As a caregiver for a newborn puppy, you’re eager to witness every stage of your little furball’s development. One of the significant milestones you’re probably looking forward to is when your puppy starts to hear. This article will guide you through everything you need to know about this exciting time.
The Birth of Puppies: A Silent World
From the moment a puppy is born, it lives in a world of silence. Yes, it’s true. Puppies are born deaf, and their ear canals remain closed for the first few weeks of their life.
The Opening of the Ears: A Symphony of Sounds
By the time your puppy is about two weeks old, you’ll start to notice a change. Their ear canals begin to open, a process that is usually complete by the time they are 21 days old. It’s at this point that your puppy will start to hear sounds for the first time, a whole new world opening up to them.
The Development of Hearing: A World of Discovery
Once a puppy’s ear canals have opened, their hearing will begin to develop rapidly.
- Week 3-4: Puppies start to respond to loud noises and high-pitched sounds.
- Week 5-6: They will begin to recognize your voice and other familiar sounds.
- Week 7-8: By now, their hearing should be fully developed and equivalent to that of an adult dog.
Factors Affecting Hearing Development
There are several factors that can affect the rate at which a puppy’s hearing develops. These include:
- Breed: Some breeds, such as Dalmatians, are prone to congenital deafness.
- Health: Infections or parasites can delay the opening of a puppy’s ear canals.
- Nutrition: A diet lacking in essential nutrients can affect the development of a puppy’s hearing.
How to Tell If Your Puppy Can Hear
You can tell if your puppy can hear by observing their behavior. They should start to react to sounds by turning their head or pricking up their ears. They might also startle at loud noises or respond to your voice.
Protecting Your Puppy’s Hearing
Now that your puppy can hear, you’ll need to take steps to protect their delicate hearing.
- Avoid loud noises: Sudden, loud noises can be frightening and potentially damaging to a puppy’s hearing.
- Regular check-ups: Regular vet check-ups can help catch any potential hearing issues early.
- Healthy diet: A diet rich in essential nutrients can support a puppy’s hearing health.
What to Do If Your Puppy Doesn’t Seem to Hear
Don’t panic if your puppy doesn’t seem to hear as soon as you expect. Hearing development can vary between individual puppies. If your puppy still doesn’t seem to hear by the time they’re eight weeks old, it’s time to consult a vet.
Frequently Asked Questions about Puppy Hearing Development
Q: When do puppies start to hear?
A: Puppies usually start to hear when they’re between two and three weeks old.
Q: How can I tell if my puppy can hear?
A: You can tell if your puppy can hear by observing their behavior. They should start to react to sounds by turning their head or pricking up their ears.
Q: What should I do if my puppy doesn’t seem to hear?
A: If your puppy doesn’t seem to hear by the time they’re eight weeks old, consult a vet.
By understanding when puppies start to hear, you can provide the best possible care for your little furball during this critical stage of their development. Happy puppy parenting!
