# When Do Puppies Open Their Eyes? Timeline and Care Puppies are born with their eyelids sealed shut, and they stay that way for roughly the first two weeks of life. Most owners want to know how long do puppies keep their eyes closed, and the short answer is about 10 to 14 days, though a few pups open a day or two earlier or later. What happens after that, including the temporary blue color, follows a fairly predictable pattern. This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment. ## Quick Answer - Puppies are born with closed eyelids and typically begin to open them between 10 and 14 days of age. - The eyes usually finish opening by about 2 to 3 weeks, and full opening can take a few more days in some litters. - All puppies start with a cloudy blue-gray look that gradually changes to the adult eye color over several weeks. - Never pry a puppy's eyelids open, and keep the eye area clean with a soft, damp cloth if discharge appears. - Call your veterinarian if you see thick yellow or green discharge, swollen eyelids, or an eye that stays shut while the other opens. ## The Normal Timeline for Puppy Eyes ### Days 0 to 10: Eyes Stay Closed Newborn puppies rely on smell, touch, and warmth to find their mother and littermates. Their eyelids are fused at birth, which protects the developing eye surface. During this stage, the eyes should look smooth and closed, with no crusting or bulging. This is also a fragile period for overall health. Puppies get some protective immunity from their mother at birth and through her milk, and vaccines will not work well until that immunity fades. Puppies need to be vaccinated frequently, every 2 to 3 weeks, until they are about 4 months old [1]. Because they are susceptible to infections until they have all their shots, keep them away from unvaccinated dogs or dogs whose vaccine status is unknown until then [1]. ### Days 10 to 14: The Eyes Begin to Open This is the window most owners are watching for. The eyelids start to separate at the inner corner first, and you may notice a thin slit or a small wet line before the full eye is visible. Opening is gradual, not instant, so do not expect both eyes to be fully open on the same day. ### Weeks 2 to 3: Eyes Are Open but Still Developing By the end of the third week, most puppies have both eyes open. Vision is still blurry and limited at this stage. Puppies at 6 to 7 weeks of age already show gaze alternations between an object and a person's face, which supports the idea that early social communication with humans develops quickly once the eyes are working [2]. ### Weeks 3 to 8: Eye Color Starts to Shift The blue-gray color fades as pigment develops in the iris. The final adult eye color is usually clear by 8 to 12 weeks, though some dogs take a little longer. This overlaps with a busy period of development. Puppies can leave their mother at about 7 to 8 weeks old, at which point they can feed themselves and need vet visits, feeding, socialization, and training [1]. ## How Long Do Puppies Keep Their Eyes Closed? A Week-by-Week Schedule | Age | What You Should See | What to Do | |---|---|---| | Birth to 10 days | Eyelids sealed shut, no discharge | Keep the area clean and dry, handle gently | | 10 to 14 days | Eyelids begin to separate, inner corner first | Watch for gradual opening, do not force it | | 2 to 3 weeks | Both eyes mostly open, vision still blurry | Keep the environment safe and quiet | | 3 to 8 weeks | Blue-gray color begins to change | Note any cloudiness that does not improve | | 8 to 12 weeks | Adult eye color usually visible | Continue routine vet visits and vaccines | ## Why Do Puppies Keep Their Eyes Closed? The eyelids are fused at birth because the eye is not ready for light or for the outside environment. Keeping them closed protects the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, while it matures. This is normal and expected, not a sign that something is wrong. If a puppy's eyes are still fully closed past about 2 weeks, or if one eye opens while the other stays sealed, that is worth a call to your veterinarian. Delayed opening can happen, but it can also signal an infection or a structural problem that needs treatment. ## Step-by-Step Care for a Puppy's Eyes ### 1. Leave the Eyelids Alone Do not pull, rub, or pry the eyelids open. You can damage the cornea and introduce infection. If the eyes are opening on their own schedule, let them. ### 2. Keep the Face Clean Use a clean, soft, damp cloth or cotton ball with warm water. Wipe gently from the inner corner outward, and use a fresh piece for each eye. This helps remove normal tear staining and small amounts of sleep. ### 3. Watch for Discharge A tiny bit of clear or light crusting in the morning is common. Thick yellow or green discharge, a swollen eyelid, or a puppy that squints and paws at the eye are not normal. These need a vet visit. ### 4. Protect the Eyes From Bright Light and Rough Play Young puppies have sensitive eyes. Keep lighting soft and supervise littermates, since sharp puppy nails can scratch a cornea easily. ### 5. Keep Up With Routine Vet Care Puppies often have intestinal worms, which can be passed to them by their mother, and they usually get treated with deworming medicine as a precaution a few weeks after birth. Your vet will check your puppy's poop for worms every 2 to 4 weeks until it has two negative tests in a row [1]. These visits are also a good time to ask about eye development. ### 6. Plan Around the Rest of Puppyhood Eye opening is one milestone among many. If you are also tracking sleep, house training, or breeding timelines, our guides on [How Long Do Dogs Sleep](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/clinical-methods/how-long-do-dogs-sleep) and [How Long Do Dogs Stay Pregnant](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/clinical-methods/how-long-do-dogs-stay-pregnant) can help you plan. For puppies in a litter, knowing [How Long Does A Dog Stay In Heat](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/clinical-methods/how-long-does-a-dog-stay-in-heat) is useful for managing the mother's cycle. ## How Long Do Puppies Keep Blue Eyes? All puppies start with a blue-gray eye color, and it is not the same as the blue eyes seen in some adult breeds. The color comes from a lack of pigment in the iris at