Do Dogs Cry? Understanding Their Tears and Signs of Sadness

While human crying is a sign of emotion, dogs have other ways of showing sadness. Changes in behavior, including lethargy, loss of interest, or a lessened appetite may indicate that your dog is feeling down. Excessive tearing, however, is not a sign of sadness in dogs. Tear issues and dog tear stains indicate medical issues. Your pet's veterinarian can help diagnose what's causing the issue and guide you in treating dog tear issues.

Choosing a higher-quality dog food with a balance of protein and complex carbohydrates is key to helping your canine remain in optimal health. Avoid food with byproducts, artificial coloring, artificial flavors, wheat, soy, or preservatives.

The veterinarian will run a series of tests to diagnose the cause of your dog's tear issues. Surgery or eye ointment may be required to treat the issue. Only use eye medication prescribed by your veterinarian to treat your dog.

How dogs express sadness

Since they don't use tears to tell us they're sad, dogs have other ways of expressing this emotion. If dogs are upset or depressed, their body language will show it. They may lose interest in things they enjoy, like a game of fetch, or may want to be closer to their humans, acting clingy and needy. They may also act withdrawn or afraid and have lethargy and loss of appetite.

Dogs who go through a major change in the home, such as the loss of a family member or a change in routine or structure, may exhibit signs of sadness. These symptoms can also be indicative of illness or chronic pain, so keep a close eye on your pet and contact your veterinarian if you notice these types of changes in your canine.

While depression or sadness can be a short-term issue in dogs, some will need help dealing with a traumatic past. A behavioral expert can help you learn to care for your dog's emotional health. Depression or anxiety medication could also alleviate your dog's mental health issues.