When Do Puppies Open Their Eyes? What to Expect During Development
When Do Puppies Open Their Eyes and what to expect
Learn when puppies open their eyes, what’s normal during development, and signs that may require veterinary attention.
When Do Puppies Open Their Eyes? What to Expect During Development
One of the most exciting milestones in early puppy development is when puppies begin opening their eyes. For breeders and new puppy owners, this stage marks the beginning of increased awareness and interaction with the world around them.
Although eye opening is a normal part of development, the timing can vary slightly between litters and individual puppies. Understanding what is normal, what to expect and when to be concerned helps ensure puppies continue developing properly during the critical newborn period.
When Do Puppies Open Their Eyes?
Most puppies begin opening their eyes between 10 to 14 days of age. This process is gradual and usually occurs over several days rather than all at once. One eye may begin opening before the other, which is completely normal.
At first
- Eyes may appear cloudy or bluish
- Vision is blurry and limited
- Puppies are still highly dependent on smell and touch
Full visual development takes time, so puppies will not immediately see clearly once their eyes open.
What Happens Before Eyes Open?
During the first week of life, puppies are still in the neonatal stage of development.
At this age
- Eyes and ears remain sealed closed
- Puppies sleep most of the time
- Movement is limited to crawling
- Puppies rely entirely on warmth and feeding support
If you’re caring for puppies during this stage, our Week 1 Newborn Puppy Care Guide explains the critical first days, including feeding, warming and monitoring.
Week 2 Development and Eye Opening
By the second week, puppies begin becoming more active and responsive.
Alongside eye opening, you may notice:
- Stronger crawling movements
- Increased vocalisation
- Better coordination
- More purposeful searching for the mother
This stage marks the beginning of major developmental changes. Our guide on Week 2 Newborn Puppy Development explains these milestones in more detail.
What Is Normal When Puppies Open Their Eyes?
Eye opening can look unusual at first, especially for first-time breeders.
Normal signs include
- Eyes opening slowly over several days
- One eye opening before the other
- Slightly cloudy or bluish appearance initially
- Limited responsiveness to light or movement
Puppies should not have
- Thick discharge
- Swelling
- Redness
- Eyes stuck shut with crusting
These signs may indicate infection or irritation and should not be ignored.
Should You Help Open the Eyes?
No. Puppies eyes should never be forced open.
The eyelids are sealed closed during early development to protect delicate structures while they mature. Attempting to open them manually can damage the eye and increase the risk of infection.
If eyes have not opened by around 16 to 18 days, or appear swollen or infected, veterinary advice should be sought.
How Vision Develops After Eyes Open
Even after eyes open, puppies still have limited vision.
Over the following weeks
- Visual focus improves gradually
- Puppies become more responsive to movement
- Interaction with littermates increases
- Coordination continues developing
By around 3 to 4 weeks of age, puppies are usually much more aware of their surroundings and begin exploring more actively.
Supporting Puppies During This Stage
Although puppies are becoming more developed, they are still vulnerable during this period.
Key priorities remain
- Maintaining warmth
- Monitoring feeding
- Tracking daily weight gain using our free downloads
- Watching for signs of weakness or dehydration
Using appropriate heating & critical care support and monitoring feeding closely remains important even after eyes begin opening.
Puppies that stop feeding, fail to gain weight or become lethargic should be assessed promptly as these can be early signs of puppy dehydration or fading puppy syndrome.
Warning Signs to Watch For
While some variation in development is normal, certain signs should not be ignored. Veterinary advice should be sought if a puppy’s eyes remain fully closed after 16 to 18 days, or if you notice swelling, bulging eyelids, thick discharge, redness or irritation around the eyes.
It’s also important to monitor the puppy’s overall condition. Weakness, poor feeding or delayed development alongside eye problems can indicate a more serious underlying issue and should be assessed promptly.
Early treatment helps reduce the risk of long-term eye problems.
What Happens After Puppies Open Their Eyes?
Once puppies begin opening their eyes, development progresses quickly over the following weeks. Vision gradually improves, although puppies still cannot see clearly straight away. As awareness of their surroundings increases, puppies become more responsive to movement, light and littermates.
During this stage, you’ll also notice other important developmental changes beginning to occur. Hearing starts developing, movement becomes more coordinated and puppies begin attempting to stand and walk more confidently. Social interaction within the litter also increases as puppies become more aware of each other and their environment.
It’s completely normal for eye opening to vary slightly between puppies. Some may open one eye before the other, while others may take an extra day or two compared to their littermates. Mild cloudiness is also common initially, as vision continues developing over time.
By around 3 to 4 weeks of age, puppies are usually much more active, interactive and aware of their surroundings, marking the transition from the neonatal stage into a far more active period of development and early learning.
Final Thoughts
Eye opening is an exciting milestone and an important sign of healthy puppy development. While timing can vary slightly, most puppies begin opening their eyes during the second week of life as they become stronger and more responsive.
If your puppy is still weak, not feeding well, or you’re unsure at any stage, it’s a good idea to check in with your veterinarian to make sure the right support is being provided.
For more newborn puppy survival and care tips, see our full guide: How to Care for Newborn Puppies.