Depending on the cause, canine blindness may develop gradually or suddenly. It can be heartbreaking to discover that your dog has vision loss in either case. The likelihood is that if you came across this article, questions about what this means for your dog’s quality of life and for you as a caretaker are racing through your head.
It’s important to comprehend how the care you give your pet will need to change if you are considering adopting a dog that has had vision loss or impairment, or if the dog you already own has an accident or condition that has caused some form of blindness. Continue reading to learn how to recognize the early indicators of blindness and what you can do to assist your dog in adjusting to their new impairment.
Physical anomalies or behavioral changes in your dog may be the first indications that they are going blind.
When you notice any abnormalities with your dog’s eye(s) or any signs of vision loss, the best way to determine if they are truly visually impaired or going blind is to immediately seek veterinary care for an evaluation and testing. Before the dog becomes completely blind, many causes of vision loss can be stopped or even reversed.
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MYTH: Blind dogs are high-maintenance. Reality: Unless there is a medical or behavioral issue that is distinct from their blindness, blind dogs do not need extraordinary amounts of care or are difficult to care for. They probably don’t need any more care than a dog that can see.
MYTH: Blind dogs are depressed and don’t do anything. Reality: Just like sighted dogs, blind dogs love to be around people and other dogs, and they enjoy going for walks, being outside, and going on car rides. Blind dogs also benefit greatly from residing with other dogs that have the ability to see, and just like any other dog, they’ll become your best friend. Strong bonds form between them as they rely on their partner as a navigator to help them find their way.
MYTH: Blind pets are no longer guardians of the home. Reality: They can still let you know when the mailman or anyone else is at the door. In fact, I live with both sighted and blind dogs, but only the blind dog can warn me when a stranger is nearby.
MYTH: Blind animals are helpless, and training one is more challenging. Reality: Blind dogs are completely trainable. People often overlook the fact that dogs’ primary sense is not vision. The truth is that dogs don’t require sighted eyes to live a typical, healthy, and enjoyable life. It may be for people, but not for dogs. Blind dogs can even participate in agility training!.
Debbie Marks works as a reading specialist in an upstate New York elementary school. She joined the Blind Dog Rescue Alliance (BDRA) about one and a half years ago. When her Bichon, Frosty, required the removal of his second eye due to incurable glaucoma, she became involved with BDRA. She found BDRA online while looking for advice for their new situation. She received the assistance she required, was convinced of their mission, and was so moved by her desire to aid others that she joined right away!
Walk your blind dog through the house.
You can help your dog create a house roadmap.
Andersen asserts that walking the dog while leashed will enable him to become accustomed to and navigate the house.
FAQ
How does a blind dog know where it’s going?
A blind dog can navigate a space by stumbling into objects, sensing the texture of the flooring, and detecting temperature changes caused by airflow.
How do you help a blind dog navigate?
Puzzle toys, scent-tracking games, and sound-making toys can keep your pet active and improve her hearing and smell. She can explore new smells and build confidence by taking walks around the neighborhood (following the same route and using a short or rigid leash to guide your pet around obstacles).
Do blind dogs know their owner?
It is unlikely that the dog’s owner will comprehend his condition if the owner is blind; however, he will be aware that there are some things in the world that he sees but his owner does not respond to, and he may even try to compensate or help his owner by providing information about those things.
Do dogs get sad when they go blind?
When they first lose their sight, some dogs do experience initial “depression” (this is normal), but you can help by attempting to maintain as normal of a routine as you can. When outdoors, doggles or an eye shield can provide eye protection. To help them get used to wearing them, start with brief intervals of treats.