puppies eyes opening

Question
Does it make a difference if your puppy is the last one in the litter to open its eyes.  my husband is concerned due to his puppy being the last to open its eyes. Plus the puppy likes to sleep alot.  they are currently 3 1/2 weeks old.  one more thing, at what age should we start feeding them and when do they get shots, and how much do they cost?

Answer
Hi Toni-

At 3.5 weeks, his eyes should be open already. It is not at all a problem for a puppy to be a few days off, but puppies eyes open around day 10, so this sounds like he is two weeks off the mark. Please take him to the vet to find out whats going on.

You can start offering food at 4 weeks- warm mashed up wet food mixed with water and goats milk, then move into watered down dry food a week later. You can start worming them at 4 weeks, then continue to worm them until they go to their new homes.

First shots should be given at 6 weeks- a puppy combo shot. Most vets have litter rates where you can do a vet check, deworming and puppy combo shot for cheaper if you bring in the whole litter. It varies by location, but normally they charge around $25 a puppy for this, plus the office visit.

You can also purchase  vaccines yourself at local feed stores or vet supply companies, for around $5 a shot, but if you have never given shots before it is helpful to take them to the vet so the vet can give them a checkup anyway.

Good luck!