Living with a Blind Pet
Vision loss in a pet can be distressing for the animal and their owners alike. This doesn’t mean it’s the end for your pet though – in fact, blind pets generally manage very well. Whilst losing sight is initially hard for the animal (especially when the vision is lost suddenly), they adjust very quickly. When one sense is lost the remaining senses usually become enhanced and your pet will navigate their world using their senses of smell and hearing.
You might be pleasantly surprised at how well your pet can navigate familiar surroundings by memory alone. For this reason, it is very important not to make any sudden changes with the arrangement of furniture and the location of food and water bowls. We frequently have owners tell us that it wasn’t until they took their pet to a new place or on holidays that they realised their pet couldn’t see - they were bumping into things, acting cautious or not wanting to do anything but sleep. This initial period of adjustment can last for several weeks as your pet learns to navigate without sight and builds confidence. The best thing you can do is try and keep their routine as normal as possible and not wrap them in cotton wool too much!
Vision loss doesn’t mean your pet can’t go for walkies. It may mean they need to be on a lead so they don’t get lost. You might notice them walking close to your leg, but more confident dogs may still walk out in front – it really depends on their personality. When moving around your pet it is important to make them aware of your presence so they aren’t suddenly frightened – talk to them and reassure them a lot.
You can assist your pet by teaching them basic words to help them navigate. Keep your instructions short to reduce any confusion. This will take some time so be patient and try different things each day. Some words you might like to teach your pet include:
Below is a list of websites you may find useful including owners’ stories about their blind pets.
Vision loss in a pet can be distressing for the animal and their owners alike. This doesn’t mean it’s the end for your pet though – in fact, blind pets generally manage very well. Whilst losing sight is initially hard for the animal (especially when the vision is lost suddenly), they adjust very quickly. When one sense is lost the remaining senses usually become enhanced and your pet will navigate their world using their senses of smell and hearing.
You might be pleasantly surprised at how well your pet can navigate familiar surroundings by memory alone. For this reason, it is very important not to make any sudden changes with the arrangement of furniture and the location of food and water bowls. We frequently have owners tell us that it wasn’t until they took their pet to a new place or on holidays that they realised their pet couldn’t see - they were bumping into things, acting cautious or not wanting to do anything but sleep. This initial period of adjustment can last for several weeks as your pet learns to navigate without sight and builds confidence. The best thing you can do is try and keep their routine as normal as possible and not wrap them in cotton wool too much!
Vision loss doesn’t mean your pet can’t go for walkies. It may mean they need to be on a lead so they don’t get lost. You might notice them walking close to your leg, but more confident dogs may still walk out in front – it really depends on their personality. When moving around your pet it is important to make them aware of your presence so they aren’t suddenly frightened – talk to them and reassure them a lot.
You can assist your pet by teaching them basic words to help them navigate. Keep your instructions short to reduce any confusion. This will take some time so be patient and try different things each day. Some words you might like to teach your pet include:
- For steps - step up and step down
- About to bump into something - watch or careful
- Emergency stop - STOP
Below is a list of websites you may find useful including owners’ stories about their blind pets.
- www.blinddoginfo.com
- www.blinddogsupport.com/resources/
- www.blinddogs.net
- https://friendlydogcollars.com.au/
- Sensor light for your best friend
