Did You Know Puppies Are Born Deaf? When They Start Hearing

Many dog owners know that newborn puppies can't see right away since their eyelids are sealed with a thin membrane, which typically breaks during their second week, allowing their eyes to open. During this time, mother dogs affectionately lick their puppies’ faces and eyes to stimulate circulation, keep them clean, and encourage eye opening.

What’s less commonly recognized is that puppies are also born deaf. Their ear canals are closed when they're born—just like their eyes—making them effectively deaf until roughly two to three weeks of age.

This guide dives into why puppies can't hear at birth, the stages of their hearing development, how to check their ear health, and the typical age when they begin to hear normally.

Why Are Newborn Puppies Deaf?

When puppies enter the world, their ear canals are sealed shut. They open naturally as the pups develop. During this early phase, their hearing is limited, similar to muffled sounds heard underwater to humans.

By the end of the second week, their ears start to open, gradually improving their ability to hear. By around three weeks old, most puppies develop full hearing capacity.

This phase of temporary deafness plays a protective role. It ensures that the pups’ delicate inner ear structures can mature safely without being disturbed by loud or damaging noises that might cause pain or injury.

The ear canals only open once the ears are mature enough to process sounds correctly. Early exposure to loud noises could cause harm to their developing eardrums and inner ear parts, potentially leading to permanent hearing loss.

For this reason, it’s crucial to provide a calm, quiet environment for the mother dog and her litter during this critical developmental window to support healthy hearing growth and preserve hearing for life.

Pregnancy, Birth, and Early Puppy Growth in Dogs

A dog’s pregnancy, or gestation period, lasts about 62 to 63 days, which is relatively short compared to many other mammals. This means a lot of sensory and motor development happens after the puppies are born.

Unlike some prey animals whose babies are mobile and alert at birth, puppies are born blind, deaf, toothless, and unable to walk. They depend on their mother for warmth, nourishment, hygiene, and stimulation to urinate and defecate. Their mother protects and cares for them until they grow stronger.

This postnatal development strategy fits the dog’s evolutionary history, where mother dogs can safely hide their vulnerable pups while they hunt or scavenge food.

By contrast, prey animals like deer or cattle have longer pregnancies, allowing their newborns to be mobile and alert to quickly escape predators.

When Do Puppies Start Hearing?

Typically, puppies begin to open their ear canals between 12 and 18 days (about two to three weeks) of age. The opening process continues over the following week, and by three weeks, most pups hear normally.

You can observe the puppies’ ears during this time. If a puppy is over three weeks old and their ear canals still seem closed or if their hearing seems compromised, it's best to consult your veterinarian.

Remember, all puppies have this temporary deafness at birth, but if a puppy has permanent deafness due to genetic or developmental issues, a veterinary diagnosis is needed.

During these early weeks, puppies heavily rely on their sense of smell to find their mother and navigate their surroundings. Their gradual development of senses aligns with their slow progress in motor skills and behavior, highlighting the importance of gentle handling and a low-stress environment.

Promoting Healthy Ear Development in Newborn Puppies

Maintaining a quiet, warm, and sanitary whelping area helps ears develop properly. Avoid exposing the pups to loud sounds or sudden noises while their ear canals remain closed.

Regularly monitoring the puppies’ ears, eyes, and overall health with your veterinarian's support ensures they’re growing well. Once their hearing starts, gentle auditory stimulation and early socialization can boost brain development and build confidence.

Conclusion

Puppies are naturally born deaf for a short period, a vital phase for healthy hearing development. Understanding this helps you create a calm, safe space for your puppies during their earliest weeks.

By tracking their hearing milestones and consulting with your veterinarian if you notice any concerns, you can help your puppies develop into healthy and well-adjusted dogs ready to experience the world with all their senses.

If you’re looking to adopt or purchase a pup in the USA, always choose reputable breeders or adoption centers to ensure ethical pet ownership and the welfare of the puppy.