why do dogs eyes stay open all the time when a dog is dying?

Answer 1

I'm afraid I have to disagree somewhat, at least when it comes to putting a dog to sleep. All of my dogs passed with their closed. I stayed with each one of of them and cradled their heads in my arms. *Sniff*

Answer 2

It's not just dogs. Humans are the same way. They just don't show it in the movies or on TV because, well, it's really creepy.

As for why, it actually requires a very slight muscle contraction to close your eyes. If the muscles in the face were to become totally inactive, the eyes would be mostly open. They can be shut after death, of course, but it takes some finesse.

Answer 3

When we die, we lose our muscle control, including the bowel and bladder. Our eyes are usually the first to indicate death. That is why people put pennies on the lids (or used to) to keep the from opening. Dogs are like humans in that way, as are all animals. If you have ever seen a dog under anesthesia, it looks like he has died. Its sad, but best to just close their eyes for them

Answer 4

Any animal; human, dog, cat, rat and so on. their eyes stay open when they die i've heard that the bowels and bladder release everything inside of them at least with humans as well regardless of how something dies it's not pretty. But the eye thing is because of muscles going haywire.

Answer 5

Muscles work in two ways, by contracting and by relaxing. Muscles around the eyes are relaxed when opened, and when they contract -- requiring effort -- the eyes close.

Think about when you're sitting around during the day, daydreaming. Your eyes are open, but you're relaxed. First thing you do when you "come to" is blink.... which requires muscle action.

Answer 6

Humans are the same way... its not like in the movies where people die and their eyes always close. It's just a reaction