Monday, March 8, 2010

When does a puppy's ears open?

It is important not to use bright light around a new born puppy. This impacts their optical nerves and can effect their visual development.

On the same note, it is imperative noise is reduced during this time too. They can sense sound through pressure, and the pressure can cause movement of structures in the mature ear.

Puppies ears open around the same time their eyes do. Although in some breeds (sight hounds) their eyes open before their ears, for the most part it is within the same time frame.

The biggest difference in development of their eyes vs ears is that, once their ear canals open, their ears are fully formed. Usually within a week or so the puppy's hearing will be fully usable and quite acute.

Here is a photo of one of the pups. Take a close look at his ears.

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