driven tears can strengthen the bond between you and your pet by making you more likely to respond gently and affectionately.

Tears in Joyful Situations

• Dogs sometimes produce tears during happy reunions. When you come home after being gone, your dog may greet you with watery eyes. Japanese researchers found that dogs’ eyes well up with tears of happiness when reunited with their owners after several hours apart.
• This reaction doesn’t happen when dogs meet strangers or people they feel less close to. The tears mostly appear during moments of strong positive emotion, such as playtime, petting, or after being apart from their favorite person. The tears act as signals of emotional excitement linked to your return.
• Not all dogs visibly tear up in happy moments, and the amount of tears is usually small. The main idea is that emotional joy, especially after a separation, might cause extra tears for some dogs.

Tears From Negative Emotions

• Dogs can also show teary eyes because of stress, sadness, or other negative feelings, but this is less understood. Unlike humans, dogs usually do not cry tears to communicate emotional pain. If your dog appears sad, they will often express this by whining, hiding, or acting differently, instead of shedding emotional tears.
• Sometimes, stress or anxiety can cause a dog’s eyes to look watery. However, most dog tears that happen during negative emotions are actually linked to medical issues like irritation or allergies. If you see your dog’s eyes watering when they seem upset, it is important to check for other signs of discomfort.
• Although emotional tears from sadness are rare in dogs, negative emotions can still affect their well-being in ways you can notice. It helps to watch for behavior changes rather than just tears.

Medical Causes of Tear Production in Dogs

Dogs can develop teary eyes for several reasons, often linked to underlying health problems. Knowing the root cause helps you respond quickly and protect your dog’s vision.

Common Eye Conditions

• Many eye conditions can cause excess tears in dogs. Common causes include conjunctivitis, which is an inflammation often caused by infection or allergies. Dogs with conjunctivitis usually have red, swollen eyes that may leak clear or yellow discharge.
• Abnormal eyelash growth, such as distichia (extra eyelashes growing in the wrong place), can irritate the eye and lead to increased tear production. Some dogs may also have shallow eye sockets or eyelid abnormalities, causing tears to spill down the face instead of draining properly. This can result in staining and moisture on the fur beneath the eyes.
• Another problem is blocked tear ducts. If the ducts that normally carry tears away from the eye become blocked, the tears overflow onto your dog’s face.

When to Seek Veterinary Attention

• A dog with watery eyes does not always need emergency care. However, you should see a veterinarian if your dog continues to have teary eyes for more than a few days or if other symptoms appear.
• Look for warning signs such as squinting, pawing at the eye, swelling, or colored discharge (yellow or green). You should also get urgent help if your dog seems uncomfortable, is sensitive to light, or has trouble opening the eye fully.
• If you notice changes in your dog’s behavior, such as rubbing their face, blinking a lot, or avoiding touch around the eye, this can mean pain or a more serious problem. Some eye issues may lead to vision loss if ignored, so prompt veterinary care is important.