Many dog owners wonder usually wonder, do dogs sleep with their eyes open? Dogs, like humans, will keep their eyes fully shut when they are fast asleep. This aims to protect the surface of the eye (cornea) from drying out and keep the eyes lubricated, while they are sleeping.
When the eyes are closed (while having a nap during the day or sleeping at night), a very small amount of discharge may be collected at the middle corner of the eye and be obvious when they wake up.
In most instances, this is normal and you can use a cotton pad, moisturised with cooled down boiled water, to gently clean the hair at the corner of the eye.
Can dogs sleep with their eyes open?
If you notice that your dog is sleeping with their eyes partially open (either during the day or throughout the night), you should discuss this with your vets and consider a consultation with a veterinary specialist in ophthalmology, as it could suggest an underlying problem.
Maintaining the eyes covered by the eyelids during resting periods, is very important for the health of the eye(s).
Why do dogs sleep with their eyes open?
If you can see part of the eye(s) – usually the surface of the eye, known as the cornea – or the conjunctiva (the pink membrane covering the inner part of the eyelid), this suggests that your dog is probably suffering from an underlying condition that should be looked at an investigated.
There is a variety of conditions, that can lead to the eyes being open, when a dog is asleep:
- Ectropion
- Macroblepharon
- Lagophthalmos
- Trauma or chemical burns
1. Ectropion
Ectropion, is the medical term which is used to describe a “loose” eyelid (usually the lower eyelid), which leads to outward rolling of the eyelid.
As a consequence, this outward rolling of the eyelid can cause a variety of problems, such as exposure of the eye and the conjunctiva, reduced lubrication of the eye or making the eye more prone to irritation from environmental factors.
2. Macroblepharon
Macroblepharon, is the medical term which is used to describe an overlong eyelid. This condition can affect both the upper or lower eyelid (or both) and lead to exposure of the eye and conjunctiva.
This leads to similar problems like the ones described above.
3. Lagophthalmos
Lagophthalmos, is the medical term which is used to describe an incomplete blink of the eyelids. This is the most common condition, that will cause a dog to sleep with their eyes open.
This condition usually affects breeds, with a brachycephalic skull conformation, namely the French Bulldog, English Bulldog, Boxer, Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels among others.
The inability to blink properly, leads to exposure and drying of the cornea and predisposes to corneal ulcers, drying of the surface of the eye or injuries.
4. Trauma or chemical burns
A traumatic injury or a chemical burn of the eyelids can lead to a condition called cicatricial ectropion (ectropion caused by scar tissue). The consequences of this condition are the same as previously discussed for ectropion.
Does my dog require treatment if they are sleeping with their eyes open?
As we highlighted earlier, exposure of the eyes can lead to a variety of problems including corneal ulceration, poor lubrication of the eyes and making a dog more prone to injuries from other animals or when running around grass, bushes and hedges.
Medical or surgical treatment is indicated, depending on the severity of the problem. For dogs who suffer from only mild exposure, topical lubrication may be sufficient to prevent problems.
However, in cases where the problem is more severe or your dog is experiencing recurrent problems, surgical options might be indicated and can be discussed by one of our veterinary ophthalmology specialists.
Concerned about your dog’s eyes?
If your pet experiences one or more of the symptoms above, we are here for you. Request an appointment and get in touch with one of our specialised ophthalmologists.
Also, feel free to explore our prices. Your pet’s health is in good hands!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is it dangerous if my dog sleeps with its eyes open?
Absolutely! The eyelids protect the eye and, among other functions, prevent drying of the surface of the eye. Sleeping with their eyes wide open predisposes to corneal ulceration.
2. What are the signs of serious eye problems related to sleeping with eyes open in dogs?
A corneal ulcer, usually presented as increased blinking and discomfort in one or both eyes, is the most concerning sign you need to be mindful of
3. How can I tell if my dog is sleeping with open eyes?
Simply observe them when they are sleeping for a while. If you can see part of the eye through the eyelids, your dog probably needs an assessment by an ophthalmologist!