Dog Tears: Can Dogs Cry?
What Do Dog Tears Mean?
If you’ve ever noticed your dog’s eyes welling up, you might have wondered—can dogs cry the same way humans do? While dogs do produce tears, their meaning is quite different from human crying. In people, tears are often an emotional response to sadness, pain or even joy. But for dogs, tears primarily serve a physiological function rather than an emotional one.
Dogs have tear ducts that help keep their eyes moist and free of debris, just like humans. However, if you see excessive tearing, it could be due to an underlying medical issue rather than an emotional reaction. Understanding the reason behind your dog’s watery eyes can help ensure their overall well-being.
Are Dog Tears Tied to Emotion?
Humans shed tears as an emotional response, but dogs do not cry for the same reasons. While dogs experience a wide range of emotions, from happiness to sadness, their feelings do not manifest through tears. Instead, when a dog is upset, they may whimper, whine or exhibit changes in behavior, such as withdrawing from activities they normally enjoy.
Excessive tearing in dogs—known as epiphora—is usually a sign of something else, such as an eye infection, allergies or even a blocked tear duct. If your dog’s eyes seem particularly watery, it’s always a good idea to have a veterinarian check for any underlying health issues.
Do Dogs Cry When They’re Sad?
Since dogs don’t shed emotional tears, how do they express sadness? A dog that is feeling down may vocalize their emotions through whining, whimpering or even howling. Some dogs may become lethargic, withdraw from interactions or exhibit changes in appetite when they are experiencing sadness or stress.
Dogs are incredibly perceptive animals and often pick up on their owner’s emotions. If a dog senses that their owner is sad, they may exhibit behaviors that seem like they are “crying” in response—such as making soft vocalizations or staying close by for comfort. While this can look like emotional crying, it’s simply a way for dogs to communicate and connect with their humans.
Displays of Sadness in Dogs
Instead of crying tears, dogs display sadness through body language and behavior. Some common signs that your dog may be feeling down include:
- Whining or Whimpering – Dogs often use vocalization to express discomfort or distress.
- Lethargy – A dog that is usually energetic but suddenly lacks enthusiasm for play or exercise may be feeling sad.
- Loss of Appetite – A change in eating habits can be a sign of emotional distress or an underlying health problem.
- Avoidance or Withdrawal – If your dog is suddenly avoiding social interactions or seems uninterested in activities they once loved, they might be feeling low.
- Excessive Sleeping – Just like humans, some dogs sleep more when they’re feeling down or stressed.
Understanding these behavioral cues can help you recognize when your dog needs extra attention, comfort or even medical care.
Some Dog Breeds’ Eyes Water More Than Others
While all dogs produce tears for eye health, some breeds are more prone to excessive tearing due to their facial structure. Brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds like Pugs, Bulldogs and Shih Tzus often experience watery eyes because of their shallow eye sockets and tight eyelids. Similarly, breeds like Cocker Spaniels and Maltese are prone to tear staining, where the fur around their eyes becomes discolored due to excessive tearing.
Excessive tearing can also be a sign of allergies, eye infections or blocked tear ducts. If your dog’s eyes seem unusually watery, or if you notice redness, swelling or discomfort, it’s best to consult a veterinarian to rule out any potential health concerns.
Supporting Your Dog’s Well-Being
While dogs don’t cry emotional tears like humans do, they certainly have their own ways of expressing sadness and distress. If your dog’s eyes are watering, it’s usually due to a medical or physiological reason rather than an emotional response. By paying attention to their behavior and understanding how they communicate, you can ensure your furry friend stays happy and healthy. If you ever have concerns about excessive tearing, a trip to the vet can help determine the cause and keep your pup’s eyes in great shape.
At Bow Wow Labs, we care about your dog’s well-being. Our products, like the Bow Wow Buddy® bully stick holder and our high-quality dog chews , help keep your pup happy, engaged, and safe. While tears may not be a sign of sadness in dogs, giving them the best care possible is one way to ensure their overall happiness. Check out our selection of dog-friendly products to keep your furry friend feeling their best!
Additional Resources
Follow us @BowWowLabs
Sign Up to Our Newsletter!
Appeared In
