Chihuahuas are petite, active canines famous for their devotion and affection. They’re also noted for having huge personalities and being able to convey a wide spectrum of emotions. Chihuahuas are capable of crying tears, which may surprise some people. But why are they doing this? In this blog post, we’ll look at the reasons for this behavior and offer some advice on how to care for a crying Chihuahua.
Why Do Chihuahuas Cry Tears?
There are a few different reasons why Chihuahuas may cry tears. Some of the most common reasons include:
🟪 Eye irritation or infection
Eye inflammation or infection can cause discomfort or pain in a Chihuahua, causing them to cry or shed tears as a physiologic response. When the eye is irritated or infected, it can become swollen, leading the body to produce excessive tears in an attempt to flush away the irritant or infection. Furthermore, the Chihuahua may squint or close their eyes tightly, rub or scratch their eyes, or show other signs of discomfort or pain.
It is critical to monitor your Chihuahua’s eye health and seek veterinary care if you observe any signs of eye irritation or infection, such as persistent tearing, irritation, swelling, secretion, or behavioral changes. Allergies, extraneous objects in the eye, trauma, or underlying health disorders can all cause eye irritation or infection, and immediate treatment is required to avoid future complications and assure the best possible outcome.
🟪 Allergies
Allergies can cause Chihuahuas to produce tears. Because the dog’s eyes are sensitive to irritants and allergens when they come into contact with them, they moisten and produce tears to remove them from the surface of their eyes.
Allergies in dogs can cause a number of symptoms such as red, eye irritation, sneezing, and postnasal drip. Tear production may occur in dogs with allergies as a result of ocular irritation. If your Chihuahua is crying and you feel allergies are to blame, you should have them examined by a veterinarian. The veterinarian will be able to diagnose the problem and propose treatment alternatives.
🟪 Emotional distress
Emotional distress makes the Chihuahua cry tears because it’s a dog that’s used to being loved and cared for. They can’t control their emotions on their own, so when they’re upset, they cry.
Chihuahuas may have an extremely hard time expressing themselves verbally, so when they’re upset, they’ll try to express it in other ways. They don’t have the means to do this, so when they are upset, they’ll start crying.
Chihuahua Eye Problems That Make It Cry Tears
There are several eye problems that can cause a Chihuahua to cry tears, including:
🟪 Dry eye
This is a condition in which the eyes do not produce enough tears to keep the surface of the eye moist. This can cause the eyes to become dry, itchy, and red, and can lead to tearing.
🟪 Conjunctivitis
This is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the membrane that covers the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids. It can be caused by an infection, allergies, or foreign objects in the eye.
🟪 Glaucoma
This is a condition in which the pressure inside the eye increases, causing damage to the optic nerve. It can cause pain, redness, and tearing in the affected eye.
🟪 Corneal ulcer
This is a sore on the surface of the eye that can be caused by trauma, infection, or dry eye. It can cause tearing and discomfort.
How To Care For A Chihuahua That Cries Tears
Chihuahuas frequently cry or have wet eyes, especially if they have been bred with a very short or “pushed-in” nose. However, if you find your Chihuahua crying frequently or if the tears have an unusual tone or smell, you should consult a veterinarian as these could be indicators of an underlying health problem.
Here are a few things you can do to care for a Chihuahua that is crying tears:
🟪 Check for underlying health issues
If your Chihuahua’s tears appear excessive or are associated with other symptoms, it is essential to have them evaluated by a veterinarian. Your veterinarian can assist you to evaluate whether there are any underlying health issues causing the tears and provide proper care.
🟪 Address any emotional issues
If your Chihuahua’s tears seem to be related to emotional distress, it’s important to work on addressing the root cause of their anxiety or sadness. This may involve providing more attention and affection, providing a safe and secure environment, or working with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist.
🟪 Keep their eyes clean
It’s important to keep your Chihuahua’s eyes clean and free of debris to help prevent irritation and infection. You can do this by gently wiping their eyes with a damp cloth or using a specially formulated eye cleaner.
