It’s natural that many dog lovers would be upset by the prospect of their beloved friend becoming blind, and regardless of the initial cause of vision loss, it can be especially hard to watch when our dogs are confused or distressed by such a major change. It’s also not unusual for owners to feel completely unprepared to care for a blind dog, and many might think that this is the end of their dog’s enjoyment in life. Take heart, however – though the transition can be difficult for dogs at first, most of them adapt very well, and with our assistance, they learn to get around almost as well as before, allowing them to continue living rich and happy lives.
To begin with, it’s important to realize that every dog might react differently to becoming blind – some easygoing pups might take it in stride and adjust within a matter of a week or two, while others go through a period of withdrawal or even depression at the beginning. Here are the basics when beginning to care for your non-visual friend.
- Make their home safe and secure. Protecting your pup from danger is essential right from the very start, since falls and inadvertent blunders are a possibility. Block off access to pools, use gates to restrict your dog’s access to stairs, and bump-proof sharp edges and corners that your dog might walk into. If you’re not able to supervise your dog as they’re adjusting, keep them in a secure crate or limited area to prevent them from getting into troublesome situations.
- Play to their other senses. Dogs already have highly developed senses of touch, smell and hearing – use them. In addition to keeping your furniture placement and daily schedule as consistent as possible, figure out ways to provide tactile and odor-based clues to tell them where they are in the house; place food bowls on a distinctively textured floor mat, for instance, and use runners in front of stairs or around doors so that they can feel the change in flooring as they walk. Using scents like vanilla extract or dog-safe scented oils in important areas can also give your pooch some clues about their location as well.
- Rethink your own routine. Changing the way you interact with your dog can give them the best paw up as they get used to their new normal. When you’re on walks or helping your dog move around the house, use your touch, voice or even clap your hands to provide guiding clues and reassurance to them. Some owners even tie a bell on their shoes. It’s normal for dogs to feel anxious about their ordinary routine at first, and they also tend to startle at unexpected or loud noises far more easily; follow your dog’s lead, take outings slowly and stay patient as they adjust.
- Teach them new tricks. It’s helpful for many dogs to learn new commands that help them to recognize when an obstacle might be in their way – stop, step up or over here are some specific cues that you can teach, for instance. Although most dogs can learn by trial and error alone, if you can help your dog to avoid painful bumps and bruises by giving them guiding commands, why not? It’s important to keep your dog mentally engaged and physically active, too (particularly since it can help to combat anxiety and depression in blind dogs), so don’t forget to include playtime. Toys that rattle, squeak or crinkle are great for visually challenged dogs to play fetch with, and once they learn their way around, our furry friends tend to enjoy the same pursuits they always did; after all, that tree in the park has just as many interesting smells, and a game of find the treat. just means that they need to rely more on their nose instead of their eyes now when seeking that snack.
- Equipment assistance. Although you’re the best guide for your blind best friend, there are some other aids that can make life easier (and boost confidence) for both blind dogs and their owners. Mobility collars and harnesses like the Halo Vest have an extension that projects out in front of your dog’s face, allowing them to easily sense an object before they bump into it. Ramps that extend into your car or onto your bed can be helpful, and using a harness instead of a collar can often be more comfortable for dogs whose owners need to provide some guidance.
Yes, it can take some dogs weeks or even months to learn how to cope with a loss of vision, but with our help and care, they can continue being the loving and lovable companions they always were. That’s definitely something to howl about.
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