What does it mean when a dog cries tears? - The Environmental Literacy Council (2025)

The sight of a dog with tears in its eyes can be concerning and often evokes a strong emotional response from owners. It’s natural to wonder if our canine companions are experiencing the same sadness we feel when we cry. However, the reality is that dogs don’t cry emotional tears like humans do. While they may produce tears, this is usually due to physiological reasons, not emotional distress. Understanding the difference is crucial for responsible pet ownership. When a dog has teary eyes, it typically indicates an underlying health issue rather than emotional sadness.

Understanding Tear Production in Dogs

Physiological Tears vs. Emotional Tears

Humans produce tears for various reasons, including emotional responses like sadness, joy, or grief. These emotional tears are a complex physiological response tied to our limbic system. Dogs, however, primarily produce tears to lubricate their eyes, remove irritants, and maintain eye health. These are known as basal tears or reflex tears. Unlike humans, dogs do not have the same neural pathways that connect emotions directly to tear production.

Common Causes of Teary Eyes in Dogs

Several medical conditions can lead to increased tear production in dogs. These include:

• Blocked Tear Ducts: If the tear ducts, which drain tears away from the eyes, are blocked, tears can overflow and run down the face. This can be a symptom of a more serious underlying issue that would need veterinary intervention.
• Allergies: Just like humans, dogs can experience allergic reactions, which may cause inflammation in the eyes and increased tear production. These could be environmental allergens or food sensitivities that are causing the reaction.
• Foreign Objects: A speck of dust, a piece of grass, or any other foreign body can irritate the eye, leading to excessive tear production. These foreign objects can irritate the delicate surface of the eye.
• Infections: Bacterial or viral infections like conjunctivitis can cause inflammation and increased tear production. These infections can be contagious to other pets, so seeking medical treatment is necessary for all pets in the household.
• Eye Injuries: Any injury to the eye, even a minor one, can result in excessive tearing. Trauma should be evaluated quickly to avoid long term damage.
• Abnormal Eyelashes: Conditions like distichia (abnormal eyelashes growing inward) or ectopic cilia (eyelashes growing from an abnormal location) can rub against the eye and cause irritation and tearing.
• Corneal Ulcers: These are painful sores on the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye) and can cause excessive tearing. The discomfort makes the dog rub its face, and that may cause other injuries to the area.
• Anatomical Abnormalities: Structural issues like entropion (inward turning of the eyelid) or ectropion (outward turning of the eyelid) can lead to irritation and increased tear production. These abnormalities can damage the eye, as well as being painful to the dog.
• Glaucoma: This condition, characterized by increased pressure inside the eye, can also cause excessive tearing and can lead to vision loss. Glaucoma can require long term medical treatment.

Other Manifestations of Dog Emotions

While dogs don’t express their sadness or joy through tears, they have other ways of showing their emotions. These include:

• Vocalizations: Whining, whimpering, and barking are common ways dogs communicate their feelings. These behaviors can indicate a variety of emotions, including excitement, anxiety, frustration, pain, or a desire for attention. It’s important to pay attention to the context and other signs to properly interpret these.
• Body Language: Posture, tail wags, ear position, and facial expressions can also provide insights into a dog’s emotional state. A low tail, tucked ears, and a withdrawn posture may indicate fear or sadness.
• Behavioral Changes: A depressed dog might lose interest in activities they typically enjoy, stop eating, become lethargic, or exhibit destructive behaviors. Observing these changes in their daily routine can be a signal of a problem.

What to Do If You See Your Dog with Teary Eyes

If your dog is exhibiting excessive tear production, it’s essential to consult a veterinarian. Trying to self diagnose or treat an eye issue can be dangerous and potentially cause long term damage to the dog’s vision and quality of life.

Key Steps to Take

1. Observe: Pay close attention to the appearance of the tears (e.g., are they clear or discolored), any additional symptoms (e.g., redness, squinting, pawing at the eye), and the timing of the tearing. Having a record of your pet’s symptoms can help your vet in diagnosing the issue.
2. Consult a Vet: A vet can determine the underlying cause of the teary eyes and recommend the appropriate treatment. It is also important for your vet to rule out underlying medical issues.
3. Follow Treatment Plan: Adhere to the veterinarian’s prescribed treatment plan, which might include medication, eye drops, or surgery. Consistency is very important for a full recovery.
4. Avoid Home Remedies: While some home remedies are touted, it’s generally best to avoid them, as they can be ineffective and may worsen the condition. It is especially important to avoid human medications when dealing with animals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do dogs cry tears when they are sad?

No, dogs do not produce emotional tears in the same way humans do. While they can experience sadness, their physical expression of this emotion is different.

2. Is it normal for dogs to have tears?

It’s normal for dogs to produce basal tears to keep their eyes moist and healthy. However, excessive tearing is not normal and should be investigated by a vet.

3. Can dogs cry tears of joy?

A recent study suggests that dogs may become teary-eyed when reunited with their owners, indicating a possible physiological response to joy, but it is not the same emotional response as human tears of joy.

4. What does it mean when my dog’s eyes are watering?

Watery eyes in dogs can be due to a variety of reasons, including allergies, infections, injuries, or anatomical issues. It’s not an indication that your dog is sad.

5. How do dogs express sadness?

Dogs may express sadness through vocalizations like whimpering, changes in behavior such as lethargy, and reduced interest in their favorite activities.

6. Why does my dog whine or whimper?

Whining can be a sign of various emotions or needs, including excitement, anxiety, frustration, pain, or a desire for attention. Context clues and other body language will help you determine the cause.

7. Do dogs have emotions?

Yes, dogs can experience a range of emotions, including joy, fear, sadness, and happiness, though they may express them differently than humans.

8. Do dogs miss their owners?

Yes, dogs form strong bonds with their owners and can experience separation anxiety and demonstrate they miss their owners when they are away.

9. How do I know if my dog is in pain?

Signs of pain in dogs include changes in behavior like lethargy, vocalizing, panting, restlessness, and reduced appetite, as well as physical symptoms like limping or guarding a specific area. It’s important to observe any changes in their behaviors and routine.

10. Why does my dog lick me?

Licking can be a way for dogs to express affection, groom, seek attention, or soothe themselves. Your dog may also lick you because you have something tasty on your skin.

11. What scents do dogs dislike?

Dogs often dislike citrus scents, such as lemon, lime, and orange, as well as strong cleaning products and some essential oils. It’s important to keep these away from your pet.

12. Should I ignore my dog when it whines?

When your dog whines for attention, avoid rewarding the behavior. Once it stops, you can give it attention. Do not ignore a dog’s cries if you suspect they are in pain or distress.

13. Can dogs get tired of barking?

Dogs do not get tired of barking; in fact, barking can be a self-reinforcing behavior. Excessive barking may need intervention by a dog behaviorist.

14. How do I comfort a sad dog?

Provide your dog with praise, affection, playtime, and walks. Ensure your dog has a comfortable environment and is eating a healthy diet.

15. What are signs of anxiety in dogs?

Anxious dogs might exhibit behaviors such as pacing, panting, trembling, hiding, or aggression. Look for behavioral changes and changes in their normal routines.