birth, not from genetics for blue eyes. The change usually starts around 3 to 4 weeks and is mostly complete by 8 to 12 weeks. Some dogs keep a lighter eye color into adulthood, and a few breeds are known for blue eyes as adults. If you are unsure whether your puppy's eye color is normal for the breed, ask your veterinarian at a routine visit. ## Signs That Something Is Wrong ### Call Your Veterinarian the Same Day If You See: - Thick yellow or green discharge from one or both eyes - Swollen, red, or crusted eyelids - One eye open while the other stays sealed past 2 weeks - Cloudiness that gets worse instead of better - A puppy that squints, paws at the eye, or avoids light ### Seek Emergency Care If You See: - A bulging eye - A cloudy eye with obvious pain, since glaucoma-associated pain can change sensitivity in dogs and is a serious condition [3] - A deep scratch or puncture near the eye - Sudden swelling of the whole face Eye problems in puppies can progress quickly. A scratched cornea or an infection that is treated early usually heals well. Waiting can lead to permanent damage. ## Common Mistakes Owners Make ### Forcing the Eyes Open This is the most dangerous mistake. It can tear the eyelid or damage the cornea. ### Assuming All Blue Eyes Are Permanent Most puppies lose the blue color. If you are choosing a puppy based on eye color, wait until 8 to 12 weeks to see the adult color. ### Ignoring Discharge A little clear crust is fine. Yellow or green discharge is not. It usually means infection and needs treatment. ### Skipping Early Vet Visits Puppies need frequent vaccinations and deworming checks in the first months [1]. These visits catch eye problems and other issues early. ### Using Human Eye Drops Without Advice Do not put any medication in a puppy's eye unless your veterinarian prescribes it. The dose and the product are chosen for your puppy's weight and health, not for a person. ## Supplies and Setup That Matter for Eye Health - Soft, clean cloths or cotton balls for gentle wiping - Warm water, not soap or human cleansers - A quiet, dimly lit sleeping area for the first few weeks - A vet-approved deworming and vaccine schedule - A notebook or phone app to track eye opening dates and any discharge If you are also managing a puppy that is not yet house trained, our article on [How Long Can Dogs Hold Their Pee](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/symptom-guides/how-long-can-dogs-hold-their-pee) explains normal bladder limits by age. ## Limitations and When to Contact a Veterinarian This article gives general timelines, and individual puppies can vary. Your veterinarian is the only person who can examine your puppy's eyes and decide if treatment is needed. Contact your veterinarian the same day for discharge, swelling, or one eye that stays closed. Go to an emergency clinic right away for a bulging eye, a deep injury, or a puppy that is in obvious pain. Schedule a routine visit if the eyes are open but the color or clarity seems off, or if you are unsure about the timeline. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Can a puppy's eyes open too early? Yes, though it is uncommon. If the eyelids separate before about 10 days, the cornea is more exposed and more easily injured. Have your veterinarian check the puppy if you notice early opening. ### Do all puppies open their eyes at the same time? No. Littermates can vary by a few days, and some puppies open one eye before the other. A gap of more than a few days between eyes is worth a vet call. ### Is it normal for a puppy's eyes to look cloudy? A slight blue-gray haze is normal in the first weeks. Cloudiness that gets worse, or that comes with squinting or redness, is not normal and needs a vet visit. ### Can I help my puppy's eyes open faster? No, and you should not try. The eyelids open on their own schedule, and forcing them can cause serious injury. ### Will my puppy's eyes stay the same color forever? The color you see at birth will change. Most puppies reach their adult eye color by 8 to 12 weeks, though the exact timing varies by breed and individual. ## Related Articles - [How Long Do Dogs Sleep](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/clinical-methods/how-long-do-dogs-sleep) - [How Long Do Dogs Stay Pregnant](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/clinical-methods/how-long-do-dogs-stay-pregnant) - [How Long Can Dogs Hold Their Pee](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/symptom-guides/how-long-can-dogs-hold-their-pee) - [How Long Does A Dog Stay In Heat](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/clinical-methods/how-long-does-a-dog-stay-in-heat) - [How Long Do Dogs Live For](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/clinical-methods/how-long-do-dogs-live) - [How Long Should A Puppy Eat Puppy Food](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/nutrition/how-long-should-a-puppy-eat-puppy-food) - [When Do Puppies Open Their Eyes and Ears?](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/pet-care/when-do-puppies-open-eyes-ears) - [Is It Normal for Puppies to Be Cross-Eyed? Eye Development](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/symptom-guides/puppies-cross-eyed-normal) - [When Do Kittens Open Their Eyes? Timeline and Care](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/pet-care/when-do-kittens-open-eyes) ## References 1. [Puppy Care - Dog Owners](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/dog-owners/routine-care-of-dogs/puppy-care). Merck Veterinary Manual. 2. [Evidence for the communicative function of human-directed gazing in 6- to 7-week-old dog puppies](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39311933/). Animal cognition, 2024. 3. [Glaucoma-associated pain results in mechanical sensitivity changes in dogs: A pilot study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32608141/). Veterinary ophthalmology, 2021. ## Further Reading - [Merck Veterinary Manual: Dog Owners](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/dog-owners) - [Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center: Canine Health Information](https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information) - [American Veterinary Medical Association: Pet Care](https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare)