Dog Sleeps with White Eyes and Shakes: Possible Causes

Many parents have likely noticed their young puppies rolling over with their eyes white during sleep. When faced with this for the first time, young parents might feel a surge of anxiety, worrying that their furry friend might be in trouble. But what exactly is the truth behind a dog's white eyes during sleep? What causes this phenomenon?

Some parents view a dog's occasional white eye during sleep as a perfectly normal occurrence. Just as humans might occasionally have their eyes pop open during slumber, dogs may experience a fluttering of their eyelids as they drift off to sleep. Afterward, their eyelids remain still, and sometimes, their eyes may appear white.

This is a reflex, a natural instinct for dogs. It's akin to a person's eyelids gently fluttering open in a dream, revealing the whites of their eyes. Such an occurrence is typically only seen when a person or animal is asleep.

However, there can be other reasons for a dog to roll over with white eyes. For instance, if a dog has an eye condition, it might exhibit this behavior while sleeping. Conditions like parvovirus or canine distemper can lead to a dog rolling over with white eyes during sleep. It's important to note that in healthy dogs, white eyes during sleep are not accompanied by other symptoms. Conversely, dogs that are unwell may show additional signs, such as runny noses, seizures, excessive tearing, or abnormal discharge from the eyes. If pet parents notice these abnormal signs, they should take their dog to the vet promptly for a diagnosis and treatment.

Tip: Curious about more insights into your dog's sleep habits? Check out our article, "Why Does My Dog Snore When Sleeping?" for more information.