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When do puppies open their eyes?

Most puppies open their eyes at

10 to 14 days

Puppies are born with their eyes sealed shut. Most open them at 10 to 14 days old, and some as early as 7 days. Their vision is blurry at first and becomes useful at about 3 weeks. If a puppy's eyes haven't opened by 14 days, have your vet take a look.

Why puppies are born with their eyes closed

A newborn puppy's eyes are still developing when it's born. The eyelids stay sealed to protect the delicate eyes from light, dust, and infection while the nerves finish growing. VCA Animal Hospitals says most puppies open their eyes within 7 to 14 days of birth. Often one eye opens a day or two before the other.

Newly opened eyes are usually cloudy blue-gray. Puppies see only blurry shapes at first, and vision becomes useful at around 3 weeks. Hearing follows a similar path: the ear canals open at about 10 to 14 days, and puppies start reacting to sounds at about 3 weeks.

Caring for a puppy's eyes

  • Never pry the eyes open. They open on their own when ready, and forcing them can cause injury.
  • Keep the whelping area dim and clean. Newly opened eyes are sensitive to bright light.
  • Call your vet if the eyes haven't opened by 14 days, or if you see swelling, bulging, crust, or pus under the lids at any time. That can mean an infection behind the eyelids, which needs prompt treatment.

Newborn puppy development, week by week

What to expect in a newborn puppy's first 8 weeks.

  1. Birth to 1 week

    Eyes and ears closed. Puppies sleep, nurse, and find mom by warmth and smell. They should double their birth weight in about a week.

  2. Week 2

    Eyes open, usually between days 10 and 14. Ear canals start to open. Puppies try to stand.

  3. Week 3

    Puppies begin to see and hear, take wobbly first steps, and the first baby teeth come through.

  4. Week 4

    Walking, playing, and wrestling with littermates. Weaning onto soft food can begin.

  5. Weeks 5 to 6

    Eating more solid food, exploring, and learning manners from mom and siblings.

  6. Weeks 6 to 8

    First vet visit and vaccines. Puppies usually stay with mom and littermates until at least 8 weeks.

Planning the next steps

Weigh newborn puppies daily if you can: steady gain is the best sign they're thriving, and a puppy who isn't gaining needs a vet. Once they're a few weeks old, our puppy vaccination schedule shows when their shots are due, and the puppy growth predictor estimates their adult size. Still waiting for the litter? The dog pregnancy calculator gives the due date.

Frequently asked questions

When do puppies open their eyes?

Most puppies open their eyes between 10 and 14 days old, and some as early as 7 days. One eye often opens a day or two before the other.

When can puppies see?

Their vision is blurry when their eyes first open. Puppies start to see well enough to get around at about 3 weeks old, and their sight keeps improving over the following weeks.

When can puppies hear?

A puppy's ear canals open at about 10 to 14 days, and most start reacting to sounds at around 3 weeks old.

What if my puppy's eyes haven't opened at 2 weeks?

Have your vet check the puppy. VCA advises an exam if the eyes haven't opened within 14 days, or sooner if there's swelling, bulging, or discharge. Never try to open the eyes yourself.

Should I open my puppy's eyes?

No. Prying the eyelids apart can damage the eye. They open naturally when the eye is ready. If you see swelling or pus, call your vet.

What color are a puppy's eyes when they open?

Usually a cloudy blue or blue-gray. The adult eye color develops over the next several weeks as pigment builds up.

Sources

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