It can be difficult for pet parents to picture their dog losing their vision, whether it be due to aging or a medical issue. Unfortunately, whether anticipated or not, it can be a part of life, but dogs are more than capable of adjusting to their new environment. But many dog owners are unaware of the signs that a dog is going blind. Contents.
Instead of asking Dr. Search for “dogs going blind symptoms,” and read on to find out what to watch out for. You and your dog can still live a full life together, especially with the assistance of a reputable veterinary team. It just takes time.
How to Tell If Your Dog Is Going Blind
Unless theyve suffered a major injury, blindness in dogs is almost always gradual. Thats why it can be difficult to spot the signs earlier on. Preliminary behavior changes like anxiety, depression, lack of energy, and aggression can also be signs but are often mistaken for other possible diseases, according to the AKC.
It’s very rare for blindness to happen “overnight. “Full vision impairment can take many months or even years to manifest, which is why preventative care and routine veterinary examinations are crucial for spotting problems in the earliest stages.
Treatment is highly dependent on the cause of your dog’s blindness as well as how early intervention occurs. Roughly 40% of dogs that develop glaucoma will eventually go blind, and cataracts can result in permanently impaired vision if not treated promptly. Minor trauma to the eye from accidents or infection, however, is less likely to lead to permanent blindness when treated appropriately.
Similar to humans, dogs experience a range of health issues as they grow into their golden years. A particularly common issue that affects senior dogs is vision impairment. This is typically caused by cataracts, glaucoma, or macular degeneration, but can also be secondary to other medical disorders such as hypertension, chronic dry eye, and diabetes.
The information provided here is not meant to replace the recommendations, diagnoses, or treatments of a veterinarian. Always consult your veterinarian or another knowledgeable healthcare professional with any concerns you might have about a medical diagnosis, condition, or available treatment options.
Dogs with poor vision can still lead happy, fulfilling lives if their owners are patient and kind enough to help them navigate the environment. The following tips will help you make your dog comfortable if they have vision loss.
Symptoms of Blindness or Vision Issues in Dogs
Depending on the cause and extent of a dog’s blindness, different dogs exhibit different signs of vision problems or blindness.
If your dog exhibits any of these typical symptoms, he may be blind or is beginning to lose his vision:
The most obvious symptom of a dog losing their vision is when they begin to knock into furniture or other objects in your home, especially when they are brand-new. Although your blind dog may have memorized the layout of your house, if you add anything new, they’ll probably run into it. Dog anxiety can also be a symptom of vision impairment. Therefore, if your dog hesitates when going outside to relieve themselves at night, that may be a sign that they are losing their vision.
Your dog’s eyes can reveal a lot about their vision just by looking at them. Blind dog eyes tend to look cloudy, red, or swollen. Additionally, when they are exposed to light, their pupils might stop dilating.
There are three different types of blindness in dogs. Knowing what type of blindness your dog has is essential so you can provide them with the care they need. Each type of blindness can have a different cause, symptoms, and treatment. These are types of blindness in dogs:
FAQ
How do you check a dog’s vision?
Place your hand 18 inches from your dog’s face to perform the test. Then swiftly bring your hand up to your dog’s face until it is about three inches away. If your dog is vision-impaired, he should react by blinking his eyes or turning his head. Otherwise, it’s likely that something is wrong with his sight.
What do blind dog eyes look like?
Your dog’s eyes can reveal a lot about their vision just by looking at them. Blind dog eyes tend to look cloudy, red, or swollen. Additionally, when they are exposed to light, their pupils might stop dilating.
At what age do dogs go blind?
The majority of glaucoma cases in dogs are discovered when they are three to seven years old. Dogs with untreated glaucoma will eventually become totally blind.
Can a vet tell if my dog is going blind?
It is a good idea to visit your veterinarian at least once a year because there are numerous causes of blindness in dogs and you might not be able to detect a loss of vision. Even during a routine examination, the vet will be able to determine if your dog is visually impaired.