Dogs are even more affectionate and loyal than previously thought. You know when you return home after a whole workday, and your pup is there right at the door, wagging its tail like a propeller and jumping in your lap before you even have a chance to close the door? That genuine affection is an expression of what’s going on inside your dog’s brain. A recent study shows that dogs actually have happy tears when they meet their humans again after a long time apart.
“We found that dogs shed tears associated with positive emotions,” says Professor Takefumi Kikusui of the Azabu University in Japan. Yes, it’s as cute as it sounds - your dog is so happy to see you that it sheds tears of joy. The researchers believe that positive emotions cause a spike of oxytocin in the dog’s brain. Also known as the “love hormone,” oxytocin is believed to also strengthen bonds in dogs - just like in humans.
Professor Kikusui first noticed that dogs shed tears when he noticed a poodle mom nursing her puppies. Her eyes welled up with something that can only be described as “tears of joy.” The researcher then became determined to find out if the same reaction to positive emotions was seen in dogs’ relationships with humans.
In the study, the researchers measured the tear volumes of different dogs before they were separated from their humans. Upon the humans’ return, the tear volume was measured again, revealing that the tear volume was greater after the reunion.
In another round of the experiment, the researchers added oxytocin to dogs' eyes. This too increased their tear volume, confirming the link between positive emotion and tear volume. “We had never heard of the discovery that animals shed tears in joyful situations, such as reuniting with their owners, and we were all excited that this would be a world first!” Kikusui was quoted as saying.
We don’t know about you, but this study had at least one unexpected but positive effect - a sudden urge to hug our pets!
H/T: People
Have You Seen Vintage Pictures This Cute Before?
It's always great when beautiful vintage photos turn up, but they're even better when they feature adorable dogs and cats all dressed up! Take a look.
Huskies are ALWAYS a Source of Smiles and Laughter!
Even if Huskies may be too demanding for you to raise, you can still enjoy some of their silliest and fun moments right here.
Study Finds Dogs React Positively to the Words I Love You
A new study reveals that a dog's heart rate increases by 46% when their human says "I love you." The study offers valuable insight into the ways dogs communicate.
These Adorable Animals Wear Their Heart on Their Sleeve!
These adorable little animals can certainly teach us all a thing or two about enjoying life at its fullest and it's absolutely adorable!
Why Did the Dog Chase His Tail? Come Find Out!
Enjoy a most laughable collection of dog-themed riddles that are paw-sitive to make you smile!
These Round Fluffy Pets Are Just ADORABLE
Every pet is cute in its own way, but you can’t deny that those cats, dogs, and bunnies who are extra round and fluffy are just irresistibly adorable...
Labradors Can be Among the Funniest of Dogs...
Watch as these usually obedient dogs do the craziest things!
This Purrfect Cat Poem Will Make You Smile From Ear to Ear
We dedicate this post to all the cat owners, who will surely be able to relate to the words of this Cat Prayer-Poem.
Have You Seen a Flock of Guinea Pigs?
Did you know that Guinea pigs are social animals? Watch a flock of 80 Guinea pigs live and mingle with other animals.
17 Adorable Police Pups That Will Arrest Your Heart
These adorable police pups will arrest your heart.
This Wild Crow Comes to Play with This Family's Pets!
This is a story of a wild crow who became a daily guest this happy family's home, and how she started playing with the family pets!
Presenting the Cutest Hugging Compilation You'll Ever See!
If you’re looking for some warm fuzzy feelings, your heart will sore as you watch even ferocious animals cuddle with their human friends.
This Dog Breed Was Considered a Healer in the Past
When people say "spirit animal," they must refer to the Xolo - the Mexican Hairless dog.
These Cute Animals Will Warm Your Heart This Winter...
If you want a little ray of light to cheer you up on a gray winter day, the animals in this photo series will do just that!
Puppies on Their First Day at Work Are Too Cute for Words
These puppies may look cute, but don't be fooled as they're on a serious mission. These pictures of puppies during their first day of work will melt your heart.
These Loveable Doggies are in Rare Form...
These photos are all about the funny poses and silly scenes we sometimes find our dogs in.
These Special Breeds of Dogs Are Absolutely Charming
These beautiful dogs form new species of dogs we've never seen before...
Meet Ninita, the Sweetest Little Pygmy Monkey in the World
Prepare to fall in love with this little beauty, who gets her hair combed by a toothbrush...
