The blind dog

The complete blindness of our best friend is undoubtedly a challenge for humans and animals. The good news, is that there are tips and tricks that you can use to help your blind dog. So if you are affected, I can only encourage you, a blind dog can almost lead a normal, species-appropriate and happy life, no matter whether your darling only becomes completely blind with time or is blind from birth. Also be aware that the dog can handle blindness much better than humans.

For the dog the sense of sight is the third most important sensory perception, but for us humans the sense of sight is the first. For our hairy four-legged friends the sense of smell and the hearing represent a substantially more relevant sense.  It can also be assumed, in comparison to humans, that when one sense is lost for perception, the other senses are strengthened. So don’t be desperate, most dogs can adapt after initial disorientation very well to the situation and then enjoy the dog life. 

How bad is it for dogs to be blind?

Why a dog becomes blind, can have different causes, which must be checked primarily by a vet. This means that if you notice that your dog’s behaviour is changing in any way, go to a vet and have your dog examined. 

How the dog reacts to blindness varies from dog to dog. Some dogs take the situation with ease, others are almost depressed. However, it is very important that you do not fundamentally change your behaviour towards him, as for example excessive behaviour can be misinterpreted by the dog. Give him the feeling of security, because that’s what your darling needs the most now and be patient in any case, it’s an enormous change for both of you.

Most dogs quickly get used to the blindness.

How can i help my blind dog?

• Talk to your dog more often, that gives him security, alsoMusic and sounds can have a calming effect.
• If you want to touch him, give him an acoustic signal in advance (no matter whether you say “Attention” or for example click your tongue, because otherwise he might be frightened). 
• Search increased the body contact, intensive fur care or extensive cuddling can weigh him in security.
• Stick to strict procedures, a blind dog needs routine to cope better in everyday life.
• Even a blind dog wants to be kept busy. Sniffing games are very popular here. 
• If you have a little dog, don’t make the mistake of carrying him everywhere. He has to explore the world for himself.
• And above all, don’t punish him if he accidentally knocks something over.

How you can help your blind dog at home

Initially, your blind friend will bump into furniture and walls. This looks worse than it is. But with the time, he’ll get a sense of where something is. Therefore, it is advisable not to change anything in your environment. 

• Do not move furniture or food or sleeping places and do not leave things in the middle of the room. 
• For example, you can provide table edges with corner protection.  
• You can equip stairs with a protective grid. 
• Pool noodles or foam mats are good for making corners and walls or door frames safer. 
• You can also work with different surfaces, such as carpets, smooth mats, etc., the dog will then recognize where he is with his sense of touch. 
• You can also prepare his favorite places with scented oils. (Be sure to use only a tiny drop, because your dog smells much better than you do. Which fragrance is the most pleasant for your animal must be tried out.)
• If your dog needs to be alone, you can turn on the radio for example.
• Also at home your darling would like to be occupied. For example, you can hide treats for him and encourage him to search. Or you could buy a feed ball.

Tips and tricks outdoor

Even a blind dog must always keep moving. The daily walk will be a little different, but should not be neglected. 

• Especially at the beginning it is advisable to go familiar ways.
• Keep him on a leash so you can lead him. The shorter the leash, the safer he’ll feel. 
• When other dogs approach, give them a sign by saying a certain word, for example “Attention dog”.  
• Mark your dog with a blind badge to inform other dog owners. A blind dog cannot interpret the body language of the other dogs and this can lead to misunderstandings. But also a blind dog needs the contact to other dogs. 
• Talk to him a lot in general because your voice will help him orientate.
• At each elevation just pull the leash slightly upwards so that you can let him know when, for example, a step is coming.