Some things to know about living with a blind dog

It's not uncommon for dogs to lose their eyesight as they age, and there are also many dogs that are born with vision problems. While some people assume that a dog with a vision problem is too difficult to care for, pet parents with blind dogs know this isn't the case. Whether born blind or gradually losing their sight over the years, dogs have an amazing ability to adapt to their situation. If you're thinking of adding a blind dog to your family, or your own dog is losing his sight, here are some tips on how you can make them comfortable so they can live a happy and normal life.

Utilize Their Other Senses

Sound and smell are both important senses to your dog after he has lost his sight, so put them to use! Your dog will love playing with toys that make noise, like crinkle or squeaky toys. Bells can also be utilized, either on your other pets' collars or on yourself to make it easier for your dog to follow you or know when another animal is nearby. Your dog may like different smells, as well. Try spritzing different scents on some toys and taking your pet to locations like the park where he can have fun exploring different smells. Remind guests that they will need to approach your dog differently using his other senses. Instruct them to allow your dog to smell their hands and to talk gently to him before trying to pet him as you do not want him to be startled.

Work on Commands

Your dog may already know some basic commands, but adding in a few new ones, like "step up" and "stop", can help your dog adjust to life without his eyesight. Being able to direct your dog in new situations with commands he is familiar with can make your pet happier and safer.

No Rearranging

Your dog can map out an area fairly quickly without the use of his vision. In fact, blind animals often get around their homes well enough to climb stairs, navigate through rooms without bumping into things, and hop on and off furniture. Completely rearranging everything, however, will throw your dog for a loop, causing him to become disoriented and possibly even injured. It's especially important to keep your dog's food and water in the same place at all times.

Encourage Independence

Although it can be tempting to want to coddle your dog, resist the temptation to carry your beloved pet everywhere. It may seem like you're keeping him safe from bumping into things but, really, you're training him to believe he can't go anywhere without help. It's also very confusing for a blind dog to be lifted out of one room and unexpectedly placed in another. You want your dog to feel confident and comfortable in his home, and the only way to do that is to let him explore on his own four feet!

Use Texture as a Guide

One interesting way families with blind dogs help their pets navigate through their house and yard is to use different textures. This can mean using rugs under furniture or placing a barrier of plants or wood chips along a fence line. When your dog reaches these areas, he will know from the difference in texture that an obstacle is nearby and he needs to turn around to avoid a collision. Another way to use texture is to use floor runners to give your dog a path to follow to key areas of the house, like from his sleeping spot to the door to your yard.

Ultimately, the most important thing is to be patient with your blind dog as he adjusts. Consistency in a new training program is also key to making your dog comfortable and helping him learn to adapt to his new situation. With some understanding and guidance from you, your blind dog can live a long and happy life!

Alaina Goodnough is the Promotions Coordinator at Cocheco Valley Humane Society in Dover, NH. She lives in Sanford, ME with two parrots, a cockatoo, a cat, a bearded dragon, and two dachshunds. She can be reached at CVHS at devassist@cvhsonline.org. To learn more about Cocheco Valley Humane Society, go to www.cvhsonline.org or call 603-749-5322.