Dogs produce tears when reunited with owners

 Dogs shed tears when they reunite with their owners, according to Japanese researchers. Additionally, it seems that the blubbing is related to oxytocin levels, known as the "bonding hormone."

"This is the first evidence establishing that oxytocin participates in tear secretion and that happy emotion enhances tear release in a non-human animal".

Now, Japanese researchers have discovered that tears may have a comparable impact.

Co-author of the study at Azabu University and owner of two standard poodles, Prof. Takefumi Kikusui, told the Guardian,

"I have two standard poodles and I got one female pregnant six years ago" . Kikusui realized her eyes were teary when she saw her face was more delicate than normal while tending to her puppies.

That made him think that oxytocin might make people cry more, he said. "We've seen before that when dogs and owners engage, oxytocin is released in both. So we did a reunion experiment.”

The researchers also point out that, in contrast to other animals, dogs have developed advanced eye contact-based communication skills with people.

They note that it can strengthen bonds and mutual interactions between people and their canine companions. "Through this process, their tears might have a role in prompting protective behavior or caring behavior from their owners,"