If you have owned a pet that is blind or low-visioned, then chances are you already know how it is living with blind dogs. However, for the benefit for those who are still new to it and would be willing to learn as much as they can about blind dogs, then this post is for you.
If you have a pet dog or have been with dogs all their lives, then you must know by now that like us, they have various personas. And that each dog would react to stress, trials or hardships differently as well. Generally, young dogs that go blind make an easier and faster adjustment to blindness especially if he is not the pack leader. On the other hand, frail, old, dominant dogs may undergo difficulty. Experts say that adjustment period may occur between 3-6 months, but there are cases that take longer.
Dogs react differently to blindness. Others go through depression while others have aggressive behavior changes. And there are others won’t change a bit and their owners can’t even tell that they are already blind. Dogs may use different behaviors in order to cope up with their vision loss. They may use more than one behavior at one time or sometimes even switch back and forth between behaviors. Though most of the time they show aggression, depression, dependence and fear.
Living with Blind Dogs: Know for the Sake of your Pekingese
Living with Blind Dogs
How to Deal with It
- Get a small bell. Attach a bell to your pant leg or shoe and get everyone in the house to do it — include other pets if any. The sound of the bell would let him know that someone is near.
- Stair gate. If your have several stories in your house then put a stair gate at the bottom of the stairs. Any blind or low-visioned dog isn’t allowed to go up the stairs unsupervised; the falling hazard is just so great.
- Use Aromatic oils. Wipe a tiny amount of any aromatherapy oil on any vertical surface (e.g. furniture door frames), both outside and inside. This will help your dog avoid collision.
- Stay put. Keep his water and food bowl, as well as your furniture in the same place. A blind dog can quickly learn about his environment as long as you won’t move things around often that would end up confusing him.
- Take a hike. Let him go for a walk and it is ideal to use a retractable leash since it would let him do some running while not being endangered at the same time.
Living with blind dogs is not a problem really, as long as you are willing to adjust. Dogs go blind due to old age, injury, illness, or that they are born with it. A blind dog can function as well as any normal pet can. Do not underestimate or misjudge a blind pet, they can be a real treasure.
Have you ever experienced living with a blind pet? How was it? Please do tell us your story on the space provided below.
