Why is my dog's eye closed with third eyelid showing? What to do?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Male | unneutered | 25 lbs
Dog has nictitating membrane half closing his left eye. He's not opening the eye. But no drooping of lid. He's eating well.
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on October 12th, 2017
A closed eye is often a painful eye, and a painful eye should be seen by a veterinarian. A scratch or ulcer of the cornea is the most common reason I see this, although many other problems can cause it as well. Good luck and I hope he improves soon.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on September 3rd, 2020
It's hard to tell if that is the third eyelid peeking up, or something wrong with the iris/cornea. In either case, this is something that should be seen by your vet to rule out injuries or infections that need to be treated. Until you can get to the vet, keeping the eye as clean and dry as possible, and keeping Rusko from pawing at it with an Elizabethan (cone) collar is best.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on October 31st, 2017
Hello, & thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Elevation of the third eyelid may be an indication of an eye irritation such as from a scratch on the cornea, or it may indicate a general malaise in Pooh Bear. Without knowing exactly what kind of ointment you have, I can not recommend its use. If Pooh is feeling better, the eyelid should recede back. But if he is still feeling unwell, or you notice any discharge from the eye, swelling of the conjunctiva, squinting or see Pooh rubbing or pawing at the eye, have him seen as quickly as possible. And no more ointment in the eye for now. Take care.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on November 30th, 2019
The third eyelid is out. The third eyelid is a normal part of the anatomy of a dog's eye, but it should not be out when the eye is open. That tells me something is wrong with his eye. Any eye problem needs to be checked out by a vet promptly, as leaving it untreated can lead to vision loss. Please take him into a vet now.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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