Nearly every pup parent has noticed their dog sleeps with its eyes open, but this innocent occurrence can also be more serious. Here’s what you need to know.

Key takeaways:

• It’s normal for dogs to sleep with their eyes open occasionally.

• Dogs have a third eyelid that is often visible as they sleep, so it can look like the eye is open when it isn’t.

• Epilepsy, narcolepsy, and other issues can also make it appear a dog is sleeping with open eyes.

• If you notice it happening often, mention it at your next vet visit.

One of the greatest joys of being a pup parent is snuggling in for a little R&R. The sweet snoozing face of your favorite dog is comforting and peaceful – until it isn’t. A pup sleeping with open eyes is startling and can easily lead pet parents to assume something’s wrong.

In most cases, pups aren’t actually sleeping with their eyes open. It just seems so because of how their eyes are structured:

• Their third nictitating membrane is invisible beneath the other two eyelids.

• It lies behind the outer eyelids and cleans and protects the eyes.

• Every time the eye closes, this membrane automatically sweeps dirt and debris.

• When the eye opens, the membrane retracts to the inner corner of the eye.

When your pup only partially opens his eyes, the nictitating membrane stays in the closed position. As a result, you’re most likely seeing the nictitating membrane, not the eye, when your pup’s peepers are open during sleep. It also keeps their eyes from getting dry and itchy.

The good news is that noticing a dog sleeping with open eyes is normal in most circumstances. Sometimes, however, it can be a sign of a severe problem. Here’s everything you need to know for the next time you see your dog dozing with open eyes.

Why does my dog sleep with open eyes?

There’s no exact science on why dogs sleep this way, but there are some educated guesses. The most prevalent is that the canine survival instinct is at work, keeping a watchful eye on the surroundings. Many species of animals have developed this skill. It allows them to stay partially alert during sleep and serves to trick predators into believing they’re awake and dissuade attacks.

Another reason a dog sleep this way is when they’re dreaming. Their legs may twitch, and they could even let out a small bark or yip. A pup that is having an epileptic seizure may look like it's sleeping with its eyes open, too – at least at first. You’ll soon be able to tell a seizure from dreaming by the tension apparent in your pup’s face and limbs.

Narcolepsy, a neurological disorder that disrupts the sleep/wake cycle, is another condition that can make it seem like your pup is sleeping with his eyes open. Doberman pinschers, poodles, and labs are genetically predisposed to narcolepsy, but other breeds can also experience it. In a narcoleptic event, a dog will fall to the ground suddenly and seem to be in a deep sleep.

Should I be concerned my dog sleeps with its eyes open?

Dreaming and napping with eyes visible are normal and don’t require any medical assistance. If your pup is experiencing seizures or narcoleptic events, though, it’s vital to see a veterinarian immediately. There are a few signs to look out for that might point to something more severe happening, such as:

• Falling asleep at unexpected moments, like while playing or eating

• Continuing to sleep with open eyes, even if they look red, swollen, and itchy

• Being unable to hear or respond to their name or calls even though their eyes are open

• Eyes are darting quickly or shaking while seemingly asleep

There’s often nothing to worry about if a dog sleeps like this. But, if your pup is exhibiting any of these signs, it’s time to take a closer look at the issue.

Is there anything I can do?

There’s no reason to take any special precautions if your pup sleeps with his eyes open, but there are a few things that might help if it really bothers you:

• Keeping your pup’s sleep schedule in mind is a great place to start. Certain breeds sleep more than others, and some species sleep very soundly. When dogs are sleeping deeply, it’s not unusual for them to have their eyes partially or even fully open. Dogs bred for hard labor, and strenuous jobs often sleep less than others, too. Puppies and adolescent dogs need as much as 18 hours of sleep per day, especially after a hard day’s work and play.

• It also helps to understand a dog’s sleep patterns to determine why their eyes may be open when they sleep. The first phase is called slow-wave sleep, during which the heart rate and breath slow. The next phase is REM, during which the eyelids typically close and deep sleep ensues.

• Eating patterns also affect sleep patterns. When dogs eat only one meal a day, they’re likely to sleep less and sleep lighter than those that eat more often.

• If your pup is a hardworking breed or a young pup, ensuring they get enough quality sleep can help their eyes stay closed while sleeping. Like humans, a relaxing bath and a healthy meal go a long way in setting up a good night’s rest.

The bottom line is that there is most likely nothing wrong when a dog sleeps with open eyes. Epileptic seizures and narcolepsy are long-shot issues but something you should keep an out for, nonetheless.

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A dog sleeping with its eyes open might not be a big deal for your pup, but regular bathing and grooming are. Scenthound pros ensure your dog has everything they need to live a happy and healthy life, including regular care of their skin, coat, ears, nails, and teeth.

Scenthound is revolutionizing dog care with its wellness-focused approach. With every routine care visit, you’ll receive our S.C.E.N.T. Check™ report detailing our assessment of your dog’s overall external health. This helps you identify and stay on top of small problems before they turn into big problems. Contact our nearest location to make an appointment today.