Tips To Prevent Chihuahua From Crying Tears
There are a few things you can try to prevent your Chihuahua from crying tears:
🟪 Check for medical causes
If your Chihuahua is suddenly crying tears, it’s important to rule out any medical causes. Some possible medical causes of tear production include eye infections, allergies, and blocked tear ducts. If you suspect a medical issue, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian.
🟪 Use a humidifier
Dry air can cause eye irritation and increase tear production. Using a humidifier in your home can help keep the air moist and prevent eye irritation.
🟪 Avoid exposure to irritants
Certain substances, such as smoke and strong odors, can irritate your Chihuahua’s eyes and cause tearing. Try to keep your Chihuahua away from these types of irritants.
🟪 Provide plenty of water
Make sure your Chihuahua has access to clean, fresh water at all times. Dehydration can lead to dry eyes and increase tear production.
🟪 Address any underlying stress or anxiety
If your Chihuahua is crying tears due to stress or anxiety, it’s important to address the underlying cause. This may involve providing more exercise or mental stimulation or addressing any changes in the environment that may be causing stress.
Bonus: Other Signs Of Chihuahua Distress Aside From Crying Tears
There are several other signs that a Chihuahua may be experiencing distress, in addition to crying tears:
🟪 Panting or rapid breathing
Panting or fast breathing in a Chihuahua is a symptom of concern because it is the canine version of hyperventilating. Your dog pants to allow more air into its lungs so that it can breathe more efficiently.
If you detect this behavior in your Chihuahua, it’s critical that you pay attention to what’s going on around him. A panting Chihuahua who is anxious may be disturbed by anything from loud noises to visits. However, if your dog is panting because he is having difficulty breathing (for example, if something is lodged in his throat), you should seek medical attention right once.
🟪 Whining or whimpering
If a Chihuahua is whining or whimpering, it’s a sign of distress. Whining can be heard from puppies and adults, but it’s most common in young puppies. It’s also common for older dogs to whine when they are left alone or not getting the attention they want.
Whimpering is different from whining in that it’s more high-pitched and lasts for longer periods of time.
🟪 Shaking or trembling
Shaking or trembling is a sign of distress in Chihuahuas. If a Chihuahua is shaking, it may be cold, frightened, or experiencing pain.
Chihuahuas are very small dogs, and it can be difficult for them to regulate their body temperature. If the Chihuahua is cold or injured, he may tremble because he’s trying to warm himself up by increasing his blood flow to the surface of the skin.
If your Chihuahua trembles after an injury or during grooming, it could be a sign that something is wrong with him physically or emotionally. It’s important to take your dog to the vet if you notice this behavior so that they can determine what’s causing it and how to treat it appropriately
🟪 Hiding or seeking shelter
Hiding or seeking shelter can be a sign of distress in dogs, including Chihuahuas, for a variety of reasons. Dogs may seek shelter or hide when they are feeling anxious, fearful, or threatened by something in their environment. They may also seek shelter or hide when they are in physical pain or discomfort, or when they are experiencing some other type of distress.
It is important to pay attention to your Chihuahua’s behavior and body language, as they may try to communicate their distress through these behaviors. If your Chihuahua is seeking shelter or hiding more frequently or intensely than usual, it may be a sign that they are experiencing some kind of stress or discomfort and may need your help to feel more secure and comfortable.
🟪 Changes in behavior
Changes in behavior can be a sign of distress in a Chihuahua, but it’s important to remember that all dogs are different. The type of behavior change will depend on the dog’s personality, age, and training. For example, an older Chihuahua may become more anxious or stressed if they have trouble adapting to its new environment or are dealing with other health issues.
Conclusion
While it may be a bit surprising to see your Chihuahua crying tears, it’s important to remember that this is normal behavior for these highly emotional dogs. By understanding the reasons behind their tears and taking steps to care for their overall well-being, you can help your Chihuahua feel happy and comfortable.
Here at ILoveChihuahua, we share our personal experiences as owners of this feisty breed. We talk about recommended methods, dog supplies picks, and advice on common Chihuahua problems. Our goal is to promote responsible dog ownership, so there would be fewer Chihuahuas in shelters.