Puppies are adorable and irresistible, but they are also very vulnerable and dependent on their mother for the first few weeks of their life. One of the most important milestones in a puppy’s development is opening their eyes for the first time. This is when they start exploring, interacting with their surroundings, and bonding with their human family. But when do puppies open their eyes exactly? And how can you help them during this process? Today, we will answer these questions.

When Do Puppies Open Their Eyes?

Puppies are born with closed eyes because they are not fully developed yet. They rely on their sense of smell and touch to find their mother and their littermates, nurse, and stay warm. Their eyes remain closed for about two weeks, or 14 days, after birth. However, some puppies may open their eyes sooner, around 10 days, while others may take longer, up to 21 days.

When puppies open their eyes, they do not see clearly at first. Their eyes are still developing and adjusting to the light. They may have a greyish-blue color and a hazy appearance. Puppies’ eyes will gradually open wider and change color over the next several weeks until they reach their permanent color around eight weeks of age. Its vision will also improve over time until they can see adult dogs around 12 weeks.

How to Care for Your Puppy’s Eyes

As a new dog owner, you may be eager to see your puppy’s eyes open and watch them discover the world. However, you should also be careful and gentle with your puppy’s eyes, as they are very delicate and prone to infection or injury. Here are some tips on how to care for your puppy’s eyes:

Do not force your puppy’s eyes open. Let them open naturally at their own pace. Forcing them open can cause damage or infection to the eyes.

Do not touch your puppy’s eyes with your fingers or any objects. Use a soft cloth or cotton ball dipped in warm water to gently wipe away any dirt or discharge from the corners of the eyes.

Do not let your puppy play with toys or objects that can poke or scratch their eyes. Keep them away from sharp or pointed items, such as scissors, needles, pens, etc.

When to See a Veterinarian

Sometimes, your puppy’s eyes may not open properly or may have problems requiring medical attention. Some signs that you should see a veterinarian include:

Your puppy’s eyes do not open by 21 days of age.

Your puppy’s eyes are swollen, red, cloudy, or have excessive discharge.

Your puppy’s eyelids are stuck together or inverted.

Your puppy has trouble seeing or navigating around objects.

If you notice these signs, do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. Your veterinarian will examine your puppy’s eyes and prescribe the appropriate treatment or surgery if needed.

Conclusion

Opening their eyes is a puppy’s most exciting and important event. We told you when do puppies open their eyes. It marks the beginning of their journey as a curious and playful companion. As a new dog owner, you should be patient and gentle with your puppy’s eyes and provide them with the best care and environment possible. You should also monitor your puppy’s eye health and seek veterinary help.