Dogs do produce tears, a physiological function that keeps their eyes healthy. Unlike humans, however, these tears typically do not spill over and run down their faces in response to emotions. Instead, a dog’s tear ducts usually drain the liquid back towards their throat and nose. This constant process maintains ocular well-being.
The Purpose of Dog Tears
Dogs produce two main types of tears, both serving distinct physiological roles. Basal tears are continuously produced to lubricate the eye surface, nourish the cornea, and provide antimicrobial protection.
Reflex tears, on the other hand, are produced in larger quantities as a protective response to irritants or injury. If dust, smoke, or a foreign object enters a dog’s eye, reflex tears work to flush out the offending substance, preventing damage and infection. These tears also supply oxygen and remove exfoliated cells, keeping the eye clear and functioning correctly.
Emotional Crying in Dogs
While dogs certainly experience a wide range of emotions, including sadness, joy, and anxiety, they do not typically produce tears as a physical manifestation of these feelings in the way humans do. Human emotional tears have a different chemical composition than reflex tears, a distinction not observed in canine tear production related to emotions. Although some research suggests a temporary increase in tear volume when dogs reunite with their owners, this is not considered emotional crying like human weeping.
Dogs communicate distress, sadness, or other feelings primarily through vocalizations and body language. They may whimper, whine, or howl to express discomfort, fear, or a need for attention. Behavioral changes such as a tucked tail, flattened ears, hiding, or a decrease in activity also indicate emotional states. Instead of tears, these cues are how dogs convey their inner feelings to their human companions.
When Dog Tears Indicate an Issue
While normal tear production is a healthy bodily function, excessive or discolored tearing, medically known as epiphora, often signals an underlying health problem. This overflow of tears can be caused by various factors, including environmental allergies, foreign objects irritating the eye, or blockages in the tear ducts that prevent proper drainage.
Infections like conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, or eyelid abnormalities can also lead to increased tear production. Certain breeds with flat faces, like Shih Tzus or Pugs, are more prone to epiphora due to their facial anatomy affecting tear drainage. If you observe persistent watery eyes, redness, discharge, or your dog pawing at their face, consulting a veterinarian is advised to diagnose and address the cause.