Generally, puppies open their eyes around ten days after birth, though it can happen a bit earlier or later. It's perfectly normal for a puppy not to have opened its eyes by 16 days old. Pet owners should never try to force a puppy's eyes open, as this can cause serious damage.
When puppies are born, their eyes are closed. They gradually open as they develop. The growth rate of newborn puppies is incredibly fast. Typically, puppies start opening their eyes around ten days after birth. Some might open them as early as seven days, while others might take up to fifteen days. It's also normal for some to open them slightly earlier or later. This variation is perfectly natural. The key is that each puppy develops at its own pace.
When a puppy first opens its eyes, there might be a thin membrane covering the eyeball, which usually falls off within a couple of days. Also, puppies don't open their eyes fully all at once. If a puppy hasn't opened its eyes by around 18 days, don't be tempted to force them open. Doing so could damage their delicate eyes. They will open naturally when they are ready.
Important Tips for Caring for Newborn Puppies
1. After a puppy is born, it's crucial to observe it frequently to ensure the mother doesn't accidentally crush it. Newborn puppies can't eliminate waste on their own. They need their mother to stimulate their digestive and anal areas with her tongue. If the mother doesn't do this, the owner must step in and assist.
2. Around 21 days old, puppies will gradually become mobile and start walking. It's essential to prevent them from escaping their birthing area.
3. By 25 days old, puppies have huge appetites, and milk alone is not enough to meet their nutritional needs. You must supplement with formula, rice broth, or porridge, along with small amounts of cod liver oil, fish meal, and bone meal to ensure proper growth and development.