Why Is My Dog Crying? What It Means & What It Doesn’t

Dogs aren’t just our best friends, they’re family. And if you’ve ever dealt with your buddy whimpering or wailing their lungs out when you’re about to leave home or at night, you might’ve wondered why is my dog crying? Can dogs cry tears – and do dogs cry tears when sad? Or when in pain? Let’s dive into all the reasons why – and what steps you can take if separation anxiety turns out to be one of the causes.

Find out how your dog spends their time.

Read more

Key takeaways

🐾 There’s no evidence that a crying dog is feeling sadness or any other distressing emotion.

🐾 Dogs may experience watery eyes when they’re experiencing eye irritation.

🐾 Dogs CAN, however, feel emotions like sadness and are sensitive to our emotions.

🐾 Some dogs might experience separation anxiety when kept apart from their primary caregivers for a long time or experience neglect.

🐾 Dogs don’t express sadness through tears, but rather through howling, barking, loss of appetite, withdrawal or clinginess.

Do dogs cry tears when sad?

To begin with, dogs can and do feel emotions like sadness. Dogs’ limbic systems actually work similarly to humans’ and help them experience feelings of anger, frustration, joy, and fear. But no, they’re not likely to cry tears when sad. Instead, they show their feelings through body language and behavior. A sad or distressed dog might whimper, whine, lose interest in playtime, or become more withdrawn.

What’s likely to make my dog sad?

• Separation from you
  Dogs are social animals, and many struggle with being left alone for long periods. If your dog whines, paces, or seems withdrawn when you leave, they might be dealing with separation anxiety.
• Losing a loved one
  Dogs form strong bonds – not just with their humans but also with other pets in the household. The loss of a furry friend or even a beloved person can leave them feeling confused and sad.
• Changes in routine
  Dogs thrive on routine. A sudden change – like moving to a new home, a new family member, or a shift in your work schedule – can make them feel unsettled or even depressed.
• Lack of attention or stimulation
  If your dog isn’t getting enough playtime, exercise, or mental stimulation, boredom can set in, leading to sadness or frustration. Dogs need interaction and activities to stay happy and engaged.
• Scolding or harsh discipline
  Dogs aim to please, and harsh corrections or raised voices can leave them feeling confused and down. Positive reinforcement is a much better way to encourage good behavior.
• Health issues or pain
  If your dog suddenly seems sad, low on energy, or uninterested in food or play, it could be a sign of an underlying health issue. Conditions like joint pain, digestive problems, or even minor discomfort can impact their mood. If the sadness persists, a vet check-up is a good idea.

💡A GPS & Health tracker with built-in Bark Monitoring and Separation Anxiety Monitoring can help you pick up on the signs of anxiety that much quicker, like restless pacing or excessive barking or whining. So you can keep an eye on your buddy even when you’re not around.

Learn More

But why is my dog crying…tears?

Dogs can have tears – or eye discharge – in a physiological sense. But again, it’s more likely due to foreign bodies like dust, pollen, allergies, or even an eye infection. (And not due to sadness or stress.) In these cases, the tears well up to help them flush out any foreign bodies, much like with us humans.

If your dog’s eyes seem overly teary or irritated, it’s best to check with a vet to rule out any health concerns. Else, do a thorough cleaning of your indoor space to figure out if something in your environment is triggering a teary fit.

Read more: 6 Causes Of Dog Eye Discharge & How To Handle Them

How might a sad dog behave?

A dog that’s experiencing sadness or grieving isn’t likely to cry tears, but their feelings do show up in some important ways. They might instead seem:

• Withdrawn, less active than usual
• More reluctant around meals – though watch out: a loss of appetite can often be a red flag that something’s not right with your dog, health-wise
• Clingier than usual
• Hunched over, with their ears turned back or their head downcast
• More vocal than usual, which might include barking or whining or even howling for attention.

How can I cheer up my crying dog?

If your dog is crying – whether through whimpering, whining, or restlessness – it’s important to figure out why before deciding how to comfort them. Depending on the cause, here are some steps you can take if you’ve got a dog crying because of…

A lack of attention

Some dogs whine or cry simply because they want more interaction. If your dog seems otherwise happy and healthy, try:

• Spending quality time together
  A cuddle session, belly rubs, or simply sitting near them can provide comfort.
• Playing their favorite game
  A round of fetch or tug-of-war can help distract them and lift their mood.
• Teaching them new tricks
  Mental stimulation can help keep their mind engaged and reduce attention-seeking whining.

