How to Care for a Blind Dog

As our dogs get older, they may lose some or all of their vision due to cataracts or other conditions. It can be heartbreaking to watch the dog you love lose her sight; but with a little extra care, she can still lead a long, safe and happy life.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Love
• Patience
• Understanding

1. 1. Let your dog know you are coming. If your dog has lost his vision, he can no longer see your approach. If you startle him, he may growl or even snap at you. This doesn't mean he doesn't love you anymore; he just needs the time to use his other senses to help him to recognize you. Try speaking to him softly and then touch him gently before picking him up or grabbing him. Give him a moment to recognize your scent and the sound of your footsteps.

2. 2. Keep things familiar. Even if your dog is blind, she still can usually remember where things are. Try to resist the urge to rearrange the furniture or change the flooring. When everything is exactly where she expects it to be, your dog will feel safe and secure. She may even surprise you by being able to gracefully jump up on the couch!

3. 3. Remove dangerous obstacles. If your dog has lost his sight, he won't be able to avoid unexpected hazards. If you have sharp corners on your furniture, you may want to consider covering them. Keep your floors free of objects that he could trip over. Any spills or broken glass should be cleaned up right away. Mugs of hot coffee or tea need to be well out of reach.

4. 4. Always walk safely. Though she can no longer see, your dog will still enjoy taking walks with you. She will appreciate a warm breeze in her fur and a chance to sample all the amazing smells out there in the world. It is especially important to keep her on a leash during walks. She will feel safe and you will be able to keep her from any dangers.

5. 5. If you have to make changes to your home environment, you can help your dog to learn his way around through his other senses. If you tap a path on the familiar floor to the new piece of furniture, he will be able to hear that something different is in his home. Allow him to explore and get used to the changes as you watch to make sure he is safe.

[MooreUSA]

on 5/10/2008 Discover "Pet Slings by Eileen" these are great help for the blind, elderly, disabled, injured, special needs and handicapped pets. Allows them to be portable and secure next to you! See my website petclothingUSA.com for details. Hope this helps you because it has been a proven help to other pets. Eileen Moore, P.W. Designer