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Why is my dog's eye bulging and watery after waking up from sleep?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Male | unneutered | 50 lbs

Our lab woke up with the lower part of his eyeball bulging. It's slightly watery, but doesn't appear to bother him in anyway he has his normal amounts of energy he's eating fine shows no sign of any trauma or injury. Any ideas what the problem could be?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on November 19th, 2016

Poor Hawk! I'm wondering if the bulging part of his eye that you are seeing is his third eyelid. This is a normal part of a dog's anatomy that is used to wipe tears across the eye, and comes out when the dog's eye is closed, such as when they are sleeping. If it is out when a dog's eye is open, that is a sign a medical problem. Given that his eye is slightly watery, I would think he has an eye infection, may have sustained some trauma to his eye, or he could have a foreign body in his eye. Any eye problem should be considered an emergency, as leaving it untreated could lead to vision loss. I would take Hawk into a vet now. The vet can diagnose what is causing these symptoms in his eye, and can treat accordingly.
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