Whether from happiness or sadness, we’ve all witnessed our canine companions shed a few tears. While it’s not uncommon, it can be startling to see your pup with tears rolling down their face. But do dogs really cry? And if so, why?
Do Dogs Actually Cry?
You’ve seen your dog tear up before—it’s not uncommon. And you’ve probably wondered if your dog was actually crying or just whimpering or whining. Well, the short answer is yes—dogs do indeed cry. In fact, most mammals, including humans, are capable of shedding tears. Tears are made up of a combination of water, proteins, hormones, and antibodies that help to flush out any irritants or debris that may be irritating our eyes.
Why Do Dogs Cry?
So why do our canine companions shed tears? Well, just like us, there are many possible reasons for why our pups might start to cry. The most obvious reason is that they’re experiencing some sort of pain or discomfort. Just like humans, our dogs are sensitive creatures that may feel pain from injuries or illnesses. They may also be in pain due to dental problems, allergies, or gastrointestinal issues.
Another potential reason why our pups might be in tears is due to separation anxiety. Separation anxiety occurs when our pups become anxious when we leave them alone. They’ll often begin whimpering and crying in an attempt to get our attention. When this happens, we can try to eliminate the underlying cause of the anxiety. For instance, if our pup is afraid of being left alone because they have a history of being abused, then we should work on overcoming that fear.
How Do We Know If Our Dog Is Crying?
If our pup is crying, how do we know if they’re in pain or just sad? Again, it’s a tough question to answer. But there are some signs that you can look for that might indicate whether your pooch is in pain or simply upset. If your pup is crying, their ears will often be pulled back and down. They may also lick their lips or rub their eyes. If you notice that your pup’s eyes are bloodshot or that they’re pawing at their faces, then this could be a sign that they are experiencing some sort of physical pain.
If the tears are accompanied by other signs of depression, such as loss of appetite or lethargy, then there’s a good chance that your pooch is suffering from some form of depression.
What To Do If Your Dog Is Crying
If you find that your dog is exhibiting symptoms of pain or distress, it’s important that you take them to the vet immediately. They will be able to conduct a thorough examination and work to identify the cause of the pain. If your pooch suffers from a chronic illness, then the vet can develop a treatment plan to help alleviate any discomfort they may be feeling.
On the other hand, if your pooch is suffering from separation anxiety, then there are a few things that you can do to help them overcome their fears. One option is to hire a dog walker to walk your pup during the day. This will help to keep them from getting bored and it will also help them to build healthy relationships with their walker.
Another option is to create a safe, secure space for your dog. You can create this by gating off a small space in your home where they can spend time alone. Make sure that this space is comfortable and free of stressors, such as loud noises or bright lights.
How To Help Your Dog Overcome Separation Anxiety
If your pooch is suffering from separation anxiety, then there are a number of things that you can do to help them overcome their fears. One option is to hire an overnight pet sitter. Overnight pet sitters will stay overnight with your pooch in your home. This will allow them to sleep in their own bed and will help to alleviate the loneliness that they feel when you’re gone.
You can also help to alleviate their separation anxiety by practicing crate training. Crates are particularly useful for ensuring that your pooch doesn’t cause damage to your home while you’re away. Crate training involves teaching your pooch to feel safe in a crate. When they begin to feel anxious, you can place them in their crate and provide them with a quiet, calming environment.
Bottom Line
Your pup is an emotional creature, and it’s not uncommon for them to shed a few tears. But if you notice them crying for extended periods of time or displaying other signs of distress, then it’s important that you take them to the veterinarian as soon as possible. They can help to determine the cause of their symptoms and work with you to develop a plan of action to help your pooch feel their very best.
