10 Ways to Help out your Blind BFF

10 Ways to Help Out Your Blind BFF

So your loving pooch has gone blind? That’s ok. As many of us can imagine, being blind stinks, but isn’t the end of the world. Dogs are resilient. Dogs don’t let a little issue like not seeing get them down. The most important thing is that your dog is confident. Praise, achievement, and confidence allow your dog to adjust to their new situation quicker and easier. 

If you’ve ever played “Pin the Tail on the Donkey”, then you know how easy it is to veer off course when you cannot see. Here are some tips for you to help your pooch maneuver around the homestead.

• Use rugs and any other textured flooring already in the house to help your dog realize and remember where they are. Plastic rug runners under toenails make noise and help keep your dog on a straight path down hallways.
• Do not rearrange the furniture. Find a great spot for that table and keep it there! Consistency is the game here.
• Unique air fresheners in each room will help a pet to recognize where they are if they get disoriented. A light scent is all you need, remember, a dog’s sense of smell is stronger than ours.
• Keep drawers closed and doors open 
• Padding Padding Padding!!!  Pad any sharp edges.
• Stairs are too dangerous!  Have you ever tried to maneuver down the stairs in the dark?
• Block them off with baby gates unless you two will be taking the stairs one at a time together.  Once your dog has transitioned to their new life, then the stairs are something you can accomplish together
• Reduce the amount of landscape in your yard. No obstacle courses here.
• Bells on the collars of other pets prevent your blind dog from being startled.
• Fountain type water bowls make noise which helps your dog to always find their water. Keep their food bowl next to it too.
• Vocalize to your pet more often to reassure them of your presence. Give them praise and talk to them in an upbeat and happy tone.

You will probably have a harder time adjusting to the idea of your pet going blind than they will. Blind dogs are happy, playful, and loving. They’ll run alongside you or any other canine companion as if they have perfect vision. Bumping and banging into the occasional wall or door frame won’t faze them for more than a second. Just some patience and praise from you, and your dog will live a normal and joyful life.

Written by:  Stephanie Goetz, CVT