Can Dogs Cry? Veterinary Experts Explain What Dog Tears Reveal

If you’ve ever watched your dog’s eyes fill with moisture after a reprimand, a thorny step, or when you leave for work, you might wonder whether those tears signal sorrow—or something entirely different. Recent research even shows that dogs can produce tears of joy when reunited with their owners.

Do Dogs Cry?

Veterinary professionals agree that dogs experience a full spectrum of emotions—happiness, frustration, love, boredom, joy, grief, loyalty, and sadness. However, crying in the human sense is not a typical emotional expression for dogs according to Linda Simon, MVB, MRCVS, licensed veterinarian and consultant for ThePets.

Veteran trainer and behaviorist Jen Jones, founder of Your Dog Advisor, cautions against over‑humanizing our pets. "While dogs are emotionally attuned to us, they don’t process sadness the same way humans do," she says. Understanding these differences helps owners interpret their dogs’ true feelings.

What Makes a Dog Sad?

Dogs can feel sadness for reasons familiar to us—pain, loneliness, loss, and grief. Dr. Simon notes that while most episodes are brief, some dogs experience profound and prolonged sadness, such as those that remain at a deceased owner’s grave day after day. Additionally, dogs may mirror their human’s emotions; when a owner is upset, a sensitive dog often shows a corresponding response.

Experts highlight that dogs possess remarkable emotional intelligence, especially in reading human cues—facial expressions, tone, and even health. "They’re deeply attuned to our feelings," says Jones. "They don’t think about sadness as we do, but they do feel and respond to it.”

How Do Dogs Cry?

Dogs can vocalize distress in two main ways: through sound and through tears. Vocalizations—whimpering, whining, or even a low bark—often signal excitement, frustration, anxiety, or pain. They may also indicate a need for attention, a treat, or an outlet to relieve pressure.

When it comes to tears, humans are the only species that shed emotional tears. Dog tears serve a purely physiological purpose: to keep the eye moist, clean, and protected. Their tear ducts drain fluid back into the body rather than letting it spill over the face, so visible “tears” are usually a sign of a medical issue such as a blocked duct, allergies, an infection, or an eye injury. A veterinary check‑up is recommended if you notice persistent wetness around the eyes.

How Do Dogs Express Sadness?

While dogs may not cry emotions the way humans do, they have distinct ways of communicating sadness:

• Whimpering or whining: Instinctual cues from puppies that persist into adulthood, especially if you respond positively.
• Shaking or trembling: A common reaction to fear, reprimand, or discomfort.
• Hiding: Sensitive dogs may seek a safe space—crates, under beds, or a quiet corner—when feeling low.
• Seeking extra snuggles: Dogs often turn to human comfort during pain, illness, loneliness, or boredom.
• Ignoring you: Some dogs withdraw by avoiding eye contact, not obeying commands, or retreating to another room.
• Unique cues: Every dog develops personalized signals—like bringing a favorite blanket or a particular paw gesture—that only you can interpret.

Recognizing these behaviors is key to providing the right support and strengthening the bond with your pet.

Can Dogs Cry Tears of Joy?

Scientific evidence supports that dogs can produce tears when extremely excited. A 2022 study published in Current Biology examined 22 dog‑owner pairs. When dogs reunited with their owners after 5–7 hours apart, they produced measurable tear volume—a response linked to the release of oxytocin, the bonding hormone. In contrast, greeting a familiar non‑owner produced significantly less tear output.

This research confirms that dogs experience intense positive emotions, and their tears are a physiological reflection of that bond.

Sources

• Linda Simon, MVB, MRCVS, licensed veterinarian and consultant for ThePets
• Jen Jones, veteran dog trainer and behaviorist, founder of Your Dog Advisor
• Current Biology: "Increase of tear volume in dogs after reunion with owners is mediated by oxytocin"