After Birth, When Do Puppies Open Their Eyes?

If you have newborn puppies, you’ve probably noticed that their eyes are closed, and you may be wondering when they will start to open. It depends on their breed, but for most puppies, this happens between ten and fourteen days of age.

Cocker Spaniels, for example, will be able to open their eyes before Fox Terriers.

Puppies are born without their senses of sight and hearing, and it takes up to two weeks, usually, for those senses to actually develop. Their optical nerves develop very slowly, and their eyes usually haven’t even fully formed yet when they’re newly born. This means that their eyes are, at first, super sensitive to light. Their closed eyes protect them, keeping the nerves and membranes safe from light damage and dirt contamination.

This means that you should never try to make a dog’s eyes open on your own. Your puppy’s eyes will naturally open when they are ready and when it is safe. Until then, be patient! Forcing them to rush the process will likely result in damaged eyes, so be careful. If you’re really concerned about how slowly your puppy’s eyes are opening, talk to a vet! They can provide insight and information to help.

Feature Image Source: Pixabay