While your dog’s eye-rolling may seem adorable at first, it might be a sign of a problem that must be corrected. The more you know about this behavior, the more you will be able to care for your dog.

The medical term for unintentional eye movement is Nystagmus, which is quite common in dogs and other animals. This may happen for various reasons, some serious and others not. So what may make a dog’s eyes roll back in their head?

Strabismus is the most common reason. However, it is not dangerous and resembles human strabismus. Seizures, eye injury, pain, and Nystagmus may all cause your dog to roll his eyes. Visit your veterinarian to rule out tumors, cherry eye, hypothyroidism, or vestibular illness.

We always recommend you visit your veterinarian in any unknown or unusual situation. Still, if you want to learn more about why your dog rolls its eyes, you may find detailed information in the following article.

What Does It Mean If Your Dog’s Eye rolling back?

Seizure

A seizure might cause your dog’s eye-rolling. The truth is that not all seizures are the same. Strange eye movements are sometimes the only visible sign. You may also notice that your dog seems confused and disoriented for a short period.

Excessive drooling is another typical sign of a seizure in dogs. If your dog seems unresponsive and has its eyes rolled back in its head, it is most likely having a seizure. This is caused by abnormal brain activity.

Nothing to worry about if your dog rolls its eyes while sleeping. Twitches are a common part of REM sleep when your dog dreams about hunting fur or a neighbor’s cat.

There are many medications and therapies available to help dogs prevent seizures. The sooner you take your pet to the veterinarian, the sooner you can help them get relief.

Eye Injury

Your dog may be rolling its eyes due to a previous injury or trauma. If the injury is on their third eyelid or cornea, it may be difficult to see. Another animal or a home accident might have scratched their eyelid.

When you take your dog to the vet, they can do tests to check if there are any injuries or infections in your dog’s eyes, such as conjunctivitis. This is most likely the case if you see their third eyelid rising frequently. Any injuries to their eyes must be treated as soon as possible to avoid infection and minimize pain.

Nystagmus

Your dog’s eye may be rolling back in its head due to a condition known as Nystagmus. This disorder causes involuntary eye-rolling and other fast eye movements. As a result, a dog’s eyes will sometimes move fast from side to side.

Nystagmus is a disease that dogs typically have from birth. However, it may develop as they grow.

There are other varieties of Nystagmus. However, the following are the most prevalent symptoms associated with this condition:

• Rolling
• Walking in circles
• Lack of proper coordination
• Head tilting
• Clumsiness

If you suspect your dog has this condition, you should take them to the veterinarian as soon as possible. It is normally treatable. However, the age of your dog plays an important role. There are many tests that your veterinarian may use to determine whether this is the case with their eyeball.

Tumor

A tumor in your dog’s eye may be causing strange ocular activity, such as rolling. It’s also conceivable that they have a cyst, which isn’t as bad but still has to be treated. These growths may also occur on the dog’s eyelid, producing a similar reaction. MRI or CT scans are often used to diagnose tumors.

Vestibular Disease

Dogs with the vestibular disease may sometimes roll their eyes. This condition is typically caused by an infection of the middle or inner ear, which may be fatal. You could also notice that your dog has an unusual gait. It is most frequent in senior dogs, although it may happen at any age. This is because the vestibular system of a dog is located in the brain, but some of its peripheral components, such as the middle ear, are placed within the dog’s ears, much as in human bodies.

Cherry Eye

Cherry Eye, a condition that causes prolapse of the gland behind the third eyelid or haw, may also cause eye-rolling. This is more common in younger adult dogs. If this is the case, your dog’s third eyelid will be visible. It becomes very red and inflamed.

The nictitating membrane is normally white. However, this varies. It serves as a barrier for the eye, keeping it from debris, helping the fight infections, and sweeping away any mucus. Dogs with “wet eyes,” such as bulldogs, beagles, and cocker spaniels, often have problems with their third eyelid gland. The third eyelid gland membrane in your dog’s eyes is responsible for about 40% of the tears that your dog’s eyes produce.

Medications

Certain drugs, especially tranquilizers and opiate painkillers, may cause a dog’s eyes to rolled back into her head. You must know the potential side effects of any medicine you provide to your dog. Your veterinarian should clarify the negative effects when prescribing medicine for patients.

If your dog’s eyes roll back after taking pain relief medicine, it shows they are quite relaxed, so there is no need to worry. Just be cautious not to give them more than the prescribed dose. To avoid complications, you must follow the directions that come with the medication.

Pain

Severe pain may also lead a dog to roll its eyes. This pain might arise anywhere on or inside your dog’s body.

Some of the most common symptoms of a dog in pain are:

• Excessive drooling
• Pacing back and forth
• Sudden weight loss
• Whining or barking more than usual
• Lethargic behavior
• Lack of appetite

It might be difficult to determine the source of your dog’s pain, so you should consult your veterinarian. They should be able to identify the cause of your dog’s pain by doing diagnostic procedures.

If you detect any of the symptoms listed above, you should immediately take your dog to the vet. The sooner you do this, the sooner your dog will be able to find relief.

Conclusion

• A partial seizure might be causing your dog’s eye-rolling. This is most certainly the case if they are unresponsive when rolling their eyes.
• An injury might cause eye-rolling and odd ocular movements to your dog’s third eyelid.
• Nystagmus is a congenital disorder that causes eye-rolling in dogs. Some dogs develop it as they grow.
• The neurological disorder may induce eye-rolling and must be treated properly.
• A tumor on your dog’s eye or eyelid might be causing its eyes to roll into its head. The growth might be benign or malignant, but it’s best to get your dog examined just in case.
• Cherry Eye is a condition in which a dog’s third eyelid becomes inflamed and sticks out, leading to eye-rolling.
• Muscle relaxants are among the medications that might induce eye-rolling in dogs.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What happens to dogs’ eyes when they are dying?

Dogs, like humans, die with their eyes open because closing them’s effect muscular control. However, you may notice changes in their eyes, which may seem glossy or dull.

Why are my dog’s eyes moving side to side?

Side-to-side movements are similar to eye-rolling and may be caused by Nystagmus. However, there might be a variety of causes for this, so bring your canine companion to the vet for a check-up.

Can Nystagmus in dogs be cured?

Nystagmus is generally transitory and resolves or improves with time. First, it is essential to determine what caused it: antibiotics will be helpful if it is an infection. If the cause of the vestibular issue is hypothyroidism, the metabolic condition should be treated.