“Dogs can cry with joy when they find their owner,” explains Hélène Gateau, veterinarian and journalist.
The phenomenon has been observed many times by dog owners, but this is the first time that it has been scientifically proven.
In a Japanese study published in the journal Current Biology, scientists measured the amount of tears produced by dogs when they reunited with their owners.
The experiment was conducted with the widely used Schirmer test which consists of putting strips under the eyes.
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"The amount of tears is significantly greater when the dog finds its owner," says the veterinarian.
According to the researchers, this production of tears is linked to the presence of oxytocin, nicknamed “the hormone of attachment”.
"These tears could have the function of softening their master in order to have more attention, food or protection", continues the veterinarian.
Attention dog owners not to put too much intensity in the reunion every day.
"The departure and return home must be non-events so that absences are well experienced and do not lead to states of stress in the animal", warns Hélène Gateau.
