Japanese researchers from Azabu University conducted a study (published by Current Biology) that supports this thesis: dogs become emotional after a period of prolonged absence from their owner; it is not real crying as we imagine it, nevertheless it is evident how the dog’s eyes become glazed. Let’s see how the study was conducted.
The scientific study in favor of the thesis
Japanese researchers from Azabu University conducted a study (published by Current Biology) that supports this thesis: dogs become emotional after a period of prolonged absence from their owner; it is not real crying as we imagine it, nevertheless it is evident how the dog’s eyes become glazed. Let’s see how the study was conducted.
The experiment
The experiment involved measuring the amount of tears produced by the dog in two different situations through the use of paper strip placed in the dog’s lower eyelid. The result of the study showed a 10% higher tear production when the dog sees its owner again compared to normal.
The cause
According to a study published in science.org there would be a cause-and-effect relationship between oxytocin (a hormone related to emotions and emotional relationships) and canine tears, which would cause the dog’s “glazed eyes.” But not everyone agrees.
Other studies
A scholar of canine behavior (Clive Wynne) has cast doubt on the possibility that the experiment was altered. In fact, the scholar argues the dog’s agitation (when he sees his master again) would cause increased tearing due to the friction between the eye and the paper strip. For other scholars, such as psychologist Lauren Bylsma, the relationship between tears of joy and oxytocin is also questionable, and she explains this in a study (published in pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov).