The Extra Eyelid You See When a Dog Gets Sleepy
by A reader
Reader Question
I was petting my dog when she started getting sleepy. when she closed her eye she closed it about 50% when I saw 1 or 2 more eyelids under the initial eyelid. What are they???
Answer from Our Team
What you saw is normal. Dogs have an upper and lower eyelid, plus a third eyelid, also called the nictitating membrane, in the inner corner of each eye. When a dog relaxes, gets sleepy or closes its eyes, the third eyelid slides across the eye. It protects the eye, spreads tears and contains a gland that makes part of the tear film.
It is only a concern if the third eyelid stays up when the dog is awake and alert, looks red or swollen, or a pink lump pops up in the corner (cherry eye).
See dog eye anatomy.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.
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