Dogs can lose their sight, either from birth or due to illness or age. Adjusting to life without sight can be challenging for both the dog and the owner. If you want to know how to live with a dog that recently lost their sight, there are many things you need to learn.
Signs your Dog Can Live Without Sight
If your dog is bumping into furniture, crying a lot, lethargic, gaining weight, constantly thirsty, and staring into space, they may be going blind. A trip to the vet can confirm this. While it may be a shock, there are steps you can take to ensure your dog can live a fulfilling life.
Body Language
There are several signs that your dog is learning to live with being blind, such as barking, head tilting, shaking, cowering, howling, wagging tail, and pacing. Other signs that your dog is still adjusting to being blind include bumping into furniture, going to the bathroom on the floor, and being easily startled.
History Of Dogs Living Without Sight
In the past, blind dogs may not have survived well in the wild. However, with domestication, dogs have become guide dogs for blind people, and it’s only fair that we return the favor when our own dogs go blind. Different breeds are susceptible to various eye problems that can lead to blindness.
Science Studies Of Blind Dogs
Studies have shown that dogs have a heightened sense of hearing and smell, as well as awareness and memory for places. There have been successful cases of restoring vision in blind dogs through gene therapy and other treatments.
Training Tips For Owners Of Blind Dogs
If your dog is blind, you need to make your home safe and easy for them to navigate. You can use verbal cues or clicker training to help them understand commands. Spending time with your dog, providing comfort, and socializing them with other dogs can also help them adjust.
Safety Tips for Blind Dogs and Their Owners
To ensure the safety of your blind dog, create clear walkways in your home, always walk them on a leash, let people know they are blind, create a safe retreat for them, provide toys that make noises, and keep them away from potentially aggressive dogs.
“Living without sight is a learning curve for both owner and dog.”
Tips & Things to Know
1️⃣ Create a safe and familiar environment for your blind dog by keeping furniture layout consistent, putting up baby gates, and checking for sharp edges on furniture.
2️⃣ Take your blind dog to familiar places for walks to help them adjust to their new surroundings. Keep them on a leash to prevent them from getting into trouble.
3️⃣ Use verbal cues and positive reinforcement to train and communicate with your blind dog. Consider clicker training and rewards to motivate them.
Frequently Asked Questions, Answered ✅
1. What are some signs that my dog may be losing their sight?
– Signs include bumping into furniture, lethargy, staring into space, weight gain, increased thirst, and changes in behavior.
2. What are some common causes of blindness in dogs?
– Some common causes include cataracts, glaucoma, Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration (SARDS), Collie Eye Anomaly, and Chronic Superficial Keratitis.
3. Can blind dogs still have a fulfilling life?
– Yes, blind dogs can still have a fulfilling life with some adjustments and support from their owners.
4. Are there any treatments or cures for blindness in dogs?
– While some causes of blindness may be treatable, such as cataracts, there is currently no cure for SARDS or other genetic conditions that can cause blindness in dogs.
5. What are some tips for living with a blind dog?
– Some tips include creating a safe environment, using verbal cues and commands, providing comfort and reassurance, and keeping them on a leash during walks.
