15/08/2024
THE CRYING GAME: WHY DOGS CRY
Excessive tearing (also called epiphora) is the result of an overflow of tears from the eyes.
In certain breeds of dogs (e.g. Poodles, Spaniels, Pugs, etc.), it is normal but can be a cosmetic problem.
The bronze staining of the hairs is due to a compound in the tears called porphyrin.
While more often than not, epiphora is merely of cosmetic concern, it can also be an important sign of ocular pain.
For example, if there is a corneal ulcer or inflammation of the eyeball, excessive tearing can occur.
Excessive tearing can also result if aberrant hairs touch the eyes or the tear film.
A misplaced hair can act like a wick and draw tears onto the face.
There can also be a problem with the tear drainage apparatus.
For example, the lower eyelids (also called tear wells) may be too shallow, causing tears to spill over.
The tear ducts may also become blocked and unable to properly drain away the tears.
If your pet experiences excessive tearing, you should have your veterinarian carefully examine his or her eyes to make sure that the problem is not simply a cosmetic one.
If your veterinarian finds no medical basis for the excessive tearing, you can try several of the over-the-counter tear stain-removal products.
You may need to try more than one type before getting results. Usually, wiping the face twice daily with a wet face cloth is sufficient.
Most often, we think of dogs as happy, carefree animals who wag their tails and roll onto their backs to get their bellies scratched.
You know, all signs of happiness and loving behavior.
But as any observant pet owner knows, dogs undoubtedly have other emotions, too.
They can be scared—maybe if there’s a perceived threat like fireworks or a thunderstorm—and they can get snappy—why did you step on my tail?!—and just like humans, they appear to feel sadness, too.
But do dogs cry?
“Dogs are extremely emotional creatures, Most of the time, they’re excited and happy, and they show it by barking, wagging their tails, and licking the people they love.
But unfortunately, having emotions means dogs experience sadness, too.
But though dogs feel sadness, the way a dog “cries” isn’t necessarily the same way a human does.
If we’re talking tears, there’s a bit of a difference in how this species manifests their upset.
So, do dogs really cry? Here’s what the experts say.
No… and yes. Dogs can “cry,” but this doesn’t necessarily mean that their eyes expel tears… at least not due to their feelings.
“As you might have observed in your own pet, dogs do cry in the definition that they can shed tears, However, humans are thought to be the only animals that cry tears of emotion.
Dog-crying really is more like whimpering and unlike humans, dogs don’t tear up when they are sad.
Signs that your dog is sad include vocalizations, like whimpering or whining, as well as showing a lack of energy or interest in things they normally love, like favorite snacks or toys.
Dogs may also show their emotion on their face by squinting their eyes or hiding their face from you.
However, even if you hear your dog crying, don’t expect to see tears.
Dog tear ducts activate for normal reasons, such as washing away debris and other irritants from the eyes.
But dogs don’t tear up in response to their emotions.
In fact, “crying” in the way of expelling tears is strictly human business.
Dogs, and other animals, tear up in their eyes for other reasons, physical reasons—not emotional ones.
Only humans cry tears when they are sad.
Dog tears, however, may be a sign of something wrong in the eyes: discharge, conjunctivitis or infections, allergies, or corneal ulcers or scratches.”
Can dogs feel sadness? What causes their sadness?
Dogs certainly do feel sadness. Just consider their expression every time you leave the house and how happy they are upon your return.
“We know now that your dog isn’t crying because they are sad!
So, how does your dog express sadness? Sadness in a dog is typically displayed by a myriad of signs—some obvious, some not.
so obvious.
Common behaviors which may communicate sadness are vocalizing (such as whining and whimpering), trembling, clingy behavior or the opposite—ignoring you!
Just like humans, dogs can communicate sadness in a variety of ways and most astute pet owners understand their own dog’s communication style in what they are trying to ‘say.
So, what exactly causes a dog to feel sad?
“Loss—perceived or real,
For example, some dogs with extreme separation anxiety believe that their pet parents have abandoned them every time they walk out the door.”
Apart from separation anxiety and loss, dogs may feel sad for other reasons, too.
“Dogs can feel sadness for the same reasons we humans feel sadness,
Have you ever felt sad and then your dog responds to you in a compassionate way?
They might not know why you are sad or upset but they can respond accordingly to comfort you.
Researchers believe dogs have the emotional capacity of a 2 to 2-and-a-half-year-old human child—so a limited but pretty impressive emotional skill set!”
What do dog tears mean?
Dog tears don’t directly correlate to their sadness.
Instead, dogs usually show their sadness in other ways.
Most often, these signs of sadness manifest as anxiety,a sad dog may vocalize (such as whimpering or whining), become withdrawn, hide, stop eating, and/or lose interest in things they normally enjoy (such as taking walks, greeting people, or playing with toys).
Though dog tears don’t equal sadness, it is something serious to watch for as tears (and other eye-related symptoms) can be an indication of a medical issue.
Rather than a manifestation of sadness, if you notice your pup tearing up, it is time to do some investigating into their physical health as excessive tearing is typically indicative of an eye issue.
For example, dog tears may be a sign of allergies.
If you notice your dog tearing excessively, especially when combined with itching flatulence, it could be do to environmental or digestive allergies, Your vet can help you determine what your pup may be allergic to.
When to visit the vet for dog tears
If your dog’s eyes are frequently expelling tears, it could be a sign of a medical issue. We recommend always consulting a veterinarian first before taking any action.
The canine eye, like most mammals, is remarkably similar to a human’s with tear ducts that produce tears to keep the eyes lubricated and protected.
While a mild amount of tearing can be normal, excessive tearing in which your dog appears to be crying is typically indicative of an ocular medical issue such as an infection, foreign object or injury of the eye (which can often result in corneal ulceration), allergies, a blocked tear duct, or an (often serious) issue with the inner eye such as glaucoma, retinitis, or cataract development.”
Excessive tearing of any kind should be evaluated by a vet.
Any thick or opaque discharge (ie: green, yellow, or white tears) should be seen immediately.
If your dog is experiencing swollen eyes or exhibiting other signs that they are in pain, such as frequent pawing at the eye, then contact your vet.
“Dogs with swollen eyes, squinting, or blinking eyes should also be seen.
If you see any of the above [symptoms] in only one eye, that’s another clue something may be wrong in just the one eye, and your dog should be seen.
Excessive tearing or not, if you observe redness, squinting, abnormal discharge or pawing of the eye, it is time to visit your veterinarian ASAP to diagnose the problem and formulate a treatment plan.
We certainly don’t want your dog to feel sad because of eye pain!
