Have you ever looked at your pet and wondered if they were sleeping or simply keeping their eyes open even if they sleep in a cozy little space? Don’t worry; it’s not a zombie eye stare! One of the most fascinating and puzzling dog habits is sleeping with open eyes. Why do they do this, however? This strange habit is a cause for concern about the quality of sleep, safety, and happiness.
As a canine owner, there is no way you can help but wonder about their routines, particularly sleeping. Here we will discover why dogs sleep with their eyes open, what it does to their health, and how you can learn to acclimatize to their resting habits.
Is It Normal for Dogs to Sleep With Their Eyes Open?
Yes, dogs are weird sleepers, and every peculiarity of them is adorable and interesting. As Veterinarian Nell Ostermeier, says, “It is normal for dogs to sleep with their eyes open, or partially open, occasionally. This can depend on the individual dog and stage of sleep they are experiencing.”
Some breeds are more prone to sleeping open-eyed due to their facial features, and their polyphasic nature allows them to sleep without losing awareness of their surroundings. Unless your dog’s sleeping pattern changes or becomes abnormal, it’s always best to visit your vet. Besides, that’s just your dog’s special way of getting forty winks!
The Mystery of Dogs Sleeping with Their Eyes Open
Dogs are so fascinating in their sleeping habits, with half-opened eyes being one of the unique characteristics. Below are some explanations for this particular characteristic.
1. Breed Tendencies
Do you know why some dog breeds sleep with their eyes half open? Pugs, Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, and a few German Shepherds are some breeds that sport a few facial characteristics that could influence their eyelid functioning. Their small nasal cavities and protruding eyes can make their eyelids harder to shut completely at night. Not that they do not sleep well; they could be sleeping with their eyes slightly open!
2. Nictitating Membrane (Third Eyelid)
The nictitating membrane is located in some dogs and is a third eyelid or haw. The third eyelid protects the dog’s eye by sliding over the eyeball to clear and shield the eye from dust. This is a light-colored, thin lid that serves several important functions, such as cleaning, guarding, and lubricating the eye.
At other times, the membrane will appear like they are sleeping with their eyes open. It is only a normal and natural part of their anatomy, usually more apparent when they are in a relaxed state or safe.
3. Instinctive Behavior
Dogs are naturally vigilant animals, and this natural ability may be the reason they sleep with half-closed eyes. Their ancestors were always on the lookout for survival, ready to guard themselves against dangers or chase their prey at any moment. This would also be inherited by their domesticated offspring, so that they should not miss anything even when they are sleeping.
4. REM Sleep Cycles
Canines’ sleep cycles are rather disparate from our own and include shorter (Rapid Eye Movement) REM cycles; some 10% of the time they sleep. Their brains at this REM sleeping stage are working overtime! They’re dreaming, processing memories, and learning. Their eyes don’t necessarily close completely during this stage, giving them an eye-sleeping appearance.
You might find your dog twitching, whimpering, or barking in his sleep; he’s most likely chasing dream squirrels or playing fetch with his toys!
5. Age Factor
According to studies, when the dogs age and grow, their sleep pattern varies as the puppies sleep during the day and the senior dogs sleep at night. It is natural and affects even the way of sleeping, for instance, sleeping with open eyes.
Puppies are still developing their muscle and nervous system coordination, so their eyelid control may be off. Still, adult dogs have neither the loss of muscle tone nor age-related conditions preventing their lids from closing all the way. Most of the time, it’s as usual—but if you’re worried, it’s always best to consult your vet!
Medical Reasons Behind Sleeping With Eyes Open
Open-eyelid sleeping in dogs can be caused by any medical conditions that must be treated. Here’s a table summarizing the medical reasons behind sleeping with eyes open in dogs:
| Medical Reason | Description |
| Seizures | Interfere with normal sleep patterns |
| Eye Trauma | Pain and discomfort from injury |
| Lagophthalmos | Studies have shown that eyelid disease affecting eyelid closure is common in flat-faced breeds like Shih Tzus, leading to corneal exposure, irritation, discomfort, and opening of eyelids. |
| Neurological Disease | Affects eyelid control |
| Infection/Inflammation | Pain and discomfort disrupt sleep, and even your dog will cry from pain |
If you suspect any of the aforementioned health problems, get your vet to thoroughly examine, diagnose, and treat your dog.
How to Know If It’s a Problem
Watch for the signs that your dog’s sleep is not normal. Pay attention to twitching, over-rolling, reddening, bulging eyes, or confusion, which can be an indication of something more severe. If you see any of these unusual symptoms in your dog, discuss them with your vet to eliminate any possible complications and keep your best buddy cheerful and healthy!
Tips for Pet Owners
To have your fur baby sleep their best, the following is some advice for pet owners:
- To ensure the health and well-being of the dog, provide a quiet and safe resting area away from stress and distractions.
- The vet should be consulted periodically for monitoring their overall condition and finding out any indications of trouble before they hit.
- If your pet is having problems with dry or irritated eyes, your vet will likely suggest special ointments or solutions to keep their eyes lubricated or from becoming irritated when they’re sleeping.
By doing all of this, you’ll be allowing your pet to sleep well.
Conclusion
Open-eyed sleeping in dogs is normal due to breed instincts, evolutionary behavior, or individual needs. Though rarely an issue, it is always worth considering the health and changes in behavior of your dog.
FAQ’s
Q: Do dogs dream with their eyes open?
A: Dogs have various sleep phases, such as REM sleep when they dream. Eye openness could be more likely associated with their sleeping stage or possible illness issues.
Q: Is sleeping with open eyes harmful for dogs?
A: Sleeping with eyes open isn’t inherently harmful for dogs, but it’s worth investigating if accompanied by other symptoms.
Q: How long can dogs sleep with their eyes open?
A: Dogs typically don’t sleep with eyes fully open for extended periods. Consistent open-eye sleeping might require veterinary attention.
Q: Can dogs sleeping with eyes open be a sign of an eye infection?
A: Yes, eye infections or irritation might cause dogs to sleep with their eyes partially open.
