Emotional distress is one of many reasons for a dog to cry. Though crying as a reaction to physical discomfort is more common in dogs. Aside from feeling uncomfortable due to stress, feeling uneasy and restless from needing affection, or feeling worried from joining a new community or companion, the reason why dogs cry can be as complex as why we cry.
But when your dog is suffering from external pains, forcing them to cry, you should act quickly. And since they only have limited ways to convey their feelings, they can only cry while enduring this type of ordeal.
Why is my dog crying?
Crying is more attention-grabbing, thus it is also the reason why dogs use their cry as another form of language. Instinctively, dogs shriek in pain, with whines following suit to the sudden pain. Or they cry when there is something severely wrong with their health. An owner that can communicate well with their pup will be able to determine the differences as soon as possible. As veteran dog trainer Jean Jones said, dogs have distinctive ways in how they express and communicate.
Some common causes of tears in dogs
Reasons like allergic reactions to food or surroundings, duct blockage, infections from neglect, injuries through playfulness, and simply dirt are common to dogs. While dogs can certainly learn to cry to deceive the owner into getting what it wants, when the external factors are the reason for the tears, then it needs utmost attention and must be resolved right away. If left unattended, It may get worse.
Allergies
Dogs are playful by nature and most likely drawn to dirt, so they may develop an allergy to dust. Other allergic triggers can be seen through food or exposure to plants within your proximity. Replacing the food from the diet and removing the plant may produce results. But if the allergies are persistent, a visit to the veterinarian is a must.
Blocked tear ducts
If the tear duct is blocked, then it can’t function properly, thus the eyes will leak as a result. If the condition has been going on for some time and the dog has been observed to be uneasy, then it is a call for help. The medication recommended by a vet will help to cure this. Wendy Brooks, DVM, DAVP explained that runny eyes are one of the hardest to treat in veterinary ophthalmology.
Infection
Infections can be a worst-case scenario when your dog is crying. It means that the discomfort was not settled as early as possible. The infected eyes are shut because of the accumulation of mucus all around, making it harder for the dog to see. When the discharge is a combination of either mucus or blood instead of just tears, this is a clear indication of infection and will need the attention of experts. Seek help before the dog’s eye worsens as it may become life-threatening.
Scratched Cornea
Scratched corneas can make your dog’s eyes watery in an attempt to repair or relieve the discomfort. If the condition worsens— the watering of the eyes gets heavier, the eyes get reddish, and/or get swollen, the dog is yelping and turning in circles restlessly— it is time to visit the veterinarian before it develops to become an eye infection.
Speck of dirt
One may be able to determine as a result of whining and blinking more than usual and rubbing the eye with its paws, the cause of watery eyes in your dog is due to eye irritation from dirt. It usually resolves by itself as the speck of dirt is extracted from the eyes by natural means. But if the irritation continues and the dog’s behavior persists, seek care from a veterinarian.
Why crying occurs in dogs
It is important to address the cause so that the problem will be prevented from happening again. Inappropriate handling of the situation can not only fail to solve the issue, but confuse the dog enduring it. Continued communication between owner and pet is key to a harmonious relationship.
Prevention of crying
Keeping the dog happy and well taken care of will reduce the frequency of crying but it will not erase the possibility. Prolonged stress can cause depression in dogs, making problems much harder to sniff out. If your dog is experiencing discomfort, physical and mental drops will be evident, and the dog may even stop drinking and eating. Thus, getting to know the character of your dog is helpful to appropriately take action in any situation.
Other problems that might cause dogs crying
A dog may also cry for less serious reasons, like out of jealousy when a new pet is introduced into the household or out of boredom. Yes, when they have nothing better to do, they will cry. Some owners find it annoying while some find it cute. But at the end of the day, unnecessary crying must be fixed because there is a possibility it can become a habit.
Separation Anxiety
Typically, dogs need time to adjust to new changes. Overcoming separation anxiety is possible but often not as fast as expected, especially when the change is huge. This sudden feeling of being away from things, places, or companions that they are so used to being with can cause a massive anxiety attack, which can be characterized by crying. Some owners have found that CBD products can promote calmness and comfort for their pets when they are separated for long periods.
Related Article: Home Remedies For Canine Anxiety
Injury of medical condition
When the pet has injuries, it will often avoid obstacles it normally didn’t have a problem with. The same is true when the dog is struggling with a medical condition. For example, a dog may avoid eating because it has abdomen pain although some injuries are more noticeable like a limping dog.
Drastic changes with the dog can be vocalized through yelping or whining in an effort in expressing the pain they are experiencing even though it is not visible.
What to do if my dog is crying
The more the owner can distinguish the differences of crying, the better. Owners must also learn how to react selectively depending on the dog’s cry. If the cries are injury-related, needing medical attention, it is best to seek veterinarian help. But if it is the product of bad behavior, it is best to just ignore it.
Final Thoughts
Understanding there are essential and non-essential dog cries, and knowing how to respond to each would be the best. There are immediate responses that are favorable when raising your pet-pooch that only cries when necessary!