Do Dogs Close Their Eyes When They Die? What Really Happens When Our Pets Pass Away

As a lifelong dog lover who’s unfortunately experienced the loss of several furry companions, I’ve noticed something that always struck me as both peaceful and a little unsettling – some of my dogs died with their eyes open, while others seemed to simply drift off to sleep with closed eyes This observation led me to wonder do dogs typically close their eyes when they die, or is there more to this phenomenon?

If you’ve recently lost a pet and noticed their eyes remained open after passing, you might be wondering the same thing. Let’s explore what actually happens when our beloved companions leave us, based on veterinary expertise and science.

The Truth About Dogs’ Eyes During Death

Contrary to what many believe there’s no universal rule about dogs’ eyes at the time of death. The simple truth is

Some dogs die with their eyes open, and some die with their eyes closed.

This goes against what many people assume – that all dogs naturally close their eyes when they pass away. According to veterinary experts with decades of experience observing canine deaths, there’s no consistent pattern to how dogs’ eyes appear after death.

As one vet with over 25 years of experience put it:

“Having been a vet for over 25 years, I have seen many dogs die, some of whom I’ve had to put to sleep. There is no pattern to these dog deaths, aside from the situation in which they pass away. For example, I have seen eyes open, eyes closed, and eyes half shut. How their eyelids appear depends on the manner and timing of death.”

Why Some Dogs Die With Open Eyes

The reason some dogs die with their eyes open is actually quite simple and has nothing to do with awareness of death or spiritual meanings. It’s all about muscle control.

It’s All About the Muscles

To understand why dogs’ eyes might stay open after death, we need to understand how eyelids work:

• Closing the eyelid requires active muscle control
• Dogs have a muscle called the orbicularis oculi that closes the eyelid
• The opposing muscle, the levator palpebrae superioris, opens the eyelid
• When a dog dies, these muscles can no longer contract on command

Simply put, if a dog’s eyes were open at the moment of death, they’ll typically remain open afterward. If their eyes were closed (like if they were sleeping), they’ll usually stay closed.

One veterinarian explains it plainly: “If they dog is conscious at time of death, the eyes will remain open. If asleep, the eyes will remain closed when they die.”

What Happens During Euthanasia vs. Natural Death

The circumstances of a dog’s passing significantly impact whether their eyes remain open or closed.

During Veterinary Euthanasia

When a dog is humanely euthanized by a veterinarian:

1. The dog receives a large dose of an anesthetic drug
2. This causes them to relax, become drowsy, and fall asleep
3. Their heart gradually slows and stops
4. If their eyes were open while looking at you as they passed, they often remain slightly open
5. The upper eyelids may droop somewhat, but often don’t close completely

As explained by veterinary professionals, this happens because while relaxation occurs naturally after death, muscle contraction does not. Without the ability to contract the eyelid muscles, the eyes often remain partially or fully open.

During Natural Death

Natural deaths can vary widely depending on the cause:

• Quick natural deaths (like sudden cardiac events) may leave the eyes in whatever position they were in at the moment of passing
• Longer natural deaths might involve periods of consciousness and unconsciousness
• The dog may experience irregular breathing and muscle spasms before passing
• Just like with euthanasia, the position of the eyes at the moment of death typically remains unchanged afterward

Other Physical Changes That Occur After Death

It’s important for dog owners to understand that several other physical changes might occur after their pet passes away. These are completely normal but can sometimes be distressing if you’re unprepared:

Muscle Movements

Dogs may experience muscle spasms or twitching after death. These can range from:

• Fine tremors
• Limb movements or kicks
• Back arching upward or downward

These movements aren’t signs of pain or consciousness – they’re simply residual electrical activity in the muscles.

Gasping or Breathing Movements

Sometimes dogs appear to take a sudden “gasp” of air after passing. This can be:

• A small movement
• A large, deep intake of breath that might look alarming

This isn’t your dog trying to breathe. It’s usually caused by leftover electrical activity in the brain and isn’t something your dog is aware of.

Loss of Bladder and Bowel Control

When a dog’s body relaxes after death:

• The muscles controlling bladder and bowels also relax
• Urine might be released, especially if the bladder was full
• Some stool might pass, particularly if the dog had diarrhea
• You might notice gas being released

Can You Close Your Dog’s Eyes After Death?

Many owners wonder if they can close their dog’s eyes after death if they remain open. According to veterinary sources, sometimes this is possible:

“Sometimes it is possible to gently close your dog’s eyes for them after they have passed away by using two fingers to gently stroke downwards and pull them closed. However, this will not work for all dogs.”

If you wish to try this, use a very gentle touch and don’t be concerned if the eyes don’t fully close – it’s completely normal either way.

Cultural and Religious Perspectives

It’s interesting to note that different cultures have various interpretations of what it means when someone (human or animal) dies with their eyes open:

• In Chinese and Taoist belief, open eyes after death might suggest fear or an unpeaceful judgment
• In Hinduism, slightly open eyes and mouth at death may be seen as allowing the spirit to exit
• Western interpretations sometimes suggest surprise or unfinished business

While these cultural perspectives are fascinating, there’s no scientific evidence suggesting dogs’ eye positions have any spiritual meaning. The physical explanation of muscle control provides the most accurate understanding.

Finding Peace With Your Dog’s Passing

Whether your dog died with eyes open or closed, what matters most is the love you shared and ensuring their passing was as peaceful as possible. If your dog was euthanized, you can take comfort in knowing that:

“When it comes to euthanasia, our dogs will simply experience a gentle drift into sleep whilst you softly stroke them.”

For natural deaths, particularly if they involved suffering, it’s worth remembering that euthanasia is often the kinder option once it’s clear a dog is in pain. Many veterinarians agree that a planned, peaceful euthanasia is often preferable to a prolonged natural death for dogs experiencing serious health issues.

At the end of the day, whether your dog’s eyes were open or closed when they passed isn’t an indication of how peaceful their death was or how they felt about you. These are simply physical responses based on muscle control at the time of death.

What truly matters is that you were there for your companion throughout their life, providing love, care, and comfort – especially in their final moments. Rather than focusing on physical details like eye position, try to remember the joy, companionship, and unconditional love you shared.

Have you experienced the loss of a dog? Did they pass with eyes open or closed? Feel free to share your experiences in the comments – sometimes sharing our stories helps us process grief and remember the beautiful lives our dogs lived, rather than just their final moments.

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Remember: If you’re currently facing decisions about end-of-life care for your dog, consult with your veterinarian about the most humane options for your specific situation. Each dog’s needs are different, and your vet can help guide you through this difficult time with compassion and expertise.

Dogs don’t verbally say “goodbye,” but many owners observe behaviors like increased affection or seeking solitude in their final days, which can be interpreted as a form of communication or farewell. Other signs of a dog nearing the end of life include extreme fatigue, lethargy, loss of appetite, changes in mobility, or restlessness.

Right before a dog dies, you may notice decreased or no appetite, lethargy, muscle spasms, changes in breathing, and loss of bladder/bowel control. The gums may also change color to a pale, gray, or white, and the dog may experience an inability to swallow.

When a dog dies, the first bodily systems to shut down are typically its brain and respiratory system, followed closely by the heart and circulation. The brain stops functioning immediately as brain activity ends, which in turn causes hearing to cease and leads to unconsciousness.

Signs a dog is dying include lack of energy, loss of appetite, changes in breathing, incontinence, and behavioral shifts like increased clinginess or isolation. Other indicators are dehydration, weight loss, difficulty moving, confusion, seizures, and a general lack of responsiveness.