It’s a common misconception that dogs tear up from sadness when their owners are away. This myth has been perpetuated by movies and TV shows, where dogs are often shown throwing tantrums and destroying everything in their path when left alone.

However, the truth is that dogs tear up for a variety of reasons, and sadness isn’t one of them.

Separation anxiety

The most common reason why dogs tear up when left alone is separation anxiety. Dogs are social animals and form strong bonds with their owners. When their owners leave, some dogs become anxious and stressed, which can manifest as destructive behavior.

Dogs with separation anxiety may also bark excessively and engage in other disruptive behaviors.

If you suspect that your dog has separation anxiety, talk to your vet. They can recommend behavior modification techniques, such as desensitization and counterconditioning, to help your dog feel more comfortable being left alone.

Boredom

Dogs are intelligent animals that need mental stimulation and physical exercise to be happy and healthy.

If your dog doesn’t get enough exercise or mental stimulation, they may become bored and resort to destructive behavior as a way to entertain themselves.

To prevent boredom, make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise, playtime, and opportunities to learn new things. Consider enrolling your dog in obedience classes or agility training to give them a mental and physical challenge.

Fear and anxiety

Dogs may also tear up when they’re afraid or anxious about something in their environment. For example, thunderstorms, fireworks, or construction work can cause fear and anxiety in some dogs, which may lead to destructive behavior.

To help your dog feel calmer, consider using pheromone products, such as sprays and diffusers, that mimic the scent of a mother dog and can help calm your dog.

You could also create a safe space for your dog, such as a crate or a room with their favorite toys and bedding, so they have a comfortable place to retreat to when they’re feeling anxious.

Health issues

In some cases, dogs may tear up due to underlying health issues. Pain, discomfort, or medical problems can cause dogs to become restless and agitated, which may result in destructive behavior.

If you notice your dog tearing up more than usual or engaging in other unusual behaviors, take them to the vet for a checkup.

Lack of training

Dogs need to be trained to understand what behaviors are acceptable and what aren’t. If your dog hasn’t been properly trained, they may not know that tearing up furniture or getting into the trash is unacceptable behavior.

Take the time to train your dog, using positive reinforcement techniques, to help them learn what’s expected of them. Reward good behavior and redirect them when they start to engage in destructive behavior.

Conclusion

Dogs tear up for many reasons, but sadness isn’t one of them. The myth that dogs tear up from sadness when their owners are away is false, and perpetuating it only leads to misinformation and misunderstanding about our beloved pets.

By understanding the real reasons why dogs may tear up, we can take steps to prevent it and ensure that our dogs are happy, healthy, and well-behaved members of our families.