Why do dogs have tears?

Answer by  MaryEllen (51)

Dogs have tears the same reason humans have them and that is the keep the eyes from drying. Dry eyes are painful and would make blinking an irritating reflex. Tears make it easier to get rid of debris that may get into the eye. Tears are needed to keep the eye healthy.

Answer by  secondbanana (289)

Dogs have tears for the same reason people do. Tears are necessary to keep the eyes moist and healthy. Tears protect the eye by washing out impurities such as dirt or bugs (encountered by digging) or pollen. Tears also protect the eyes from the eyelids which would stick to the eye if not moist enough.

Answer by  zagonmom (23)

Dogs' tears have many purposes, many of which serve the same purpose as tears do for humans. For example if a dog has something in its' eye or allergies. The eye will begin to tear, just like humans to remove the intrusive object and irritant out. However it has not been proven that dogs shed tears due to sadness.

Answer by  choctaw (361)

Dogs do not cry with emotions and tears like humans do. Dogs eyes do tear up if they are dry, irritated or have foriegn objects in them. Dogs can also make tears if they have droopy lower eyelids or if their tear ducts are blocked. You can rinse your dogs eyes gently with warm water to clear them.