Why does my dog do that?
Why does my dog sleep with its eyes partly open?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Some dogs sleep with their eyes partly or fully open during light rest, most often because the eyelid does not fully close over the eye in a relaxed state, or because the dog is in a very light sleep stage rather than deep sleep. It is usually harmless, though it is worth confirming the eye itself looks moist and comfortable.
A normal variation in light sleep
During lighter, more easily interrupted sleep stages, a dog's eyelids may relax without fully closing, leaving a thin visible strip of the eye showing, particularly common in dogs napping somewhere less enclosed or secure than their usual overnight spot. This differs from deep sleep, where the eyelids typically close fully.
Breed and eyelid shape
Certain breeds with looser eyelid skin or a more prominent eye shape, including some Bulldogs, Basset Hounds, and Cocker Spaniels, show this more often simply due to how their eyelids sit even during a normal, healthy sleep.
When to check the eye itself
If the visible portion of the eye looks dry, red, or cloudy, or the dog seems to squint or paw at the eye once awake, it is worth a closer look, since exposed eye tissue during sleep can occasionally dry out or become irritated.
Key takeaways
- Partial eye opening during sleep often reflects a light sleep stage rather than a problem.
- Certain breeds with looser eyelids show this more often as a normal trait.
- The eyelid usually closes more fully during deeper sleep stages.
- Dryness, redness, or squinting on waking is worth checking rather than dismissing.