What to do if a puppy does not open their eyes
Exactly how long it takes for puppies to open their eyes varies from individual to individual. However, if a puppy is already more than 2 weeks old and still hasn’t opened their eyes, then it’s time to visit the veterinarian. Your vet may clean your puppy’s eyes and try to open them manually. If there is an infection, follow-up with an antibiotic ointment may be recommended.
If it’s not possible to bring your puppy to the vet right away, try gently massaging the eyelids with a cotton ball dampened with warm water, but never attempt to force them open. If the eyes remain closed, take them to the vet. Additionally, if you notice any swelling, bulging, discharge, pus, or other abnormalities under the eyelids or around the eyes, seek veterinary care immediately. Swelling or pus can indicate infection and requires prompt medical treatment.
At what age do puppies open their eyes?
Puppies generally start to open their eyes 7 to 14 days after birth. The eyelids stay closed for those first couple of weeks for a very good reason—the nerves in a newborn puppy’s eyes are still underdeveloped and are very sensitive. Some puppies will open both eyes at the same time, while others will open one eye first before the other.
Still, a puppy doesn’t have clear vision from the moment they open their eyes. As the nerves in their eyes continue to develop, so too does their eyesight continue to improve over the next several weeks. It’s only when they’re around 8 weeks old that puppies acquire full vision.
What happens if puppies don’t open their eyes after 2 weeks?
Your puppy’s eyelids don’t open by two weeks of age.
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.
Dog Won’t Open His Eyes Here’s What This Means and what to do
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.