Reasons Why a Puppy Sleeps with Its Eyes Open

Why Do Dogs Roll Their Eyes When They Sleep?

1. Some pet parents believe that it's quite normal for dogs to roll their eyes while sleeping. Just like humans, it's a common occurrence. Generally, before falling asleep, a dog's eyelids may twitch, but once they're in a deep slumber, this twitching stops. This can lead to the eyelids not fully covering the eyes, causing the whites of the eyes to be visible. The whites of the eyes are primarily there to shield light, which is a natural instinct. It's akin to a person in a dream gently lifting their robe, revealing their eyes fluttering open – a phenomenon that only occurs during sleep for humans or animals.

2. However, dogs frequently rolling their eyes could also indicate other abnormal conditions. For instance, if a dog has an eye disorder, it may not be able to close its eyes properly while sleeping. It could also be infected with canine distemper, a disease that can cause dogs to have white eyes during sleep. It's important to note that in most cases, dogs rolling their eyes do not exhibit other abnormal symptoms. And when dogs roll their eyes while sick, they often show other signs as well, such as runny noses, seizures, tears in the corners of their eyes, and abnormal eye discharge. If you notice these symptoms, it's crucial to take them seriously and seek veterinary care promptly to avoid any delays in treatment.

Don't worry too much if your dog rolls its eyes; just observe if there are any other symptoms. It's best not to overthink it.

Pet Doctor's Tip: For more information about dogs rolling their eyes, you can read the article "What Does It Mean When a Dog Sleeps with Its Eyes Rolling and Shaking?"