Question:
Once a puppy opens their eyes for the first time how long should it take for them to completely open?
Travis James Fynes
2012-07-31 19:29:34 UTC
They are 12 days old and one of them started to open her eyes yesterday and now over 24 hours later they are half open... I'm guessing it takes time doesn't just happen straight away but just wanna know a rough time frame incase there is a problem or is it something that can't go wrong...

On a side note... Once there eyes are open how long till they are walking and I'm wishing they still had their eyes closed and crawled around? ;) lol
Four answers:
anonymous
2012-07-31 19:45:28 UTC
Why Does It Take So Long for a Puppy's Eyes to Open?

As puppies grow from birth they will slowly mature. Puppies gain weight, their eyes will open, their ears will open and they will begin to walk. Unlike humans, puppies are born nearly blind; thus, their eyes remain closed for a period of time as they grow stronger and healthier.



Eye Formation

Puppies are born with both their eyes closed because they are almost completely blind. Puppies will keep their eyes closed for a period of time as they continue to form the various structures of the eye such as the third eyelid and the iris.

The eyes are sensitive at this period and remain closed so as not to permanently damage the eye structure. Once eyes are open they are still quite sensitive and will continue to form over the next couple weeks, allowing the animal to see progressively more as time passes.



Time Frame

Typically puppies' eyes will begin to open between 13 and 20 days. This time period can vary depending on breed, but this is a standard time frame for most canines. The eyes will usually open a small amount at first and then gradually open more until the eye has fully opened. The eyes should be fully opened four weeks after birth.



Care

The eyes will open naturally and do not require a lot of care and maintenance. Once the eyes are open you can start introducing different types of objects to the anima, such as a food dish and doggie door. It is especially good to introduce items you will need to properly socialize the animal such as a leash. If you show the leash to the animal early on and let him get to know the object, he will be more likely to accept the use of the object later on when he is older.



Precautions

Watch the puppy's eyes for any kind of discolored discharge---this could be a sign of infection. If you notice this occurring, immediately contact a veterinarian and schedule an appointment for the puppy. Infections can sometimes happen in newborn puppies for various reasons, and they should be monitored for such an occurrence. Also, clip a puppy's nails so that they do not accidentally scratch their eyes and cause damage to the tissue.



Warnings

Do not for any reason force open the animals' eyes. The proper amount of time for eye formation is absolutely necessary for the eyes to develop and become healthy. Opening the eyes before the right time could irreparably harm them, usually resulting in blindness.
liltwerp
2012-07-31 19:39:31 UTC
Between 10-16 days for the eyes, and by 21 days for the walking. It does vary breed to breed. I have attached a website as source for more info.
anonymous
2012-07-31 19:41:13 UTC
- Nothing can go wrong , really . It takes a few days , so be patient . When my litter of Labs first opened their eyes , they started walking/running immediatley ! But it would depend on the breed and what not .
bendite
2016-10-15 05:26:09 UTC
A doggy that youthful does no longer additionally be weaned yet. the 1st component I recommend is touch the vet and only be sure you're offering the doggy with the appropriate nutrition habitual. shop the doggy heat and in a secure atmosphere. the 2nd component is easily no longer for yet another few weeks, yet you will could desire to instruct chew inhibition at last, considering the fact that it is between the main serious issues it is discovered from littermates. additionally, reckoning on the place you're, that is unlawful to sell a doggy that youthful. in case you could, examine community rules and in case you detect something, checklist the guy who offered you that doggy.


This content was originally posted on Y! Answers, a Q&A website that shut down in 2021.
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