Separation anxiety

If you’ve got a dog crying due to being left alone, they might whine, bark, or pace when you’re away. To help ease their stress:

• Leave them with a special toy
  A puzzle feeder or treat-dispensing toy can keep them occupied.
• Use a calming scent
  Items with your scent, like a worn t-shirt, can provide comfort while you’re gone.
• Consider installing a petcam
  So you can keep an eye on your buddy and check on them throughout the day. Some even come with the option of dispensing treats!
• Practice gradual departures
  Meaning help your dog slowly get used to you leaving and staying outside for gradually longer duration. Try and avoid any dramatic hellos and goodbyes before leaving or after returning. You want your comings and goings to be as “business as usual” as possible. So your dog comes to find them as a normal part of their routine.

Boredom or lack of exercise

A restless or under-stimulated dog may whine out of frustration. Try:

• More walks and playtime
  A well-exercised dog is a happy dog! Adding an extra walk or play session can work wonders. Here are some fun indoor games for dogs if the weather’s rubbish outside.
• Interactive toys and training
  Snuffle mats, food puzzles, or obedience training can give their brain a workout.
• Doggie social time
  If your pup enjoys company, arranging play dates with other friendly dogs can boost their mood.

Discomfort or pain

Whining, whimpering, or sudden behavioral changes can also indicate pain or illness.

• Check for signs of injury or illness
  Look for limping, swelling, or other unusual symptoms.
• Monitor their activity levels
  A decrease in movement could signal discomfort. Keep an eye out if your dog seems more reluctant around walks or playtime.
• Consult a vet
  If the crying persists or is accompanied by other concerning signs, a vet visit can help figure out what might be causing them.

At night

Some dogs whine or cry at night, especially puppies or dogs adjusting to a new environment. Try:

• Creating a cozy sleeping space
  A warm, comfortable bed in a quiet area can help them settle.
• Using a calming sound machine
  Soft background noise or classical music can help soothe anxious dogs.
• Sticking to a bedtime routine
  Regular sleep schedules help dogs feel more secure and reduce nighttime restlessness.

No matter the reason behind your dog’s crying, the best thing you can do is stay patient, observe their behavior, and provide reassurance. Over time, understanding their needs and making small adjustments can help them feel safe, happy, and at ease.

Where a GPS & Health Tracker can step in

When your dog is feeling down, it’s not always easy to spot the signs right away – especially if they show their emotions through subtle behaviors like pacing, whining, or changes in activity. That’s where a GPS & Health tracker for dogs can help you keep an eye on them even when you’re not around. Strapped to your buddy’s collar, your Tractive GPS can help you:

• Pick up on restless behavior
  If your dog is experiencing sadness or anxiety, they might show it by pacing or wandering restlessly when left alone. Tractive’s Activity Tracking helps you monitor their movement levels throughout the day. So you can notice any sudden changes that might indicate distress.
• Figure out if your dog is barking more than usual
  With its built-in Bark Monitoring feature, your Tractive device helps you figure out if your buddy is vocalizing excessively – whether due to anxiety, loneliness, or discomfort. This way, you can take steps like adjusting their routine, dispensing a few extra treats from the petcam, or getting in touch with your vet.
• Monitor signs of separation anxiety
  Dogs with separation anxiety often show signs like constant movement, whining, or howling when their humans leave. The Separation Anxiety Monitor in Tractive GPS tracks their behavior when home alone, helping you figure out whether they struggle with being by themselves and helping you make adjustments to ease their stress.

By keeping an eye on your dog’s activity levels, barking patterns, and stress signals, you can take action early – whether that means providing more exercise, creating a calming environment, or working on training techniques to help them feel more secure.

Get health alerts for your dog

Our pups can’t always tell us if something’s wrong. But if their tracker detects unusual changes in their routine, you’ll get an alert, helping you catch potential issues early.

Shop Dog Trackers

And if you’ve liked this post, share it with a friend or a loved one – and let’s help build a safer, kinder world for our furry friends together.