Some pets may lose their vision suddenly while for others it may be a more gradual process. In either case, caring for a vision-impaired pet has certain challenges but can be managed well and they can continue to participate in many activities, such as playing and going on walks.
When dogs lose their vision gradually you may not notice that they are losing their vision because they use their hearing and sense of smell to get information about their environment. Some people don’t even know their pet is blind until they move the furniture around and their dog starts bumping into the furniture.
However, sudden loss of vision can lead to disorientation and confusion and dogs may become fearful.
Here are some tips for helping your pet adapt to their loss of vision:
- When possible, avoid rearranging the furniture, dogs learn the layout of the home and can maneuver their environment fairly well when everything remains unchanged.
- Toys that make noise can be easier for your pet to find and play with.
- Bells or tags that make noise on the other pets in the home, so your blind pet knows where the other pets are.
- Verbal cues, such as “wait”, “step up” or “step down” can be useful to help them navigate the environment, especially if they are in a new place.
- Variable surfaces so they know where they are. This can be a textured mat by the door to go outside so when they step on it they know that is the door; changes in the outside environment such as rocks at the edge of the yard before a hill or slope for example so they pet knows that the rocks indicate changes in terrain. Blind dogs should not be left unattended in the yard and never if the yard is not fenced in.
- Safety measures to be taken include gates to block off stairs, steps, pool entrances etc.
- Make noise or talk to them before you touch them since they can be startled easily.
- Be consistent, schedules and consistency can be helpful for all pets but especially helpful for blind pets.
- Blind dog “Halo” is a ring that is placed over your dog’s head or harness and hits an object before your dog’s head does, protecting them from injury.
- Leave the radio or tv on for them for companionship while you are gone.
- Circulating water fountain so your dogs can hear the water flow and find the water dish more easily.
- Do not move the food and water bowls so that they can find them.
- And most importantly continue to love them!!
Please check with your pet’s veterinarian for more information if you have a blind pet.
