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How to Cope When Your Dog Becomes Blind or Visually Impaired

If your dog has recently become blind, you’re probably experiencing a lot of fear and confusion.

While this will have a huge impact on your dog’s life, it’s only natural that you will be impacted emotionally as well.

With this new challenge awaiting you, you might be wondering how you will cope.

Luckily, there are lots of things you can do to come to terms with your pet’s disability.

Here are some steps you can take:

How to Cope When Your Dog Becomes Blind or Visually Impaired

Ask for Help

While you are responsible for caring for your dog, that doesn’t mean you have to do it alone.

There is lots of help available if you just look for it.

Websites like AllAboutVision.com have plenty of resources that can give you advice and tips for living with a blind dog.

But don’t forget that your vet is always there to help too.

There might even be a support group in your area where you could go with your dog to meet other owners in a similar situation.

This could help both you and your pet to socialize more and get used to this big change in your lives.

Veterinarian examine on the eyes of a dog dachshund.

Remember They’re Still Your Pet

When your dog becomes blind it’s easy to forget that their personality is still there.

Just because they can no longer see you doesn’t mean that they will change completely.

It’s normal for dogs to seem withdrawn shortly after they become blind.

However, by spending time with them and encouraging them to play, you’ll be able to coax the pet you know and love out of hiding.

Blind brown dog

Tell Others

Sometimes it can be hard to communicate that your dog is blind when out on walks.

You’ll want people to take extra care by keeping their own dogs on leads so as not to startle yours.

An easy way to do this is to get your dog a coat or vest. This will alert people to their disability.

It’s also a good idea to have this information on their collar with your phone number if they get lost.

Woman using laptop on the bed with dog beside her

Educate Yourself

A lot of the fear and confusion you’re feeling probably comes from the fact that you don’t know much about caring for a blind dog.

Make sure you read up on the best ways to help your pet. Find other people’s stories who have been through a similar thing.

There are plenty of books that can help you to understand what your dog might be going through.

This will allow you to support them better.

Woman hugging a beagle

Don’t Give Up

The first few months are going to be the hardest, but keep going.

Your dog is always going to be grateful for your patience and you’ll be able to have a fulfilling relationship with them once you’ve both gotten used to their blindness.

It might seem like a long way off, but soon enough you’ll get used to guiding your dog around furniture and using your words more to communicate with them.

Jeanna Massman

Wednesday 18th of August 2021

My niece’s dog went blind at age 7but she adapted pretty well.

Sarah L

Wednesday 18th of August 2021

Awww. This would be so sad. But you're right: they're still the same dog you love.

Bonnie

Tuesday 17th of August 2021

Thank you for sharing this very helpful list for coping with a dog's blindness. Having this info on the collar and purchasing a disability vest were great suggestions.

Debbie P

Monday 16th of August 2021

Thanks for the article about this important issue.

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