What is this thin lining in my dogs eyes .........?

Question

when she is asleep and her eye is somewhat open there is a clear tawny coat over it.

Answer 1

It's called a nictating membrane. Or third eyelid. Dogs can't see through theirs, but other animals can. It protects the eyes while sleeping, hunting and eating. Think of wolves and how crazy feeding time gets for them, you understand.
Hope this helps.

Answer 2

it is what the first two said.

Dogs and cats have 3 eyelids: upper lid, lower lid, and one that is attached inside the other lids at the inside corner of the eye socket. This third eyelid serves to protect the eye from injury by closing over the eye to give a second covering of the eye.



On the inside of this third eyelid, there is a small lymph node and small gland that produces tears. The tears produced aid in lubrication of the eye.


this is just somethings that can happen with the 3rd eyelid
A condition exists where this small gland becomes inflamed and swollen. Once swollen, the tissue of this gland then protrudes out over the free edge of the third eyelid. This condition is sometimes called “cherry eye,” because the reddened, swollen tissue resembles a cherry.



CAUSE of this condition is not known. An infection or allergic reactions may sometimes cause the condition. There is a tendency for the condition to occur in the other eye at some future date.



TREATMENT of this condition may be medical or surgical. Often times the condition is first treated topically with anti-inflammatory medications in an effort to avoid surgery. If medical therapy is not effective, then surgery to either remove part of the gland or replace the gland into its normal position is recommended.

Answer 3

its called the third eyelid, and they can see trough them.