Saying goodbye to a pet is the most heartbreaking yet inevitable process for every owner. When a pet's organs gradually stop functioning and their eyes remain slightly open, owners often worry if it means their pet died with regrets. Many try to gently close their pet&rsquos eyes, hoping they may leave peacefully. In reality, an open eye at death is a normal biological phenomenon.

According to Shangxian Animal Hospital, when an animal passes away, their muscles lose the ability to contract, which causes the eyes to remain open. Closing the eyes requires active contraction of the orbicularis oculi muscle, and without that ability, the eyelids cannot close naturally.

Veterinarians shared that even after witnessing many life-and-death moments in emergency animal hospitals, they still feel sorrow when a devastated owner pleads for emergency care that ultimately cannot save their pet. One vet recalled a pet that underwent two rounds of CPR lasting over 30 minutes without regaining a heartbeat or reflexes. With the brain deprived of oxygen for over 8 minutes, even survival would mean loss of consciousness, leading the vet to gently recommend stopping resuscitation.Saying goodbye to a pet is the last thing any owner wants to experience, yet it is something we all must face. (Image courtesy of Heho Pets)

Most owners break down emotionally the moment they're told their pet's heart has stopped. About 60% ask if the vet can help close their pet&rsquos eyes. The vet explains kindly that dogs&rsquo and cats&rsquo eyelid muscles are thinner than humans&rsquo, their eyes are more prominent, and muscle relaxation after death often causes the eyes to remain open.

The vet also comforts owners, assuring them that open eyes do not symbolize fear or regret. Instead, it can be seen as their pet leaving the world while still holding warm memories of their family. Like how they looked at their owner each day with love, they leave with a smile and open eyes, peacefully crossing the rainbow bridge.