• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Our website uses cookies. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our use of cookies. To see what cookies we serve and set your own preferences, please review our Cookie Policy. Learn More.

The Dog People by Rover.com

Powered By Rover.com

Tips, stories, and reviews for people who love dogs, powered by Rover.com, the world's largest network of 5-star pet sitters and dog walkers.

  • The Dog People by Rover.com
  • Dog Breeds
    • Golden Retriever
    • Australian Shepherd
    • German Shepherd
    • Pomeranian
    • Shih Tzu
    • Border Collie
    • Labrador Retriever
    • Boxer
    • Beagle
    • Dachshund
    • Chihuahua
    • Poodle
    • Yorkshire Terrier
  • Dog Love
    • Cute
    • Funny
    • Heartwarming
    • Quizzes
    • Trending
    • True Stories
  • Dog Names
    • Best Girl Dog Names
    • Top Boy Dog Names
    • Unique Dog Names
    • Cute Dog Names
    • Best Puppy Names
    • Dog Name Generator
    • Tough Dog Names
    • Food Dog Names
    • Romantic Dog Names
    • Literary Dog Names
    • Country Dog Names
  • Dog Videos
  • Life with Dogs
    • Dog Safety
    • Dog Behavior
    • Dog Psychology
    • Dog Nutrition
    • Dog Training
    • Health and Wellness
    • Recipes
    • Can My Dog Eat…?
  • PuppyHQ
    • Dog Adoption
    • Puppy Essentials
    • Puppy Names
    • Puppy Training
  • Shopping
    • Shop Rover Goods
    • All Dog Product Guides
    • Dog Gift Guides
    • Safety and Training
    • Toys and Chews
  • Cats!
    • Cat Breeds
    • Cat Names
    • Cat Psychology
  • Grooming
  • Get Rover
    • Dog Boarding
    • Pet Sitting
    • Dog Walking
    • Doggy Day Care
    • House Sitting
    • Search Pet Sitters & Dog Walkers
    • Shop Rover Goods
    • Sitter Resources
  • Languages
    • en-CA
    • en-GB
    • fr-FR
    • es-ES
    • de-DE
    • it-IT
    • nl-NL
    • nb-NO
    • sv-SE
    • fr-CA

When Do Puppies’ Eyes Open?

Share292Pin It18
newborn puppy

When Do Puppies’ Eyes Open?

Caring for Your Dog
By Deanna deBara

Share292Tweet0Pin It18

As your puppy grows, their curiosity makes them keen observers. Nothing gets by a curious puppy! Your dog can spend hours looking out the window, watching the people (and squirrels!) go by.

Dogs love to satisfy their curiosity by taking in their surroundings and watching what unfolds around them—it really gets their tail wagging. But they’re not born with that ability. Puppies are born with their eyes closed, and until their eyes open, they are blind to their surroundings.

Advertisement

Why are puppies born with their eyes closed? What purpose does it serve? And at what stage of their development do puppies’ eyes open so they can take in their surroundings and experience the world around them?

Read on to learn about your puppy’s eye development—and when you can expect them to blink their eyes open for the first time.

Why puppies’ eyes stay closed

Puppy yawning

Pixabay-JACLOU-DL

Biologically speaking, human babies are born developed and ready to take on the world. But that’s not the case with puppies.

At birth, a puppy’s central nervous system is still developing, including their optical nerves. Because their optical nerves aren’t fully developed, they’re too delicate for bright light—which is why their eyes remain shut until the nerves are finished developing.

Not only do the nerves need more time to develop—the eye itself isn’t fully formed when a puppy is born. Having their eyes shut allows the eye to develop in safety, without the risk of any foreign objects (like dirt or dust) getting into the eye and causing an infection or other developmental issues.

When do puppies’ eyes open?

Puppies under deck

Pixabay/1588877

Most puppies will start to open their eyes between one and two weeks after birth. At that point, your puppy’s central nervous system, optical nerves, and eyes are all fully developed.

One thing to keep in mind—your puppy should open their eyes on their own. You might be tempted to help them along, but you should let the process unfold naturally. Your puppy’s eyelids will open when the nerves and eye are ready, and forcing them open sooner puts your puppy at risk.

When to talk to your vet

new puppy

Pixabay/JACLOU-DL

The process of opening their eyes will come easily and naturally for most puppies—but you still want to keep an eye on things to make sure the process is going correctly with your puppy.

Some red flags that something may be wrong with your puppy’s eye development include:

  • Swelling or bulging under the eyelid. If you notice there is any swelling or bulging under your puppy’s eyelids before they open, it may be a sign of infection.
  • Pus or discharge from the eye area. If there is any pus, discharge, or eye gunk in or around the eyelid area, it also may be a sign of infection.
  • Your puppy’s eyelids don’t open by two weeks of age. Some breeds take longer to open their eyelids than others, but if the two-week mark comes and goes without your puppy opening their eyes, it might be a sign of a developmental issue.

If you notice any of these symptoms, make an appointment with your vet. She will be able to diagnose any infection or eye development issues and prescribe the best course of treatment for your puppy.

Share292Tweet0Pin It18

sidebar

By Deanna deBara

Share This Article

Share292Tweet0Pin It18

Popular Posts

  • How Do Dogs Choose Their Favorite Person?
  • 14 Muddiest Dogs on the Entire Internet
  • 15 Dog-Safe Plants You Can Add to Your Garden Right Now
  • TLC From B.C. Rescue Turns Fierce Feral Cats Into Calm Kitties
  • 19 Best Pug Gifts for People Who Love ‘Em
  • Most Unusual, Unique Dog Names
  • Arborist Brothers-in-Law Start Nonprofit to Rescue Cats From Trees [Video]
  • Struggling to Find a Gift for a Dog Lover? Try a Dog DNA Test This Holiday Season
  • Esther the Wonder Pig and Her Dog Brother Phil Are Besties for Life
  • 10 Therapy Animals Bringing Joy to the World
More from The Dog People
Cute Jack Russell Terrier dog puppy doing his toilet, pooping

Again? How Often Should My Dog or Puppy Be Pooping?

Golden eating dog food for Golden Retrievers

The 10 Best Dog Foods for Golden Retrievers

sad looking golden retriever looking out the window

Seasonal Affective Disorder in Dogs: Do Pets Get the Winter Blues, Too?

Learn More

  • About Rover.com
  • Download the App
  • Rover Store
  • Sitter Resources
  • In The Press
  • Terms of Service
  • Affiliate Disclosure
  • User Terms
  • Privacy Statement
  • Cookie Policy

Need Help?

  • Help Center
  • Join the Team
Advertisement
© 2022 Rover.com. All Rights Reserved.