when do puppies open their eyes
If you’ve ever met a litter of newborn puppies, you’ve probably noticed something funny — those tiny furballs are blind as bats at first! Their eyes are completely shut, making them look like sleepy little beans. Naturally, the big question pops up: when do puppies open their eyes? Don’t worry — we’re diving into all that puppy eye magic today, with some expert advice and handy tips so you’ll know exactly what to expect when those adorable eyes finally peek open.
Why are newborn puppies born with their eyes closed in the first place?
Believe it or not, puppies are born with their eyes sealed shut for a good reason — nature’s being smart here. When they’re born, their eyes and nervous system are still developing. Those eyelids act like tiny shields, keeping out dust, bright light, and germs until their vision is ready for the big reveal.
According to Dr. Nick Horniman, a vet from Rover, this is nature’s way of saying, “Hold on, we’re not quite done in here!” (source). So, resist the urge to help them open their eyes — those lids will lift on their own time.
At what age do puppies usually open their eyes?
Here’s the answer everyone’s waiting for: puppies usually open their eyes between 10 and 14 days old. Yep — around the two-week mark is when you’ll start to see those tiny slits appear.
Some experts say it can take up to three weeks for slower pups to catch up, and that’s totally normal. (source) and (source) both mention that the process isn’t instant — it happens gradually. So, don’t panic if your puppy looks like they’re taking their sweet time. They’ll get there.
Can the timing of eye opening vary between breeds, premature puppies, or individual pups?
Totally. Just like people, every puppy develops at its own pace. Smaller breeds often open their eyes a little earlier, while larger or premature pups may need a few extra days.
Dr. Jessica Apted from Sploot Veterinary Care says there’s no hard rule, but small dogs tend to hit milestones faster than big ones. (source) If your pup is premature or had a rough start, it’s normal for eye-opening to be delayed.
Sites like Pumpkin also remind owners not to freak out if a pup hasn’t opened their eyes after two weeks — it doesn’t always mean there’s a problem. (source)
Bottom line: when do puppies open their eyes depends on the pup, not the calendar.
Do puppies open both eyes at once, and what does it look like when that happens?
Nope, it’s not always a perfectly timed moment! Usually, one eye will pop open first, then the other follows a day or two later.
At first, you’ll notice a bluish-gray haze over the eyes — that’s totally normal and super cute. It just means their vision is still developing. (source)
Whatever you do, don’t try to help them open faster. Pumpkin warns that forcing their eyes open can cause real damage. (source) Just let nature do its thing.
When do puppies start to see clearly after their eyes open?
Once when puppies open their eyes, their world is still pretty blurry. For the first week or so, they can only make out light and vague shapes — it’s like seeing through foggy glasses.
By 3 weeks old, things get clearer and they’ll start recognizing movement and shapes. Around 4 weeks, they’re better at focusing and can follow mom or littermates around. By 8 weeks, their sight is almost as good as an adult dog’s.
Experts from akc and petmd agree that vision develops gradually — it’s not a light switch moment, it’s more like a sunrise.
What colors can puppies see when their eyes first open, and when do they show their permanent eye color?
When those baby eyes finally open, puppies mostly see shades of gray, blue, and fuzzy outlines. Their world is muted, soft, and a little dreamy. (source)
At first, the eyes usually look cloudy blue or gray — that’s because the pigments haven’t settled yet. Over the next few weeks, the real color starts to appear. By 6 to 10 weeks, you’ll see their permanent eye color shine through. (source)
Petco also notes that their corneas clear up by 8 weeks, giving them that bright, shiny “hello world!” look. (source)
When do puppies’ ears open compared to their eyes?
Their ears actually follow a similar timeline! Puppies are born with their ear canals sealed, but they usually open around day 10 to 14 — right around when their eyes start opening too. (source)
By the time they’re 3 weeks old, you’ll see them reacting to sounds — like squeaky toys or your voice. Hearing tends to sharpen quickly after that. (source)
How does eye development relate to other milestones (walking, hearing, socializing)?
A puppy’s eyes don’t develop in isolation — it’s all part of a bigger growth spurt!
- Walking: Around 2–3 weeks, puppies start wobbling around like little drunk toddlers.
- Hearing: Once their ears open, they begin responding to sounds — sometimes even before they can walk steadily.
- Socializing: Around 3 weeks, they start noticing littermates, tails, and eventually, you! That’s when the real fun (and chaos) begins.
As vision and hearing kick in, they begin exploring the world and learning how to “dog.”
Do orphaned or bottle-fed puppies open their eyes at the same time as mother-reared pups?
For the most part, yes. The process is biological, not based on whether they’re with mom or being bottle-fed. So orphaned puppies usually open their eyes right on schedule — around 10 to 14 days.
That said, if they’re underfed or not kept warm enough, their growth might slow a bit. The key is consistent warmth, gentle handling, and good nutrition. If everything’s on track, their little peepers will open right on time.
Is light exposure or gentle handling safe when a puppy’s eyes are opening?
Go easy on the lighting! Bright lamps or camera flashes are a big no-no for freshly opened puppy eyes. Their retinas are super sensitive in those early days. (source)
A little gentle handling is fine — it actually helps them get used to human touch — but don’t overdo it. Dr. Jessica Apted says too much handling too soon can mess with their sleep or stress them out. (source)
In short: soft light, soft touch, and lots of patience.
How to care for a newborn puppy’s eyes safely — and which remedies to avoid?
Caring for puppy eyes is all about keeping things clean and gentle. Here’s how:
- Use a warm, damp cotton ball or vet-approved saline to wipe away any gunk.
- Keep the room softly lit and draft-free.
- Never use human eye drops, essential oils, or random home remedies (seriously — don’t).
- Avoid touching their eyes directly or forcing lids open.
- If there’s swelling, discharge, or one eye isn’t opening — call the vet ASAP.
Home remedies like tea bags, honey, or “natural” oils can do way more harm than good. Stick with vet-approved care only!
What signs of eye problems should I watch for, and when should I see a vet?
Keep an eye (pun intended) out for these red flags:
- One or both eyes still closed after 3 weeks
- Puffy or red eyelids
- Goopy or yellowish discharge
- Cloudiness that doesn’t fade
- Light sensitivity or pawing at the eyes
Dr. Horniman from Rover says that if your pup hasn’t opened their eyes by 2 weeks, or you see swelling or discharge, it’s time to see the vet. (source)
A quick vet visit can rule out infections or congenital issues before things get serious.
Conclusion
Watching a puppy open its eyes for the first time is pure magic — one of those little life moments that never gets old. While most pups start peeking around 10 to 14 days, every litter is different. The key? Patience, gentle care, and no bright lights or “DIY fixes.”
So next time you’re staring at a litter of tiny, blind snuggle muffins wondering when do puppies open their eyes, just remember — they’re on nature’s schedule, not yours. And when they finally look up at you for the first time, it’s worth every second of the wait.
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