Your dog has been diagnosed with a blinding condition
We are here to help you overcome the problems this poses and help you come to terms with life now that it will be a little different.
1. How dogs experience the world
Dogs experience the world differently to humans, so much of their senses rely on smell and hearing, as well as vision. As sighted humans, we experience 85% of our world and activities through our vision. In dogs it is a little different, as they rely so much more on their sense of smell and hearing. So with a few adjustments, most dogs can live a happy life being blind.
2. Progressive forms of blindness
If your dog has a progressive retinal degeneration and sees better in bright light, you can avoid walking in the dark, or if this is essential, then take a torch with you, and stick to lighted routes if possible. Using night lights in the garden can be helpful and a low level night light in the room where your dog sleeps so they don’t become disorientated.
3. Use their other senses
By focussing more on utilising your dog’s other senses, remember you can use your voice and sound more when interacting with your dog. If you want to take your blind dog off-lead, you can attach bells which jingle as you walk, so your dog can hear and locate you at all times. Blind dogs love beaches due to the large open space, and the ability to hear and smell the water which can help orient them.
4. Sudden blindness
If your dog has become suddenly blind, he/she may find it difficult in the beginning. But even old dogs can learn new tricks!
There are aids available like harness halos which can help stop your dog bumping into things, and also an echolocation device called BlindSight which is produced in the US and works like bat-sonar system and seems to be more helpful in larger dogs (over 11kg) in recent studies. The halos seem to be more helpful in smaller dogs found in the same small study.
There are “BLIND DOG” harnesses available which can be helpful when out-and-about as people will be less likely to startle your dog and will be more careful when approaching and interacting.
5. Support Groups
You are not alone! There are some good support groups available where people share ideas and stories. Groups like Blind Dog Support is a community site developed for owners of blind dogs.
7. Conclusion with a Call to Action
We hope that gives you some comfort if you have a dog that goes blind and which cannot be treated, but can be managed long-term.
Please contact us at Eye Right Referrals if you think your dog may be going blind and wish to discuss this with us.
