What Is Whale Eye in Dogs (and Cats)?

Content reviewed by Jennifer Sperry, DVM, Medical Director

Whale eye is when your dog turns their head but keeps their eyes locked on something—so you see the whites of their eyes. It’s usually a sign they’re feeling stressed, uncomfortable, or unsure. You might even spot something similar in cats. But what causes this look, and what should you do when you see it? Let’s break it down so you know exactly what your pet is trying to tell you.

So, what exactly is whale eye in dogs

If your dog’s ever given you that sideways glance where you can see the whites of their eyes, that’s what we call whale eye. It’s one of those subtle but important pieces of dog body language that often gets overlooked. But it’s actually a big clue that your pup might be feeling anxious, nervous, or even a little threatened.

Keep in mind, dog body language is nuanced and often can't be interpreted in isolation. As Dr. Sperry, DVM Medical Director, explains:

"Your dog’s conformation can sometimes make it tricky to spot whale eye. Dogs with small, deep set eyes might not have very obvious signs of whale eye when they’re nervous (for example, whippets or collies).
Dogs with prominent eyes, like Boston Terriers or Chihuahuas may have very visible whites, making them appear to have whale eye when they’re actually relaxed. Make sure you’re interpreting your pets eyes in combination with other body language, such as tail and ear position, muscle tension, and facial expression."

Why is my dog showing the whites of his eyes?

There are a bunch of situations where this might happen:

• When you hug or lean over them

• During nail trims or vet visits

• Around new people or animals

• When they’re guarding a toy or food

Basically, if your dog’s eye whites are showing, they may not be loving whatever’s going on.

What does whale eye actually mean?

The term “whale eye” comes from that half-moon shape you see when the white of the eye is exposed. It’s often paired with other signs of stress or appeasement like:

• Lip licking

• Yawning (not the sleepy kind)

• Tucked tail

• Ears pinned back

If your dog turns their head but keeps watching something, they might be trying to avoid direct eye contact while still keeping tabs on what’s happening. It’s kind of like saying, “I’m not cool with this, but I’m watching you.”

What should you do if your dog shows whale eye?

If your dog is giving you whale eye but otherwise seems fine, don’t brush it off. It could be a warning sign that they’re uncomfortable—and if ignored, it could lead to growling or even snapping.

Here’s what might help:

• Give them space: Back off and let them decompress.

• Remove the trigger: If your pet is reacting to an unfamiliar animal or person, try to remove them from the situation.

• Don’t punish or scold your pet: That can make things worse.

• Reward calm behavior: Treats and praise go a long way.

• Talk to a pro: A trainer or vet can help if it’s happening a lot, particularly if resource guarding behavior is involved.

Understanding whale eye as a form of canine communication can help deepen your bond with your dog. Dr. Sperry elaborates:

"Remember, whale eye is a natural expression that helps dogs communicate with humans and other dogs. And apprehension is a normal response to many environmental conditions. While it’s not something to be discouraged, you can use your knowledge of this expression as a tool to help your dog cope with the world around them."

Wondering how to calm a dog showing whale eye? Start by figuring out what’s triggering it and work on making that situation feel safer for them. By more closely paying attention to our pets' body language, we can often avoid many situations that could trigger them or push them over their comfort threshold.

Do cats get whale eye too?

Yep—cats can show the whites of their eyes too, though it’s not talked about as much. You might see it when they’re startled, overstimulated, or just plain annoyed. If your cat is showing whites of their eyes, it’s a good idea to give them some space and let them chill.

Whale eye vs. other signs of dog anxiety

Whale eye is just one piece of the puzzle. Other dog anxiety signs to watch for include:

• Pacing

• Panting (when they’re not hot)

• Hiding or cowering

• Chewing things they shouldn’t

The more you learn to read your dog’s signals, the better you’ll be at helping them feel safe and understood.

Final thoughts: Reading pet body language like a pro

Spotting whale eye in dogs (and sometimes in cats) is a great way to get ahead of stress or fear before it turns into something more serious. Whether you’re wondering why your dog is showing half-moon eyes when approached or just want to get better at reading pet body language, paying attention to these little cues can make a big difference in your relationship with your soulful sidekick.

Lizz Caputo is the Manager of Content Strategy at Figo, animal enthusiast, and owner of a rescued senior American Bully. Her hobbies include checking out new restaurants in her area, boxing, and petting dogs of all shapes and sizes.