When Do Puppies Open Their Eyes? Eye Opening Facts (2024)

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Curious about when puppies open their eyes? If you’re a proud puppy parent or simply fascinated by these adorable creatures, you’ll want to know all about this important milestone. The moment those tiny eyelids finally peel back is an exciting one, signaling the beginning of your pup’s visual journey.

In this article, we’ll explore the fascinating facts surrounding puppies’ eye opening process and shed light on what they can see after those precious peepers are unveiled.

When Do Newborn Puppies Open Their Eyes?

By two weeks of age, most newborn puppies will have opened their eyes. This is an exciting milestone in their development as they begin to explore the world around them visually. However, it’s important to note that the timing can vary from puppy to puppy and breed to breed.

Some puppies may open their eyes sooner, around 10 days old, while others may take up to three weeks. It’s crucial not to force your puppy’s eyes open if they haven’t opened by two weeks; let nature take its course for their health and safety.

When a newborn puppy opens its eyes for the first time, you may notice some changes in appearance as well. Initially, the iris (the muscle that controls the pupil) will appear hazy and blue-gray before gradually changing color over several weeks.

If you observe any discharge from your newborn puppy’s eyes or notice symptoms such as bloodshot eyes or frequent blinking after they’ve opened their eyes, it could be a sign of corneal injuries or conditions like dry eye or entropion.

Overall though this stage marks an exciting moment in your new furry friend’s journey!

What Can a Puppy See After Opening Their Eyes?

After a puppy’s eyes open, their vision is initially blurry and they have difficulty focusing.

It takes a few weeks for their vision to fully develop, during which time keeping them in a dimly lit area can be helpful.

Additionally, the iris will first appear hazy and blue-gray before eventually changing to its permanent color.

Blurriness and Sensitivity to Light

After puppies open their eyes, they’re able to see the world around them, although their vision is still blurry and they may be sensitive to bright light.

At first, their iris appears hazy and blue-gray in color, but this is temporary. Around three to four weeks of age, the iris will change to its normal color.

So while puppies can see after opening their eyes, it takes a few weeks for their vision to fully develop and become clear.

Iris Color Change

Once puppies open their eyes, they’re initially greeted with a hazy and blue-gray iris color.

• The hazy and blue-gray color of the iris is temporary.
• Over the next few weeks, the iris will gradually change to its permanent color.
• The exact timing of this transition can vary from puppy to puppy.
• Puppies’ eyes may go through shades of gray or green before settling on their final hue.
• By around three to four weeks old, most puppies will have developed their permanent eye color.

When Do Puppies Start Walking and Opening Their Eyes?

By the time puppies open their eyes, they’re also starting to develop other motor functions.

Around 7 to 14 days of age, they begin crawling and by day 16, many puppies can already walk.

During their third week of life, you’ll notice them exhibiting a relatively normal gait as their coordination improves.

Motor Development

As your puppy’s eyes open, they’ll also begin to develop their motor skills and start walking.

Around 7 to 14 days of age, puppies start crawling, and by day 16, many can already walk.

As their eyes open up to the world around them, so do their ears. However, it takes about three weeks for puppies’ hearing to fully develop.

they have excellent hearing abilities.

Development of Hearing

When puppies begin walking and opening their eyes, they also start to develop their hearing abilities.

At around three weeks old, a puppy’s hearing fully develops. They’ve the ability to hear a wider range of frequencies and are four times more sensitive to sound than humans.

However, their ears don’t open at the same time as their eyes; it takes about two weeks for them to open fully.

During this period, puppies may exhibit sensitivity to loud noises as they adjust to the new sounds around them.

What to Do After Puppies Open Their Eyes

Now that your puppies have opened their eyes, there are several important aspects to consider.

First, you need to ensure their physical development is on track by monitoring milestones such as walking and using hind legs.

Additionally, be aware of behavioral changes during this time and the importance of socialization for your growing pups.

Lastly, prioritize their health and care needs including proper nutrition and regular veterinary check-ups.

Physical Development

After puppies open their eyes, it’s important to understand their physical development and how to properly care for them.

Monitor eye color changes, provide proper nutrition, and ensure regular veterinary check-ups for optimal eye health.

Behavior Changes

Once puppies open their eyes, they begin to experience significant behavior changes.

• Socializing them and introducing them to new sights and sounds.
• Continuing their training.
• Ensuring proper nutrition.
• Monitoring their development closely.

Health and Care

Now that the puppies’ eyes are open, it’s important to provide them with proper health and care.

Food and Nutrition

As your puppies open their eyes, it’s important to start weaning them around three weeks old.

Gradually introduce puppy food and avoid feeding them harmful foods.

Consult a veterinarian for guidance on when to switch to adult food.

Training and Socialization

After puppies open their eyes, it’s crucial to prioritize their training and socialization.

Early socialization is key during this period to ensure a well-rounded and confident dog.

Use desensitization and counter conditioning techniques specific to your breed for effective results.

How to Spot a Problem With a Newborn Puppy’s Eyes

If you notice any of the symptoms described earlier, such as bloodshot eyes or excessive tearing, contact a vet right away to address any potential problems with your newborn puppy’s eyes.

It is important not to ignore these signs as they could potentially indicate underlying health issues that need immediate attention from a veterinarian. By being vigilant and seeking prompt veterinary care when necessary, you can help ensure good eye health for your beloved pup.

When Can Puppies Smell, Hear, and Respond to Touch?

By the time puppies reach two weeks of age, they can already smell, hear, and respond to touch.

From birth, puppies have a sense of smell that allows them to navigate their environment and locate their mother for feeding.

At around two weeks old, their ears begin to open up and they start hearing sounds from the world around them. This is an important milestone as it helps them recognize familiar voices and learn how different noises relate to certain experiences or situations.

Puppies also have a response to touch right from birth. They can feel physical contact with their littermates or mother’s gentle nudges guiding them towards warmth or food sources. This early sensitivity plays a crucial role in bonding with others as well as developing trust.

Understanding these stages of development is essential for proper care and socialization during your puppy’s critical period between four and sixteen weeks old when exposure becomes key for healthy emotional growth.

When Can You Touch Newborn Puppies?

You can safely touch newborn puppies once they begin moving around, usually around three weeks old. It’s important to handle them with care and follow proper hygiene practices for their well-being.

By following these guidelines, you can contribute positively to their development while ensuring their safety and well-being during this critical stage of growth.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)