Do dogs cry when they are sad? Why do dogs keep crying?

Oct 28,2023
5Min

Dogs do not shed tears to express emotions

According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, dogs do not shed tears to express emotions in the same way that humans do. This is because the physiological structure of their eyes is different from that of humans. Human lacrimal glands are connected to the eyes, and tears will flow out of the eyes when they are sad. However, dogs’ lacrimal glands are connected to the nose and throat, not the eyes, so dogs are feeling No tears shed when in pain or sadness.

Dogs use vocalizations to express emotions

In a paper published on Vetstreet, Dr. Patty Khuly, VMD, said dogs don’t express themselves like people do by crying. Sadness and pain, they are sounds that express their emotions. Dr. Khuly also noted that dogs often whine or whine when they want something, or are anxious and need attention. This behavior is closest to human crying behavior. Dogs also make the same sound when they are in pain, but this usually only happens when the pain is sudden. When a dog lives with chronic pain, he often suffers in silence.

Why do dogs use sounds to express emotions

According to research by scientists at the University of California, Santa Barbara, dogs in life Relying more on hearing than sight, it makes sense that dogs evolved to use sounds to express emotions rather than tears. So far, there is no scientific evidence that dogs shed tears the way people do when they are sad. But they can feel what is called "love". Canine cognition and emotion have become a huge research topic over the past few years, and Dr. Enns used MRI scanners to look at the brains of dogs as they "feel" emotions. They found that areas of the dog's brain associated with pleasure, similar to those in humans, were activated when objects with their owner's scent were present. According to Attila Andix, a researcher at the Hungarian Family Dog Project, dogs are the only species that can actively make eye contact with people. They will also instinctively seek out their owners when fearful or upset, just as a human child would seek out its parents.

After understanding at a psychological level, we know that dogs will not cry because they are sad. In fact, physiologically, they will not shed tears easily. If your dog often sheds tears, it may be Something went wrong. The following are several common reasons:

Soil and dust

The most common reason is simply due to too much wind and sand or too bad air, just like riding a bicycle. It is the same as when dust gets into your eyes. There is no need to be too nervous in these situations, but remember to observe the symptoms at any time. If it does not get better for a long time, remember to see a veterinarian in time.

Eye infection

Dogs may also shed tears due to eye infections. If their tears are yellow, swollen or stained with blood, there is a high chance that they are An infection has occurred. Symptoms include itching or swollen eyes, so if your dog develops these conditions, it's important to get him checked out.

Cornea scratches

If the dog accidentally scratches the cornea while playing, or the dog scratches its own eye If you accidentally scratch your eyes, blink frequently or have swollen eyes, you should see a veterinarian in time.

Caused by allergies

Just like humans, allergies may also cause tears in dogs. They may be allergic to many things, such as pollen, dust, smoke or other things. If you want to find out the source of your dog's allergies, it is recommended to see a veterinarian.

Tear duct obstruction

If the dog’s tear duct is blocked. Tears cannot flow back to the throat but flow out from the eyes, and the area around their eyes will always be in a moist state. If this continues, it may cause skin inflammation or make the hair around the eyes turn brown or red. However, certain breeds of dogs, such as pit bulls and poodles, are prone to tear duct obstruction due to their flat faces, but this condition is usually not serious.
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