Do Dogs Cry? Understanding Canine Tears and How to Help
Most pet parents recognize that teary look our furry friends give when they’re feeling down or maybe even after they cause some trouble. Although the glisten in their puppy-dog eyes could suggest they are upset, it’s natural to wonder, do dogs cry?
The answer is yes, dogs do cry; however, it’s not in the same way that people do! Discover the real reasons behind your dog’s tears and the best ways you can help watery eyes.
Do Dogs Cry Tears?
Yes, dogs can produce teardrops or liquid around their eyes. You likely won’t see tears streaming down your furry friend’s face because their tears drain through the eyelid and then empty into the nose. However, some dogs have tear stains under their eyes, which is an indicator of excessive tear production.
Why Do Dogs Cry?
Although dogs experience watery eyes, they do not cry tears in response to their emotions like humans do. Dogs typically cry because there is a physical issue with their eyes. On the other hand, some furry friends might “cry” in the form of whining as a response to their emotions.
Causes of Dogs’ Watery Eyes
There are a variety of reasons your furry friend’s eyes water up. According to PetMD, common causes include:
Irritation: Dust, pollen, hair, or other foreign materials can irritate the eyes, causing them to water as a way to flush out the irritant.
Allergies: Just like humans, dogs can have allergies to elements in the environment, certain foods, medications, plants, or bugs. They can sometimes even have an allergic reaction to cats! While there are many symptoms of an allergy, sudden watery and itchy eyes are common.
Blocked Tear Ducts: The nasolacrimal duct, which drains tears, can become blocked due to genetics, inflammation, infection, or foreign objects. When the tears get backed up, they will flow from the eyes instead. Often brachycephalic dog breeds (those with flat faces) are more prone to this issue.
Eye Infections: Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections can cause watery eyes, often accompanied by dog eye discharge, redness, and swelling.
Eye Injury: Scratches or similar injuries to the cornea can lead to pain and watery eyes.
Certain Eye Conditions: Other ocular problems like chronic dry eye, glaucoma, or abnormal eyelashes can also cause dogs to cry tears.
Other Reasons Dogs “Cry”
Although you won’t see your dog shedding tears when they’re emotional, they still “cry” in their own unique way. When dogs howl, whimper, or whine, they might be trying to communicate:
- Needing or wanting something
- Feeling scared or stressed
- Experiencing pain or discomfort
- Seeking attention
- Greeting
- Appeasement
- Excitement
🐾 Related: Why Is My Puppy Crying?
How to Help Watery Dog Eyes
Here are a few tips to help your dog if they often get watery eyes or tear stains.
Keep the Area Clean: Gently wipe away any discharge around your dog's eyes with a warm, damp, clean cloth or dog eye wipes. Be careful not to touch the eyeball directly.
Prevent Rubbing: If your dog is rubbing their eyes, consider putting socks on their paws or trying an e-collar to prevent further irritation and potential injury.
Trim Their Facial Hair: Carefully trim the longer pieces of hair around your dog’s eyes to prevent it from irritating the surface of the eye. If you have a light-colored dog who struggles with tear stains, consider using a whitening shampoo during baths to help brighten the dark spots.
Avoid Irritants: Try to identify and minimize your dog's exposure to potential allergens or irritants in their environment.
Depending on the severity of your dog’s symptoms, it’s always best to refer to your veterinarian for medical advice and the best treatment plan for your pup.
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Easy Eye Essentials
If your pup is feeling “ruff” around the eyes, don’t fret! Although dogs do cry, it’s important to monitor your furry friend for other underlying symptoms. By understanding the real reasons behind your dog's watery eyes, you can ensure they receive the best care and keep those puppy-dog eyes happy and healthy!
