How to Care for a Blind and Deaf Dog

Dogs are like people. They, too, can suffer from impaired hearing or vision. Whether that happens at birth or because of old age, owners must rise to the challenge and learn how to care for and communicate with their blind and/or deaf canine. A few small changes can go a long way to ensuring your dog leads a long and happy life.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Set of hand signals

Blind

1. Determine vision loss. Indications that your dog may be experiencing vision loss include extreme tearing and discharge or if the eye is red, irritated, puffy, milky or discolored. Notice also if the pupil is enlarged, if your dog is squinting or rubbing the irritated eye. Contact your vet if your dog exhibits any of these characteristics.

2. Eliminate dangers by removing anything from your home that could be potentially harmful or dangerous to your canine. If your dog has lost his sight as a result of aging keep furniture and other familiar objects in place to make navigating easier.

3. Gate the stairs. Baby gates are a safe way to deny your dog access to stairs and other restricted areas, such as swimming pools, when you are not close by. Your dog should be on lead or in a fenced area when he is outside.

4. Create a safe haven. Put your pet's bed or crate in a quiet spot so he can feel safe and secure when company comes, or there is lots of activity that makes him nervous.

5. Get your dog's attention. Be sure your dog is looking at you before giving a command. Put a few pennies in an empty aluminum can and shake it to attract your blind dog's attention. Stomping your foot is an effective attention-getter also.

Deaf

6. Determine any hearing loss. Indications that your dog may be experiencing hearing loss include disobedience, inability to process familiar sounds, personality changes, and irritated, tender ears. Contact your vet if you think your dog is exhibiting these symptoms.

7. Learn to communicate. Choose a uniform set of hand signals that require only one hand to execute and are clearly visible from a distance.

8. Make your presence known. You can avoid startling your pet by stroking or rubbing its back or shoulders when you enter a room. A flickering light also will get his attention.

9. Keep your dog safe. As with a visually impaired dog, your deaf canine should be on lead or in a fenced area when he is outside.

Tips & Warnings

• Some forms of hearing loss can be treated.

Who Can Help Sponsored

[tia-maria]

on 11/12/2009 Our 16 yr. old yorkie is now blind and deaf. We have him contained in part of the living room but still bumps into the tables and wall edges. How can we make him as comfortable as we can? [e-mail]

[inkii]

on 7/20/2009 For those of you looking for more information (since this doesn't address the deafblind combination), I've found a few owners of deafblinds who are willing to share their tactics. My boyfriend and I are considering adopting a deafblind australian shepherd. Here are some of the pages we've found helpful so far:
www.handicappedpets.com <-- The blog itself is almost an advertisement for their doggie wheelchair, but the forums are great. There's one for deafness and blindness, and a few good articles on deafblinds.
www.magicalworldoflethalwhites.freeservers.com <-- Anecdotes about living with two deafblind dogs, and one just-blind. Gives some good tips.
www.doggles.com <-- Provides protective eyewear, so dogs that can't see things at eye-height don't damage their eyes further. They're also good for dogs that can't adjust to changes in lighting, or who have no eyes (if you're worried...

[Chachafance]

on 11/6/2008 I was just given a dog that is both totally blind & deaf. They didn't tell me this before I took here so now I am trying to found out how I should care for this dog. She was obviously abused & not loved by the previous family; so sad! These tips are pretty good, thanks.

[Chachafance]

on 11/6/2008 I was just given a dog that is both totally blind & deaf. They didn't tell me this before I took here so now I am trying to found out how I should care for this dog. She was obviously abused & not loved by the previous family; so sad! These tips are pretty good, thanks.

[abbie]

on 1/26/2008 Abbie is still kicking, not biting just kicking. (miniture pincher- before going blind she would bite the ankles of anyone, other than mom & dad, that moved)
her tear ducts quit working surgery at her age is too risky. Yet she looks better than she has ever looked and has the energy of a puppy. Just no way to use it she stays scared. Light is a solice to her. When taken outside she will walk towards the sunshine, even moving around objects that throw shadows in front of her. This is a puzzle to me. Due blind people see light? Well using light and things she can feel and smell have been the only assets in training her to adapt. Grip rite shelf liners are good for her to follow in the house and are weather proof for outside, just don't move them or serious confusion will occur. Right before the couch or a step or anything she would jump for we spray the liner with peppermint oil.