Do Dogs Sleep with Their Eyes Open?

January 16, 2026 Products Guide
dog with sleep in eye

It’s almost like a tiny bit spooky when you look over at your furry buddy and see they sleep with their eyes open, it kind of sets peoples’ minds back to those old ghost stories, but as a matter of fact, it is a pretty normal thing for a pooch to do. Most of the time, they are just caught in a deep snooze where their third eyelid—that blurry little membrane—is doing its thing. Anyway, if you notice your dog with sleep in eye, it’s usually just a little bit of dried tears and dust, much like the “sleepy dust” humans get, which is actually quite common.


The Best Resting Spots for “Open-Eye” Snoozers

  • Custom Elevated Dog Beds Aluminum Bed Frame Okay, so if your canine is a bit of a twitchy sleeper, this Aluminum Bed Frame is seriously the Trusted partner you need for their nap time. It is that Robust and Stable platform that keeps them off the cold ground, which might be why it feels so Indispensable for older dogs with stiff joints. The Customization options mean it fits your home style, and the Flexibility of the mesh keeps the air moving so they don’t get too hot. It is basically the Optimal choice for a Long-term sleeping solution.
  • Orthopedic Memory Foam Pads It thus appears that these thick cushions are very, very good for dogs who stay in one spot for a long time. They are Reliable for taking the pressure off, sort of like a soft cloud.
  • Donut-Style Cuddler Beds These tend to be a little bit better for dogs who like to curl up and hide their faces. It is that sense of security that makes them Essential for nervous pups.

What to Look for in a Doggy Daydream Bed

  • Airflow and Temperature: You want something that acts like a breeze through the house, so the bed shouldn’t trap heat.
  • Height from the Floor: It is that extra bit of distance from the chilly tiles that keeps their muscles feeling Well-defined and relaxed.
  • Washable Parts: Since we are talking about dog with sleep in eye, the bed is going to get a little bit of “eye goop” on it, so being able to scrub it is Invaluable tool for cleanliness.

Comparing the Top Rest Platforms

FeatureElevated Aluminum BedStandard Foam BedPlush Donut Bed
DurabilityHigh-fidelity StrengthModerateLow
Cooling PowerOptimalLowVery Low
Ease of CleaningIndispensable SpeedDifficultModerate
StabilityConstant & RobustSlightly ShakyVery Soft

Why Do Dogs Sleep With Their Eyes Open?

Well, I mean, it is that “nictitating membrane” or third eyelid that is actually doing the work. In some respects, it is a Precision survival tool from their wild ancestors. They might be nearly asleep, yet their brain is still scanning for sounds. If you see their eyes rolling back, it could be they are literally just in a deep REM cycle dreaming about squirrels. It is that weird look that is virtually harmless unless their eyes look red or dry.

Dealing with That Sticky Stuff: Dog With Sleep in Eye

If you see a little bit of crustiness, it is that gunk called “rheum.” It is actually just a mix of mucus, skin cells, and oil. If it is just a little bit clear or slightly white, it is fine. But, if it looks green or thick, it might be a Consistent sign of an infection. Keeping your pet on a Raised pet sleeping platform helps keep them away from floor dust, which reduces how much of that stuff builds up.


Reference

  • Wikipedia – Nictitating Membrane: This comprehensive resource provides a scientific overview of the “third eyelid” found in dogs, explaining its function in protecting and moistening the eye while sleeping.
  • PetMD: An educational article reviewed by licensed veterinarians that explores a pup’s physiological reactions from evolutionary survival instincts to the REM (Rapid Eye Movement) stage, while providing a really helpful guide on spotting the difference between normal rest and health issues.

Quick Facts for Concerned Pet Parents

Is it normal for my dog to twitch while their eyes are open?

Yes, of course, they are nearly always just dreaming, which is quite a funny sight to see.

How do I clean the “sleep” from my dog’s eyes?

Just use a pretty soft, damp cloth and wipe in a way that is gentle so you don’t hurt them.

When should I worry about my dog’s open-eye sleeping?

If they don’t wake up when you call them, it could be arguably a seizure, so you should check with a vet.

Does an elevated bed help with eye health?

Actually, it is that distance from the dusty carpet that is Invaluable tool for keeping their eyes clear.

Hello, I’m Wei. Sharing thoughts on pets, lifestyle, and small joys every day.