A social animal, dogs can feel a wide range of emotions and certain bodily attitudes allow them to communicate them.
Barking, whining, growling and even
crying
are all ways of conveying their needs and feelings.
Crying in dogs: understanding everything
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.
For example, a dog may whine or squeak when he is lonely or when he is injured.
It also happens that a dog sheds
tears
.
In most cases, it is simply a physiological reflex that is not necessarily linked to a specific emotion.
Dogs produce tears to keep their eyes moist and protect their corneas.
But according to a study led by Takefumi Kikusui of Azabu University in Japan and published in the journal
Current Biology,
dogs can produce tears in response to very strong emotions.
This finding suggests that dogs can express more complex emotions than previously thought.
Indeed, over the course of their domestication, dogs have developed specific communication skills.
Studies have shown that eye contact plays a crucial role in establishing a bond between a dog and its owner.
Many dog owners, behaviorists and professionals in the canine world have already been confronted with dog tears in response to strong emotions.
What are the possible causes of crying?
Understanding why a dog cries helps you meet its needs.
Here are the main reasons for crying in dogs.
Possible causes of “
crying
”, i.e. yapping that sounds like crying:
Pain: They may have an injury, illness, or underlying medical condition that is causing pain.
Anxiety and stress: when feeling anxious, stressed or uncomfortable in certain situations.
Need for attention: This can happen if he feels lonely or neglected.
But also when he is hungry or thirsty or if he needs to go out to do his business.
This is often the case with puppies in the potty training phase.
Aging or Cognitive Problems: Older dogs or those with cognitive problems may cry due to confusion, anxiety, or disorientation related to their condition.
Dogs may shed tears for the following reasons:
Irritation: Foreign particles, dust, smoke or chemicals can irritate a dog's eyes.
Infections: Conjunctivitis or keratitis can lead to inflammation of the eye.
Allergies: certain substances present in the environment, such as pollen, dust mites or household products can cause itching and watery eyes.
Foreign bodies: hairs, grains of sand or plant debris in the eyes can cause irritation
Strong emotions, for example a reunion with your master or abandonment.
Also read: Why does my dog scratch the floor?
What should be done ?
Crying linked to impatience, for example, is generally temporary and stops as soon as the animal gets what it wants.
Another common scenario is a dog crying when alone, indicating a lack of habituation to solitude.
It is essential to start the learning process again, so that the dog understands that there is no need to worry in the absence of its owner.
Departures and returns are part of daily life and should not disturb the dog excessively.
Good to know
If the crying or tears persist or appear to be associated with a health problem, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian for a proper evaluation.