Do Dogs Sleep With Their Eyes Open?
Yes, it’s pretty common for dogs to sleep with their eyes partly open! While it may look odd, many dogs naturally enter a light sleep with their eyes slightly open, especially during the early sleep stages or while dreaming. This behavior is usually nothing to worry about and is a normal part of your dog’s sleep routine.
Why Dogs Sleep with Their Eyes Open
While we don’t have a clear answer, there are a few theories that might explain it.
- Light Sleep: Partly open eyes help dogs stay alert.
- Instinct: Keeps them ready for sudden changes.
- Dreaming: REM phase can cause open eyes and twitching.
- Eye Structure: Some breeds can’t fully close their eyelids.
- Aging: Age-related changes affect eye positioning.
- Narcolepsy: Sudden sleep episodes with open eyes.
Light Sleep
During the early stages of sleep, dogs can relax deeply but remain lightly dozing. They appear to be resting but haven’t fully drifted off in this state, so their eyes may stay slightly open.
Dogs in this light sleep phase can quickly become alert. Often, just softly saying their name is enough to bring them back to full, wide-eyed awareness.
Instincts at Play
In the wild, animals benefit from staying somewhat alert even while resting. Birds, for example, can actually put half of their brain to sleep, leaving the other half awake so they can stay aware of their surroundings—even flying while dozing!
Though our house pets live in a safe environment, some experts believe dogs may retain a version of this protective instinct, allowing them to remain partly alert while sleeping.
This could mean that while your dog is deeply asleep, a small part of their brain stays ready to respond to sudden changes.
You might also notice a “raised third eyelid” when your dog sleeps. The nictitating membrane is a protective layer that partially covers the eye. This translucent layer, which often appears pinkish or yellowish, rises from the corner of the eye closest to the nose, adding an extra level of protection while your dog sleeps.
REM Sleep Movements
When dreams occur, many dogs sleep with their eyes partly open during REM sleep. In REM, you might notice twitching, soft barks, and rapid eye movements.
Sometimes, this dream activity can be mistaken for a seizure, but there are key differences: during a seizure, movements are more intense, the dog’s eyes are usually wide open with a fixed stare, and they are unresponsive to their surroundings. In contrast, a sleeping dog in REM is relaxed and can often be gently roused.
Eye and Lid Conditions
There could also be a medical reason for your dog’s open eyes while sleeping. Certain breeds with large, prominent eyes, like Pugs or Boston Terriers, may have eyelids that don’t fully close.
These dogs may always sleep with their eyes open due to the structure of their eyelids. Similarly, some dogs with conditions affecting the eyes or eyelids may find it difficult to close them entirely, leading to persistent open-eye sleeping.
Narcolepsy and Other Medical Concerns
Narcolepsy is another possible cause; narcoleptic dogs may suddenly fall asleep during activities, such as eating or playing, often with their eyes partially open. This condition is noticeable and would require a prompt vet visit.
If you’re concerned, your dog may have a medical issue, or a veterinary checkup is essential if you suspect seizure activity. Capturing a video of the dog’s behavior can be incredibly helpful for your vet to assess what’s happening and recommend appropriate care.
Open-Eyed Sleep in Older Dogs
As dogs enter their senior years, you might notice them sleeping with their eyes partly open—a behavior often linked to age-related changes in their health and eye function. Here’s what could be happening:
Reduction in Body Fat: Older dogs sometimes lose body fat, which can affect the positioning of their eyes. This shift may cause their eyeballs to sink slightly into their sockets, making it tricky for them to fully close their eyelids, even while resting.
Declining Vision: Vision issues are common in aging dogs. Conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, or retinal degeneration can reduce their awareness of the environment. With their sight diminished, these dogs might not rely as much on their vision and may find it comfortable to doze off without fully shutting their eyes.
Blindness: For dogs that are partially or completely blind, sleeping with their eyes open can be a natural response. Since visual cues aren’t as crucial to them anymore, they may stay attuned to other senses, such as hearing or smell, which can lead to open-eyed slumber.
If you notice redness, discharge, or cloudiness in your dog’s eyes, it’s a good idea to consult your vet. They can assess your dog’s eye health and offer guidance for the best care to keep your senior friend comfortable.
Improving Sleep Quality
Ensuring your dog has a restful sleep is key to their overall well-being, especially if they sometimes sleep with their eyes open. Start by creating a cozy sleeping area with a luxuriously comfy dog bed that supports their body and joints. Providing a nutritious, balanced meal before bedtime can also help them relax and settle in for a good night’s sleep. With a comfortable bed and a healthy meal routine, you’ll enhance their sleep quality, helping them wake up refreshed and ready for a new day.
When to Be Concerned About Dogs Sleeping With Their Eyes Open
In most cases, it’s perfectly normal for dogs to sleep with their eyes partly open or even twitch while they dream. If your dog wakes up easily and acts normally afterward, there’s likely nothing to worry about—let them enjoy their nap undisturbed!
However, consider a vet visit if you notice any of the following signs:
Abnormal Behavior After Waking: If your dog seems disoriented, has trouble walking, or falls over, they may have experienced a seizure.
Unusual Sleep Patterns: If your dog is falling asleep in odd places or at unusual times, such as during play, this may indicate a sleep disorder like narcolepsy.
Eye Issues: Red, irritated, or inflamed eyes, excessive discharge, or squinting could indicate an eye condition that requires attention.
If any of these symptoms appear, it’s best to consult your vet for further evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Jessica is a veterinary medicine student who is passionate about animals. Living with her cherished dog, Milo, deepens her understanding of the human-animal connection, enhancing her empathy as a future veterinarian.
Jessica’s concise articles reflect her dedication to improving the lives of animals and those who care for them, making her an inspiring figure in the pet care field.
