Dogs can “cry” to communicate an emotion or need. This crying manifests itself as moans, squeals or complaints.
These vocalizations can vary in intensity and tone. Dogs may shed tears for the following reasons: Irritation, pain, confusion, anxiety, or disorientation. A study led by Takefumi Kikusui of Azabu University in Japan found that dogs can produce tears in response to very strong emotions. This finding suggests that dogs are able to express more complex emotions than previously thought.