when do puppies open their eyes ?
One of the most common questions asked by new puppy owners is when do puppies open their eyes. Puppies have the ability to open their eyes for a short period of time each day. This does not mean that they can do this all the time; but, they are able to do so on a regular basis. If the pup should happen to have some tears or scabs from scratching, it does not mean the pup is unable to see.
What happens if the Cockapoo pup does not seem to be able to see, even when they are around ten days old? The answer is simple. Sometimes, newborn puppies open their eyes for a short period of time. Sometimes, the Cockapoo pup will be able to open their eyes on their own, while other times the pup may need to be encouraged to do so. Even though you might be tempted to assist the process, it really is crucial to let the process occur naturally.
When Do Puppies Eyes Open?
Typically, puppies’ eyes open between 10 to 14 days after birth. Some may open a day or two earlier, while others take a little longer. It’s important to remember that all puppies develop at slightly different rates, so a few days’ variation is completely normal.
Even when puppies’ eyes do open, their vision will still be blurry for the first week or two. Full vision develops gradually over the next several weeks.
Why Are Puppies Born With Closed Eyes?
A common question for new owners is not just when do puppies eyes open, but why they’re closed in the first place. Puppies are born with closed eyes because their eyes are still developing after birth. The eyelids protect their delicate optic nerves and prevent exposure to light, bacteria, and injury during this sensitive stage.
Newborn puppies / when do puppies open their eyes
Newborn puppies cannot control the muscles in their face to move their eyes from side to side. When they are born, they are blind. From the time of being born, they cannot control these movements. So, when do puppies open their eyes? The answer is: anytime. Even when they are born dead, they can still move their eyes and can see.
There are some instances when puppies are born dead. When do puppies open their eyes? If the puppy has been born dead, it does not mean that the pup cannot see. If the pup is born healthy, when do puppies open their eyes?
During the first few weeks of life, the pups do not have any vision. They depend on their mother for everything they need. The mother can tell the pup when do puppies need to eat, drink and be massaged. However, they cannot tell them when do puppies need to sleep.
After four weeks of life, the pups can now depend on their own sense of smell to find their food. Their eyes are starting to develop, and can now recognize the smell of food. By seven weeks of age, the dogs are ready to go to daycare. Daycare is when dogs socialize with other dogs and humans. Daycare is also when the dogs learn how to live alone in a crate.
In order to take care of the pups, their momma needs to do more of the daycare then she did during the first four weeks of their life. She needs to look after the pups, brush them and bathe them. If her attention is not paid to the pups then there is a chance that one of the puppies might get adopted. This is something that is very rare, but it does happen.
When do newborn pups open their eyes?
At seven weeks, the eyes of the new born dog will open fully. About four weeks after this, they will start to open their eyes only partially. Then at eight weeks, they will stop opening their eyes completely. And finally, at nine weeks, the dogs will start to go to the toilet when they want to.
The best time to train your dogs when they are still in the early stages of life, is during the first four weeks. This is when you do not have to do a lot of potty training. You can just observe them and they will learn what is good and bad for them.
The Opening Process Step-by-Step
- Days 1–10 – Eyes remain closed as the puppy focuses on growing and staying warm.
- Days 10–14 – Eyelids start to part, usually beginning from the inner corners.
- Days 14–21 – Eyes are fully open, but vision is still fuzzy and light sensitivity is high.
- Weeks 3–4 – Vision improves, and puppies start responding more to movement and shapes.
How to Care for Puppies When Their Eyes Open
When the exciting moment comes and puppies’ eyes do open, there are a few important care tips:
- Avoid bright light – Keep them away from direct sunlight or harsh indoor lighting.
- Handle gently – Never try to force their eyes open; let it happen naturally.
- Keep bedding clean – This reduces the risk of eye infections during this sensitive stage.
- Watch for discharge – A small amount of moisture is normal, but thick discharge or redness needs a vet check.
What If a Puppy’s Eyes Don’t Open on Time?
If you’re wondering when do puppies eyes open and notice it’s been more than 16 days with no signs of opening, it’s a good idea to contact your vet. Sometimes, a mild infection or developmental delay can cause this, and a professional can safely address the issue.
When do newborn puppies start to beg?
It is during the third week of the life of the puppy. At this stage, they will start to beg to go outside. They will do this even when they are not hungry because puppies love to please their owners. When you introduce this behavior into your puppy’s life, it will become more dominant. But if you do not observe it, then you will end up scaring the pup away by scaring it with the sound of the doorbell.
At four weeks of life, you can then start to take your puppies out more often. But remember to feed them with table scraps and always clean their water bowl with the help of a puppy shampoo or soap. During this period, the puppies have already developed their first set of teeth. You must never let your puppies live with bottle fed mother dogs or any other pets.
When do puppies open their eyes?
At fourteen days old, the puppies will start to gradually open their eyes on their own. This process starts when the baby puppy has not started using its maternal instinct for independence. There might be some puppies that resist this process by crying. If you want to encourage this behavior then you should let the puppy wander around the house freely. You can also give your puppy a toy to chew.
5 Interesting Facts About When Puppies Eyes Open
- Puppies are born with both eyes and ears closed, meaning their first sense of the world is through smell and touch.
- Even when their eyes first open, their retinas are still developing and can’t process sharp images.
- Blue eyes at birth are common, but the color often changes as they grow older.
- In the wild, closed eyes protect newborn puppies from predators by keeping them hidden and less active.
- Puppies’ eye-opening timeline is similar across most breeds, but smaller breeds may develop slightly faster.
10 FAQs About When Do Puppies Eyes Open
1. When do puppies eyes open after birth?
Usually between 10 and 14 days after birth, although some may take a little longer.
2. Can I help my puppy open its eyes?
No — never try to force their eyes open as this can cause serious damage.
3. Why are puppies born with closed eyes?
Their eyes are still developing and need protection during the first days of life.
4. What if my puppy’s eyes don’t open by two weeks?
If it’s past 16 days with no change, consult your vet for a check-up.
5. Do all puppies open their eyes at the same time?
No, even within the same litter, some puppies may open their eyes a few days earlier than others.
6. Are puppies’ eyes blue when they open?
Yes, many puppies have bluish eyes at first, which may change to their permanent color later.
7. Can puppies see clearly as soon as their eyes open?
No, their vision is blurry at first and improves over the next few weeks.
8. Should I keep puppies in the dark after their eyes open?
Not in complete darkness, but avoid bright, direct light for the first few days.
9. Is eye discharge normal when puppies eyes open?
A small amount is normal, but heavy discharge or redness should be checked by a vet.
10. Does breed affect when puppies eyes open?
Not significantly — most breeds follow the same general 10–14 day timeline.
Conclusion
So, when do puppies eyes open? Most open their eyes between 10 and 14 days after birth, beginning an exciting new stage in their growth. Remember, this is a gradual process, and patience is key. By providing a safe, clean, and gentle environment, you’ll help your puppy’s eyes develop naturally and healthily.
Watching your puppy go from blind and tiny to curious and playful is one of the most rewarding experiences for a dog owner. With proper care and attention, this special milestone will be just the beginning of many adorable moments to come.
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