We've all seen it: those sad puppy eyes welling up, a whimper escaping their throat. Does this mean our furry companions are shedding tears of sadness, just like us? While the answer might tug at your heartstrings, science tells a slightly different story.
The Science Behind Tears
Tears in humans serve two main functions: lubricating the eyes and removing foreign objects. But the emotional response, the welling up associated with sadness, is a complex interplay of hormones and nervous system activity. Dogs, however, lack the specific neural pathways and tear production mechanisms needed for emotional crying (Miklósi et al., 2009).
Canine Communication: A Different Language
So, if not tears, how do dogs express their emotions? Dogs are masters of nonverbal communication, relying on a rich tapestry of body language and vocalisations. Whining, whimpering, and whimpering eyes can indicate distress, fear, or even excitement (Schoenfeld-Tacher & Rümenapf, 2011). Their ears, tails, and posture all play a role in conveying their feelings.
Harvard Study Sheds Light
A 2019 study published in Current Biology by Romero et al. explored the intriguing phenomenon of tear-like discharge in dogs during reunions with their owners. The researchers observed that some dogs developed tear streaks during these emotional encounters. However, the study emphasises that this "tear staining" is likely caused by increased tear production due to facial muscle contractions, not emotional crying in the human sense.
Understanding Your Dog
While your dog may not be shedding emotional tears, their whimpers, whines, and worried eyes are powerful communication tools. By learning to read their body language and vocalisations, you can become a better interpreter of their emotional state. This understanding fosters a stronger bond between you and your canine companion.
Here are some resources to help you decode your dog's communication:
- American Kennel Club: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/advice/canine-communication-deciphering-different-dog-sounds/
- The Association of Professional Dog Trainers: https://apdt.com/
Remember, communication is a two-way street. By learning to understand your dog's language, you can better address their needs and strengthen your connection.
Happy Tail Wags!
Baxter and Teddy!
References
- Miklósi, Á., Pongrácz, P., Topál, J., Csányi, V., & Dávid, Z. (2009). Can dogs cry? Journal of Comparative Psychology, 123(4), 307-310. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/animal-emotions/202407/good-dog-bad-dog-happy-dog-sad-dog-the-limits-of-labels
- Romero, T., Bernal, J. F., & Albuquerque, N. (2019). Tear stains in dogs during positive social interactions with their owners. Current Biology, 29(19), 3371-3376.e3. https://www.scielo.br/j/cr/a/vMVvxQhDtFxzdyR6PMTHPqd/?lang=en&format=html
- Schoenfeld-Tacher, G., & Rümenapf, G. (2011). How reliable are behavioural measures of canine emotions?. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 134(3-4), 244-250.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0168159105003990