If you’re a caregiver who has just welcomed a litter of newborn puppies into your world, one of the most exciting milestones to look forward to is when their eyes open. This article will give you everything you need to know about this significant event in a puppy’s life.
1. The Timing of Puppies Opening Their Eyes
Typically, puppies open their eyes around two weeks after birth^1^. However, this can vary from breed to breed and puppy to puppy. Sometimes, the eyes may start to open a little as early as seven days after birth, or it could take as long as 16 days.
2. The Process of Eye Opening
The process of a puppy’s eyes opening is a gentle one, starting with the eyes gradually opening from the inner corner near the nose outward toward the ears. It’s essential never to try to force a puppy’s eyes open earlier as their eyes are incredibly sensitive and still developing.
3. What Puppies See When Their Eyes First Open
When puppies first open their eyes, their vision is quite blurry. They primarily see shapes, movements, and light but lack detail and depth perception. Their sight will continue to develop over the next few weeks.
| Age | Vision Development |
|---|---|
| 2 weeks | Eyes open, blurry vision |
| 3 weeks | Start to follow movement |
| 4 weeks | Begin to see more detail |
| 6 weeks | Depth perception develops |
4. Why Can’t Puppies Open Their Eyes Immediately After Birth?
Puppies are born with their eyelids tightly shut to protect their developing eyes. The eyes are one of the last organs to develop fully in the womb, so they need a little extra time after birth to finish developing in a safe, dark environment.
5. How to Care for Your Puppies’ Eyes
Even after your puppies have opened their eyes, it’s important to continue monitoring for any signs of infection or abnormal development. Here’s what you can do:
- Keep the whelping area clean: This can help to prevent infections.
- Check for signs of infection: Symptoms include redness, swelling, or discharge.
- Consult a vet if you notice anything unusual: It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
6. The Opening of Ears in Puppies
Just like their eyes, a puppy’s ears also open around the same time – between two and three weeks of age^2^. Until their ears open, puppies are deaf and cannot hear.
7. Eye Color Changes in Puppies
Puppies are usually born with blue eyes, but the color can change as they grow. By eight weeks of age, a puppy’s eyes should have reached their adult color.
8. Common Questions About Puppies’ Eyes
FAQ #1: Why are my puppy’s eyes not opening at the same time?
It’s not uncommon for one eye to open before the other. However, if the second eye hasn’t opened within 48 hours of the first, it’s worth consulting with a vet.
FAQ #2: What should I do if my puppy’s eyes are swollen or have discharge?
If you notice swelling or discharge, it’s essential to contact your vet as soon as possible. This could be a sign of an infection.
FAQ #3: When will my puppy’s vision be fully developed?
By around eight weeks of age, your puppy’s vision should be fully developed.
FAQ #4: Can I help my puppy’s eyes open?
No, you should never try to force a puppy’s eyes open. This can cause serious damage to their eyes.
And there you have it – everything you need to know about when puppies open their eyes. As a caregiver, being informed about these early stages of puppies’ development is key to ensuring their healthy growth and wellbeing.
