There’s nothing more comforting and uplifting than the presence of your furry friend, and science proves that interacting with dogs can increase the serotonin levels in the brain, resulting in a serious mood boost. That’s why many canine buddies earn the spot of working as emotional support dogs or in other positions related to mental health.

While we know a dog’s touch is undoubtedly reassuring, what about the other way around? Can they feel sad, and is it possible for your dog to cry real, emotional tears? Dogs are expressive creatures, and while wagging their tails display their excitement, how can pet parents tell if their dogs are depressed?

What Do The Tears Mean?

No one can resist the “puppy dog eyes” as one look can melt even the hardiest of human hearts. While seeing tears pool in their eyes earns plenty of coos and ahhs from paw parents, the wateriness is not rooted in sadness.

Dogs do have tear ducts, but tears often go back into the nasal cavity instead of the eyes to keep them clean, free of debris, and comfortable. Once you see tears leaking, it’s not out of emotion but it can be a warning sign of the following conditions:

• Eye infection

• Block tear ducts

• Allergies

• Damage to the surface of the eyes

Be sure to check with your veterinarian when you see your dog “crying.” While tears don’t reflect their emotions, that doesn’t mean the little rascals don’t have other ways of expressing their feelings.

How Do Dogs Express Their Sadness or Pain?

As mentioned above, tears are a sign of potential trouble in your pup’s health. However, they do have a range of emotions that they often express in noticeable ways. Like human babies, dogs will cry for attention if they need comfort, love, or nourishment.

Dogs are vocal creatures that have no reason to hold back on their wants and demands, so you’ll likely hear them whimper when they are in discomfort, huff, and puff when they are playful, or bark when something catches their curiosity. Variations in energy, engagement, attitude, and attention can also be indicators of sadness. It’s not uncommon for dogs to get sad when their parents leave the house for work, or go on vacation. Luckily, they have two- and four-legged friends at The Paw Resort & Wellness Centre to expertly look after them while their parents are elsewhere!

The Bottom Line: Understanding Your Fur Baby’s Emotions On A Deeper Level

Indeed, dogs don’t cry, but they are capable of plenty of emotions such as sadness and even longer-lasting, deeper-seeded sadness like depression. Dogs tend to “wear their hearts on their sleeves,” or in other words, you can get an accurate idea of how dogs are feeling based on how they’re acting. Most of the time (not always) their emotions are influenced by their environmental stimuli rather than psychological factors or mental instablities.

Providing the best possible care and catering to their needs will ensure they thrive, allowing your canine friends to feel happy and healthy by your side.

How Can We Help?

We’re a paw spa in Brandon, Manitoba, that provides the best pampering services and dog training for your furry companions. We can keep your pets clean, comfortable, and care-free in an environment tailored to suit their unique needs, so get in touch with us to book your appointment today!

We can promise your dogs will feel like they’re in a pet haven under our care at The Paw Resort. After all, we’re so much more than just a boarding kennel.