Caring for a blind dog

The idea itself is sad if you think about it. Caring for a blind dog may seem frightening at first. You probably think he or she will require continuous care and have a lower life quality. Fortunately, neither is true. Dogs can still live happy lives, regardless if they were born blind, contracted blindness as the result of a sickness, or lost their vision with age.

Your dog’s eyesight loss might be tougher on you than on your four-legged friend. We selected a few pointers to assist you in caring for a blind dog:

Talk to Your Dog

Certainly, you already talk to your pooch, but it’s particularly significant now, so he or she can estimate where he or she is in relation to you. You should make sure you have the pet’s attention before touching the animal, so you don’t frighten or surprise him or her.

Make your home safe

Look around in your house (and yard, if you have one) and see if there are any hazards. You can use corner protectors on any sharp furniture and in case there are stairs in the house, use baby gates at the tops, at least until your hound can harmlessly manage them.

Keep a routine and teach your dog the essential places

Maintaining a daily routine can be accommodating. You can take your dog to the same parks and on the same walking paths. Also, at home, keep the water and food bowls in the same place. After learning where the pet’s supplies are, it will be easier for your dog to return there.

Another thing you should do is walk your dog in the house and around it, to get the animal familiar with the routes when he or she wanders alone.

You can also use a fountain-style dog bowl for his water, which continuously circulates water. This is very practical for a blind dog, as the bubbling sound will be helpful for your hound to find it with less difficulty.

In what concerns food, do not change it. Keep buying that dog food for bulldogs, or for small dogs or pitbulls, or depending on the breed you own, that your dog enjoys so much.

Let Others Know

When you walk your dog outside, you ought to make sure others know about his condition so that they can approach gently, and not to startle him. You can use a bandana or a shirt that says “I’m blind”, for example.

Keep your dog active by using scents

A blind dog has lost the eyesight not the smelling ability. Also, you ought to keep him or her busy. You can play fetch by using scents to help the pet locate the object. For example, you can rub a dog treat or put a drop of essential oil on one of his toys before launching it into the air – of course, make sure the toy gets in a safe place for your dog, as you do not want him to get hurt.  

More importantly, however, to make things easier for both you and your dog is to remember that this is still your dog who hasn’t lost his or her devotion for you.