Dogs Cry: Sadness or Something Else?

Understanding the Physiological Structure of a Dog's Tear Ducts

The physiological structure of a dog's tear ducts differs from that of humans. While human tear ducts are directly connected to the eyes, a dog's tear ducts are actually linked to the nose and throat. When a dog's tear ducts produce tears, they spread across the entire eye upon blinking, then converge at the lacrimal puncta and flow through the lacrimal canals into the nasolacrimal duct, ultimately reaching the nasal cavity. Unlike humans, dogs do not have tears running down their cheeks. Therefore, if you notice tears at the corners of your dog's eyes, it's a sign to be vigilant!

What Causes Dogs to Cry?

1. Improper Diet

Consuming too much salt or spicy foods can lead to an increase in tear production, causing excessive tearing. Additionally, if a dog's drinking water contains high levels of minerals and impurities, or if their diet is rich in certain foods like organs, they may also experience tearing. It's important for pet owners to be cautious about their dog's diet and avoid feeding them human leftovers.

2. Poisoning

Eating toxic food or accidentally ingesting pesticides can trigger tearing in dogs. This is often accompanied by other abnormal symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and muscle tremors. In such cases, it's crucial for pet owners to seek veterinary care immediately.

3. Inflammation

Bacterial infections in a dog's eyes can lead to conjunctivitis and keratitis, causing inflammation. Pet owners should pay close attention to their dog's eye hygiene and use petspecific eye drops or chloramphenicol eye ointment to alleviate inflammation if it occurs.

4. Glaucoma and Cataracts

Glaucoma and cataracts are also common causes of excessive tearing in dogs. These conditions are characterized by excessive tearing, dilated pupils, and a lack of response to light, often leading to increased intraocular pressure and potentially blindness if not treated promptly.

5. Genetics

Certain breeds, such as Poodles, Pit Bulls, Bulldogs, and Pugs, may have congenital nasolacrimal duct obstructions due to genetics. This can lead to the inability of tears to pass through the tear ducts to the nose or throat, causing them to naturally tear up and develop tear stains over time.

6. Environmental Stimuli

Dust, bacteria, smoke, and hair fibers that enter a dog's eyes can cause discomfort and frequent tearing. It's important to maintain good indoor hygiene and prevent your dog from spending prolonged periods in such environments. Additionally, intense light, UV rays, and foreign objects in the eyes during play can also lead to tearing.

7. Entropion

Dogs with inverted eyelashes may experience tearing due to the irritation caused by the lashes to the eye. Regular trimming of long hair and, if necessary, professional removal of inverted eyelashes by a vet can help alleviate this issue.

8. Other Diseases

Dogs may also tear up due to illnesses such as the common cold, canine distemper, parvovirus, and others. If your dog exhibits symptoms like fever, vomiting, or other signs of illness, it's important to take them to the vet promptly.

It's worth noting that when dogs are sad or in pain, they often express their emotions through whining, howling, or physical reactions like a drooping tail or ears. Generally, pets do not cry without reason. As a responsible pet owner, it's essential to closely monitor their physical and emotional wellbeing.