Why Is My Dog Weeping? Common Reasons and What to Do
If you’ve ever noticed your dog’s eyes tearing up or looking watery, you’re not alone. Many dog owners get worried when their furry friend seems to be “crying.” But here’s the truth — dogs don’t cry emotional tears like humans do. Instead, when your dog’s eyes are watery or they seem to be “weeping,” it usually means something physical or environmental is bothering them.
1. Allergies
Just like people, dogs can suffer from allergies. These can be caused by:
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Pollen
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Dust
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Smoke
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Perfume
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Cleaning products
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Certain foods
If your dog’s eyes are watery and they’re also scratching, sneezing, or licking their paws, allergies could be the cause.
What to do: Try to identify what’s triggering the allergy. Keep their environment clean, and if the symptoms persist, visit your vet — they might suggest allergy testing or medication.
2. Eye Irritation (Dust or Debris)
Dogs love to explore, sniff, and stick their heads out of car windows — all of which can let dust, dirt, or small particles get into their eyes. This can cause irritation, redness, and tearing.
What to do: Gently wipe your dog’s eyes with a soft, damp cloth or a vet-approved eye wipe. Never use human eye drops unless prescribed by your vet.
3. Blocked Tear Ducts
Sometimes, dogs develop blocked tear ducts, which stop tears from draining properly. This causes watery eyes, tear stains, and even a little crust near the eyes.
Small breeds like Shih Tzus, Poodles, and Maltese are especially prone to this.
What to do: A vet can easily flush the ducts and clear the blockage. Keeping the eye area clean can help prevent it from happening again.
4. Eye Infections
If your dog’s eyes are weeping thick, yellow, or green discharge, it may be an eye infection — often caused by bacteria, viruses, or irritation.
Other signs include:
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Redness around the eyes
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Pawing or rubbing the face
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Squinting
What to do: Don’t wait — take your dog to the vet. They’ll likely prescribe antibiotic or antiviral drops to clear up the infection.
5. Breeds with “Tear-Stain” Eyes
Some breeds are just more prone to watery eyes because of their facial structure. Dogs with short noses and bulging eyes — like Pugs, Bulldogs, and Pekingese — tend to tear more because their eyes are more exposed.
This can lead to dark tear stains under their eyes, which is more cosmetic than harmful.
What to do: Clean the area gently with a damp cloth daily, and use tear-stain remover if recommended by your vet.
6. Foreign Objects or Injury
If your dog suddenly starts weeping from one eye, keeps it half-closed, or seems uncomfortable, they might have something stuck in their eye — like grass, hair, or even a tiny insect.
What to do: Check carefully under good light. If you can’t see anything, or if your dog seems in pain, don’t try to dig it out — visit a vet immediately to prevent injury or infection.
7. Eye Diseases or Glaucoma
In some cases, excessive tearing could signal a more serious condition such as glaucoma, corneal ulcers, or dry eye syndrome. These problems can cause pain, redness, and vision changes.
What to do: Early diagnosis is key. Regular eye checkups are important, especially for older dogs or breeds prone to eye issues.
8. Emotional Signs (Whining or “Crying”)
While dogs don’t cry tears from sadness the way humans do, they do express emotion. When your dog whines, whimpers, or makes sad sounds, it’s often a sign they’re feeling:
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Lonely
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Anxious
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Scared
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In pain
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Seeking attention
What to do: Pay attention to their body language and the situation. If your dog is whining for comfort or reassurance, gentle affection and calm attention can help. If they’re whining due to pain, a vet visit is needed.
When to See a Vet
You should call your vet if your dog’s weeping eyes are:
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Constant or worsening
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Accompanied by colored discharge
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Causing redness or swelling
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Making your dog rub or scratch their face
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Leading to loss of appetite or mood changes
A quick check-up can rule out infections or underlying issues and prevent further discomfort.
Simple Home Care Tips
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Wipe your dog’s eyes daily with a soft cloth or cotton pad.
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Trim hair around the eyes to prevent irritation.
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Use stainless-steel food bowls (plastic can trap bacteria).
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Keep their bedding and toys clean.
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Feed a balanced diet to support eye health.
Final Thoughts
A weeping dog can be worrying, but in most cases, it’s nothing serious — just their eyes reacting to something in the environment. However, since eye health is delicate, it’s always safer to have your vet check it out.
Your dog’s eyes say a lot — not through tears, but through trust, love, and connection. Keep them clean, comfortable, and cared for, and you’ll always see that sparkle of happiness shining back at you. 🐶✨.
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