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Spiegel Bird Dogs

Sight and Sound: The Exciting Development of Our Brittany Puppies

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At Spiegel Bird Dogs, we closely monitor every developmental milestone our Brittany puppies reach. One significant milestone is when their eyes and ears open, typically around 10 to 14 days old. I cannot explain why such a simple thing as a puppy's eyes opening is so captivating. It happens with every litter, yet my anticipation and wonder of seeing it happen never cease. Observing their eyes and ears open is a special time, confirming that our litter is healthy and developing well.


The timing of the eyes and ears opening indicates our puppies' overall health. Eyes are not closed one day and open the next; it is a gradual process that starts around day ten and can take several days as their eyelids slowly part. The ears, too, start to open around the same time, allowing the puppies to begin responding to sounds around them. If a puppy's eyes open later than the usual 10 to 14-day window, it may suggest a developmental delay or other underlying health concerns. If such a case ever happened, I would monitor that puppy closely and consult with a veterinarian to ensure the puppy's well-being. While a slight delay might not indicate a serious problem, it is always better to be cautious and seek professional advice.


A puppy's eyes should never be forced open. When I reminded my daughter of that today, she rolled her eyes, saying silently, "Of course, Dad!" Eye-opening is a natural process that must happen at its own pace to avoid causing damage to the delicate structures of the eyes. Forced opening can lead to infections, injuries, or other severe complications.


In amazement, I stare at each puppy as soon as I see their eyes opening. I cannot tell you why, but it happens with every puppy, every time! When their eyes first open, puppies cannot see well. Initially, their corneas are cloudy and gray, and their vision is probably blurry for the first few days. Tear production should begin around this time, helping to clear the corneas and improve their vision gradually. Over the next few weeks, their sight will rapidly enhance. Puppies approach full vision and hearing during the 5th and 6th weeks, allowing them to navigate their environment better and recognize people and objects. I look forward to the puppies recognizing my face and running to me excitedly when I walk into the room.


Protecting the puppies from bright light and loud noises is vital during this sensitive period while the eyes open and adjust. Their newly opened eyes are incredibly delicate and sensitive to light exposure. Keeping the whelping area dim and avoiding direct sunlight or harsh lighting will help prevent any discomfort or potential damage to their developing vision. Similarly, there may be some waxy debris in the ear canals as they open, which should clear on its own. It's best to keep noises softened to help the pups adjust to their new world of vision and hearing. I want to raise confident, courageous puppies, so I work hard to avoid startling them with fear with their first sights and sounds.


Witnessing our puppies reach the milestone of opening their eyes and ears is an exciting and joyous part of raising Brittanys. It marks the beginning of a new stage in their development, filled with exploration and growth. By ensuring they are protected from bright light and loud noises and allowing their eyes and ears to open naturally, we can support their healthy development and enjoy the many adventures ahead. Thank you for joining us on this journey as we watch our litter grow and thrive.

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