The
internet is run amok with plenty of cute dog videos that will ultimately
convince you to bring one home. But once you become a pet parent, you realize
that time spent with dogs is not always playful or exciting.
In fact, most
dogs spend 50% of their day peacefully dozing off. While they might look
serene while resting, one thing that might freak anyone out is the trait of
sleeping with eyes open.
However,
this is a common phenomenon and does not necessarily signify trouble. To know
more about why your pet sleeps with its eye shutters open, read more!
Can Dogs Sleep with Their Eyes Open?
YES, your
dog can sleep with its eyes open. Sounds just a bit spooky, right? However,
once you adopt a dog, you must prepare for plenty of similar situations. After
all, there's no saying what next antic your furry companion might pull off to
surprise you completely.
Scientifically,
they can sleep with their eyes partially or entirely open. Unlike humans, dogs
have a third eyelid, i.e., a nictitating membrane, to prevent any extra
contaminants or dirt particles from entering the eye. So, it is quite possible
that what you perceive as an open eye is actually the third eyelid in action.
Why do Dogs Sleep with Their Eyes Open?
Now that
you are assured that your dog's sleeping behavior is a common trait, you might
want to know why it actually happens. One crucial point to note here is that
dogs appear to sleep with their eyes open while the third eyelid remains closed
the entire time.
As such,
your four-legged friend does not face the risk of exposure to keratopathy or
dry eye syndrome. Additionally, you must remember that dogs are hardwired to
protect themselves and their surroundings against any external danger. Listed
below are a few more reasons why a dog sleeps with its eyes open.
Your Dog Might Not Be Asleep
Have you
ever noticed that dogs might appear remarkably steady or asleep but move as
soon as you pass by? It may seem a bit scary, but it is pretty standard when
you think about it. That's because it is highly likely that they were not
sleeping mindfully and were partially awake.
As such,
your pet will come back to complete consciousness as soon as there's minimal
disturbance or stimulation. Additionally, you must remember that these cute
furry companions aren't always highly energetic. Sometimes, you might feel like
the dog is sleeping, but in reality, it is just being sluggish.
Sleep Cycle
Did you
know that, unlike human beings, dogs are polyphasic sleepers? Instead of
sleeping for 7-9 hours at a stretch, they sleep on and off throughout the day.
However, dogs also enjoy both Rapid Eye Movement (REM) and non-REM sleep
cycles.
Each wake-sleep
cycle for dogs is 83 minutes long. During this time, they spend significant
time in the REM sleep or dreaming stage. So, it is quite possible that when the
dog appears to be asleep with eyes open, it is actually dreaming. You might
catch their eyes flickering as they visualize chasing other animals around the
park.
Noisy Environment
There's no
doubt in the fact that noise levels in the vicinity directly affect anyone's
sleeping pattern. The same goes for your little fur babies as they try to
adjust to a newer environment. If you often play loud music or entertain people
over, your pet might try finding a quiet little spot in the house.
Additionally,
excessive noise is known to increase most organisms' heart rate or hormone
levels. To ensure your dog is not affected by noise anxiety, try to maintain a
calm atmosphere inside the house. Doing so will help bring the pet at ease and
doze off.
Injury
Even
though dogs appear to be the cutest creatures around, they can act quite
territorial when they don't feel safe. In fact, your pet might even run away
and get into a brawl with other dogs in the neighborhood or park. You might
notice that they cannot close their eyes properly in such cases.
Sharp
nails can harm their eyes or cause a tear in the nictitating membrane. If so,
you might want to consult with a veterinarian as soon as possible. If you feel
your dog's eye might be injured, stay alert and watch for symptoms like
redness, inflammation, watery eyes, etc.
Natural Instincts
Another
reason your dog might appear asleep with wide-open eye shutters can be related
to evolution. In the past, dogs needed to maintain a certain level of awareness
to stay alert to any dangers lurking in the wild. Most of these survival
tactics are passed down from generation to generation to ensure maximum safety.
As such,
they always keep an eye out for distress and are ready to fight against
strangers to protect their pups or owners. Even though your dog has nothing to
fear apart from overwhelming love and affection, years of hardwired instincts
are not easy to overcome.
Should You Be Worried About Dogs When They Sleep With Their Eyes Open?
Generally
speaking, you have no reason to lose sleep over this matter. When you become a
pet parent for the first time, you are bound to spot such small antics and
worry about your furry
companion's health. However, you must remember that sleeping with eyes open
is a common trait for dogs.
However,
if you still want to stay on the safe side, it is better to get in touch with a
veterinarian if you notice fever or seizures. You can also contact a friend or
a family member with a dog to put your mind at ease.
What Can You Do to Make Your Dog Sleep Peacefully?
Can't
digest the thought of your fur baby being uncomfortable in sleep or facing
trouble resting comfortably? If so, pat yourselves on the back and stop
panicking for no reason at all. Here are a few pointers you can follow to
ensure your pet is sleeping peacefully without any qualms whatsoever.
Ensure Enough Playtime
Just like
humans, pets also tend to fall asleep more conveniently once tired. Therefore,
spend about 30 minutes to 2 hours playing with the little buddy to work off the
extra energy. Once the stamina goes down, your dog will give into sleep much
more efficiently without remaining partially unconscious.
Feed a Healthy Diet
There's no
doubt in the fact that the overall health directly affects sleeping patterns.
As such, you must try to feed your dog
nutritional meals to keep its health optimal. With proper nutrition, their
digestive system will work much better, thus allowing them to rest without any
disturbance whatsoever.
Keep a Consistent Sleep Cycle
If you
have recently brought a new pet home, it is crucial to start training it
from the first day. One of the essential training elements should be fixed
nap times. Doing so will help dogs adjust better to newer surroundings and get
their much-needed rest without any external distractions.
Feed at Night
Always
ensure to feed your dogs at night to avoid any disturbance during the sleeping
hour. If you provide dinner early, your pet might start feeling hungry and wake
up cranky in the middle of the night. As such, fix the meal hours to avoid any
sleep pattern distractions.
Conclusion
Dogs are
the love and light of any pet parent's life! But they can also become a reason
for constant worry at times. One such instance that might have spooked you are
dogs sleeping with their eyes open. After all, how is that possible?
However,
you must know that a dog sleeping with eye shutters is common, especially in
breeds like Pugs or Greyhounds. It usually happens because of their existing
instinct to stay alert or sleep heavily during the REM cycle.
You can ensure better sleep for your pet by
fixing a sleep schedule or feeding them at night.
October 20, 2022 at 04:00
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