When Do Puppies Open Their Eyes and How It Happens

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Posted Oct 21, 2024

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A Mother Hugging with a Newborn Baby
Credit: pexels.com, A Mother Hugging with a Newborn Baby

Puppies are born blind, but their eyes start to develop rapidly. Typically, puppies' eyes begin to open between 10 and 14 days old.

Their eyelids are fused shut at birth, but as they grow, the eyelids start to separate. This process usually begins around 9-10 days old.

Puppies can't see much at first, but their vision improves quickly. By around 14 days old, their eyes are mostly open, and they can see reasonably well.

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Puppy Development

Puppies are born with their eyes closed, but don't worry, they start to open them from around the second week onwards. This is a general timescale, and individual puppies may develop at their own pace.

Puppies' eyes will usually develop in their own time, but being aware of the usual stages of development can help you take quick measures if their vision is at risk. You can use other dogs born in the litter as a good yardstick for development.

Puppies' eyes start to develop from around 2 weeks old, and by 6 weeks, their retina has matured, and their vision begins to change and develop. Make sure they spend time with their mother and siblings and have adequate nutrition to support proper eye development.

Puppy Development in the Womb

Credit: youtube.com, Puppy's development

Puppy development in the womb is a remarkable process that's quite different from human development. Puppies have a very short gestation period of only 7-9 weeks.

Newborn puppies are born with their eyes closed, deaf, and toothless. This means they can't see, hear, or eat solid food right away.

Pre-natal development is a crucial stage in a puppy's life, laying the foundation for their overall health and visual abilities. During this stage, cell division, organ formation, and the development of eye structure all occur.

The optic vesicles, which are precursors to the eyes, begin to develop during pre-natal development. This stage is essential for the formation of the lens, cornea, iris, and retina.

Puppies receive nourishment through the placenta during pre-natal development, which supports the growth of their eyes and other organs.

Newborn Development

Newborn puppies are born with their eyes closed, but don't worry, they start to open them around the second week onwards. This is a general timescale, and every puppy develops at their own pace.

Credit: youtube.com, Newborn Puppies: Birth to 2 Weeks

Pitbull puppies, for example, typically open their eyes at around 10 to 14 days old. This can vary slightly between litters, but genetics and environmental factors can influence when their eyes open.

As a new puppy owner, it's essential to let nature take its course and allow your puppy's eyes to open naturally. Forcing their eyes open can cause serious harm and potentially damage their eyes.

Pitbull puppies rely on touch and smell during their first week when their eyelids are still closed. Once they reach the 10 to 14-day mark, their eyelids begin to separate, and they gain the amazing ability to see.

To care for your puppy's eyes, keep the area around their eyes clean by gently wiping them with a soft, damp cloth. This can help prevent dirt or debris from getting into their eyes and causing an infection.

For your interest: When Do Puppys Stop Growing

Eye Development Timeline

Puppies are born with their eyes closed, but don't worry, it's normal. They start to open their eyes from around the second week onwards, but remember that all puppies develop at their own pace.

Credit: youtube.com, Cute Puppies Growing Up! Day 1 to Week 8 Puppy Transformation.

Between 10 and 14 days, a puppy's eyes open, and this is typically the case for Pitbull puppies. However, genetics and environmental factors can influence when their eyes open, so some puppies may open their eyes earlier or later than others.

During the first few weeks, puppies' eyes are still developing, and their vision is not fully developed. They won't be able to see clearly right away, but will see shapes and light, and eventually their vision will improve.

Here's a rough outline of the eye development timeline:

It's essential to provide puppies with proper care during this critical stage, including maintaining a clean and safe environment and regular vet check-ups.

Understanding Closed Eyes

Puppies are born with their eyelids closed, which is a natural part of their development. This is because their bodies are still growing and they don't need their vision right away. Newborn puppies have well-developed senses of smell and touch, which help them navigate their world.

Credit: youtube.com, When Newborn Dogs Open Their Eyes, How Is The Vision Of Dogs?

It typically takes around 10 to 14 days for puppies' eyes to open, or around 2 weeks of age. However, some puppies may take longer to develop, and it's not uncommon for them to open their eyes at 3 weeks. If you're concerned about your puppy's eyes, look for signs of swelling, bumps, or discharge, and consult with a veterinarian.

Here's a rough guide to what to expect during this time:

  • Birth to 2 weeks: Eyes closed, developing
  • 2-3 weeks: Eyes may start to open, blurry vision
  • 3-4 weeks: Eyes fully open, vision improving

Keep in mind that every puppy is different, and the exact timing of when their eyes open can be influenced by factors like breed, health, and environment.

When to Worry About a Newborn Puppy

Puppies will usually develop in their own time, but being aware of the usual stages of development can help you take quick measures if something's off.

Generally, growing puppies are unlikely to have health problems if necessary precautions are taken ahead of time.

Puppies usually develop their eyes and leave home around 10 weeks.

Credit: youtube.com, When Newborn Dogs Open Their Eyes, How Is The Vision Of Dogs?

You can use other dogs born in the litter as a good yardstick for development.

Some signs that something could be wrong with your puppy's eyes include redness, swelling, or discharge.

It's essential to let nature take its course and allow the puppy's eyes to open naturally, rather than trying to force them open.

Eye infections can be serious if left untreated, so if you notice any of these symptoms, take your puppy to the vet as soon as possible.

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Why Are Closed?

Puppies are born with their eyes closed because their eyes are still developing, and this helps protect them from potential harm.

Puppies rely more on their sense of smell and touch to navigate their world for the first few weeks of life.

Their eyes need time to develop properly, and this is made possible by their mother's protective environment.

The mother dog plays a crucial role in keeping her puppies safe and warm, allowing their eyes to develop in a secure setting.

This means that newborn puppies are more dependent on their sense of smell and touch than on their vision.

Eyelids Don't

Boston terrier puppy
Credit: pexels.com, Boston terrier puppy

If your puppy hasn't opened their eyes by around day 18, then you should speak to your local vet. It's not uncommon for one eye to open before the other, so don't worry if you notice a difference in their vision.

Puppies that are kept in a warm, safe, and clean environment are more likely to develop properly and open their eyes at the expected time. Factors such as breed and health can also influence the timing of eye opening.

A healthy puppy is more likely to open their eyes at the expected time, but if they're unwell or malnourished, it may take longer. You can check for signs of swelling, bumps, or discharge around their eyes, and always consult with a veterinarian to ensure everything is developing correctly.

Some puppies may take up to 3 weeks for their eyes to finally open, and it's essential to let nature take its course and not try to force their eyelids open. If you're concerned about your puppy's eyes, it's always best to consult with a veterinarian for personalized advice.

Becky Murray

Writer

Becky Murray is a seasoned writer with a passion for crafting engaging content on a wide range of topics. Her expertise lies in the realm of animal-related subjects, where she has developed a unique voice and perspective. With a keen interest in canine herding breeds, Becky has produced a series of informative articles that delve into the characteristics, behaviors, and histories of these fascinating dogs.