I've Never, In My Life, Seen a Cat Do This...
You've got to see the only skateboarding cat in the world!
I Just Love it When Different Animals Love Each Other
Seeing one animal sleep is delightful, so seeing two species co-mingle is even more wonderful. Look at these cute unlikely pals.
Cute Alert - 15 Animals That Will Warm Your Soul!
From red pandas to baby rabbits and sea otters, all these adorable bundles of joy showed up here to brighten your day!
Hen Asks Cat to Watch Her Chicks as She Takes a Nap
Who knew cats made such wonderful babysitters for baby chicks? This heartwarming video will infuse your day with cuteness and affection!
These Animals Are Different, Yet Somehow So Very Similar...
They often say owners can resemble their pets, but these pets have gone one better, they look just like other pets! Have you ever seen anything like this?
These 20 Photos Prove that Dogs Make Great Pillows
When you combine kids and dogs taking a nap, you are gifted with a recipe of cuteness.
How Do You Say "I Love You" in Cat?
The different ways animals show their owners affection
FUNNY: Can Animals Talk? Try to Get These to Shut Up!
Science may not believe that animals have language, but try telling that to these fellas!
12 Puppies That Look Just Like Stuffed Bears
No, they’re not fluffy stuffed toys. These are the most adorable pups that look just like teddy bears!
These Hilarious Dogs Will Leave You Gasping for Air
Not only are dogs loyal, cute, and smart (sometimes), they can, as these clips prove, also be extremely funny!
This Cat Travels Across America on the Back of a Dog
Henry and Baloo are both rescues who have adopted each other as family and are inseparable
Need a Smile? Try Dachshunds and Their Feathery Friends!
These little sausage dogs have found some tiny, feathered friends and now have a great time together. Let's have a look.
13 Times Dogs Didn't Know What the Heck was Going On
These dogs are so confused it's simply hilarious!
Too Cute! This Old Cat Just Loves Playing With Kittens
Check out these cute little kittens who fell in love with an old and grumpy feral cat. As a bonus, you can watch them playing together via a live feed.
Too Cute! These Happy Dogs Will Make You Smile
These are 15 of the happiest dogs, with the best smiles on the internet.
Take A Look At 18 Of the Animal Kingdom’s Redheads!
Did you know that redheads also exist in the animal kingdom? Get to know 18 beautiful and charming animals that'll add some color to your day!
Owls Can Be So Cute and Majestic at Once, Just Watch...
This cute owl compilation video is just the adorable moment you need today.
These Friendships Are Unlikely, but Extremely Cute!
The following photos are proof that animals can form unexpected, but awesome friendships!
Can There Be Anything Cuter Than a Tiny Horse?
As soon as I saw the first picture of a tiny horse, my heart melted. This collection will make you weak at the knees.
The Baby Animals of Australia Are Adorable!
Australia has many endemic species, but some are cuter than the rest! View images of some of the cutest baby animals in Australia.
20 Adorable and Inspirational Quotes about Dogs
Every dog lover needs to read these adorable and inspirational quotes about our furry friends.
A Few Things Only Dog Owners Will Understand...
A few hilarious and adorable situations those who lived with dogs will easily recognize!
Cute Overload: Time for New Doggie Haircuts!
These cute, cuddly, doggies are so wonderfully furry but they need a hair cut. Click on the dog to see it shorn!
The Heartwarming Story a Cat Who Became a College Student
Meet Teukgang, a cute four-legged cat that’s attending classes at Gangdong College in South Korea.
Beware: These Little Pups Leave No Food Safe!
Don't just leave your food lying around, you never know when a hungry pup with a sense for adventure might be lurking about...
These Adorable Animal-Friends are Incredibly Heartwarming
Enjoy 16 heartwarming photos of animal friends.
These Rabbit Clips are Sure to Sweeten Your Day!
This rabbit compilation video is one of the cutest things you'll see all year.
These 18 Wholesome Pics Will Surely Raise Your Spirits!
We all need a daily pick-me-up these days, so here's your dose of positivity to remind you Earth is a beautiful place full of kindness and compassion
The Puma Rescue Story That’s Guaranteed to Melt Your Heart
This Russian couple have the most unusual house pet, a cougar. Find out how this charming wild animal turned into a house pet in this article.