Do dogs really cry happy tears?

New research from Japan suggests that dogs do "cry happy tears" when owners return home.

Their tears are linked to the levels of the 'bonding hormone' oxytocin.

The study is based on the behavior of 22 dogs whose reactions were recorded once they were reunited with their owners or people they knew.

The eye contact between humans and dogs elicits emotions in the latter and encourages a dog to care for its owner.

By producing tears, dogs might also be able to deepen their relationship with their owners.

So next time, you come home after a couple of hours, remember your pooch isn't just happy, it is 'teary happy' to see you

On this International Dog Day, let us celebrate the bond between dogs and humans.