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My 17-day-old puppy's eyes aren't open. When should they be?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Female | unspayed | 3 years and 2 months old

Rain had a pup c section 17 days ago. Rain rejected it so I'm feeding it. eyes haven't opened yet and ears just starting to. Should they be open now

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on December 17th, 2016

A puppy's eye should start opening around one to two weeks of age, and are usually fully open around three weeks of age. If the puppy's eyes aren't open by three weeks of age, I would take it into the vet for an exam. Do not try to open it's eyes yourself.

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    Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 18th, 2023

    Hello, thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. The average time for puppies to open their eyes after birth is 7–14 days but anything up to 21 days is still considered normal. Some open them easy early as a few days after birth. If the puppies eyes are still closed it means the eyes are still not fully developed and not yet ready to be exposed to light. Were they born prematurely? Only time I would be worried is if the eyes are still not open by 21 days or if they are gummed closed with pus or some kind of discharge. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

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