🐶 My Dog Always Has Whale Eye – What It Means and When to Worry
👁️ What Is Whale Eye in Dogs?
Whale eye is a term used to describe when a dog’s eyes show a lot of white, particularly around the corners. You’ll see it most when:
- Your dog turns their head but keeps looking at something sideways
- They’re uncomfortable, fearful, or trying to avoid direct confrontation
- Their facial muscles are tight or ears are pinned back
You’re looking at the sclera – the white part of the eye. It creates a wide-eyed or “glaring” look.
📸 What Whale Eye Looks Like
Signs your dog is showing whale eye include:
- You can see a large crescent or rim of white in one or both eyes
- They avoid eye contact or look away quickly
- Their face looks tense or stiff
- Their ears may flatten or tilt back
- They seem “on edge” or uncomfortable
Whale eye can happen for just a moment or become a frequent behaviour – and both have very different meanings.
🧠 Why Does My Dog Always Have Whale Eye?
If your dog always has whale eye, it could be caused by:
1. Chronic Anxiety or Stress
Dogs with generalised anxiety or fear often show constant signs of body tension – including wide eyes.
- Look for pacing, lip licking, yawning, or hiding
- It may be triggered by noise, environment, or past trauma
- Rescue dogs or those with poor early socialisation are more prone
2. Fear-Based Aggression
Whale eye is common in dogs trying to avoid conflict. If they feel cornered or threatened, they may show whale eye as a warning.
- Can happen with grooming, nail trims, or when being hugged
- Often a precursor to growling or snapping
3. Pain or Discomfort
A dog in pain might show subtle signs like whale eye:
- Check for limping, stiffness, or reluctance to move
- Dental pain or ear infections can also cause discomfort that shows in the eyes
- Older dogs with arthritis may appear more tense overall
4. Medical Conditions
Some eye or neurological conditions can make your dog appear wide-eyed:
- Bulging eyes (common in Pugs, Shih Tzus) can expose more white
- Eye injuries, irritation, or muscle spasms can mimic whale eye
- Brain inflammation, seizures, or vestibular issues may alter eye position
5. Breed Traits
Some dogs naturally show more sclera due to their facial structure – especially:
- Boxers
- Bull Terriers
- Boston Terriers
- French Bulldogs
- Hounds
For these breeds, a “whale eye” appearance may be normal when they’re relaxed.
📉 When Is Whale Eye a Problem?
Whale eye on its own isn’t always a red flag – but context matters.
SituationShould You Worry?During rough play or grooming⚠️ Possibly – watch body languageAll the time, even when relaxed✅ Yes – could indicate discomfort or anxietyCombined with growling or freezing🚨 Definitely – seek behavioural supportSeen after recent injury or illness✅ Yes – rule out pain or medical causes
👩⚕️ When to Speak to a Vet
Book a vet consultation if:
- Whale eye is constant or worsening
- Your dog is also showing signs of pain or fear-based aggression
- You suspect an eye issue, head injury, or neurological cause
- You're unsure whether it's behavioural or medical
You can book a $49 video vet consult with Dial A Vet and speak to a licensed veterinarian today.
🧼 How to Help a Dog Showing Whale Eye
Here’s how you can reduce stress or discomfort:
- Create a calm environment – use low voices, reduce chaos
- Avoid direct staring – dogs may perceive it as a threat
- Give space – especially when grooming, feeding, or resting
- Build positive associations – use treats, praise, and toys around triggers
- Use body language – reward when their face softens or they relax
- Consider anxiety supplements or calming tools – like Adaptil diffusers or anxiety wraps
For pain, medical, or breed-related causes, your vet may recommend further tests or treatment.
📺 YouTube Video: What is Whale Eye in Dogs?
Duration: 3 min 35 sec
This short video explains what whale eye is, what it looks like, and how to interpret it based on your dog’s body language.
🐾 Related Body Language to Watch For
Dogs communicate through body signals. If you notice whale eye, also watch for:
- Tense posture
- Lip licking
- Freezing
- Growling
- Yawning or panting
- Tail tucked or body lowered
The more stress signs you see together, the more likely your dog needs support.
🙋♀️ FAQs About Whale Eye
Q: Is whale eye always a bad sign?
A: Not always. Some breeds show more white around the eyes naturally. But if it’s new or paired with fear signals, it may need investigation.
Q: Is it OK to hug a dog showing whale eye?
A: No. If a dog is showing whale eye during a hug, they’re likely uncomfortable. Give space and use positive associations to build trust.
Q: Can whale eye mean my dog is about to bite?
A: Possibly. If whale eye comes with freezing, growling, or stiffness, it may be a precursor to aggression.
Q: Should I see a vet or a trainer?
A: If you're unsure whether it's medical or behavioural, start with a vet. If no health issues are found, a positive-reinforcement trainer can help.
📚 References
- American Kennel Club. Dog Body Language: What is Whale Eye? Retrieved from https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/dog-body-language-whale-eye/
- PetMD Editors. Why Is My Dog Showing the Whites of His Eyes? Retrieved from https://www.petmd.com/dog/behavior/whale-eye-dog
- McCann Dog Training. Dog Whale Eye - What Does It Mean? YouTube. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ED5TDPSUhwg
- ASPCA. Understanding Dog Body Language. Retrieved from https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/common-dog-behavior-issues/body-language
