Blindness in dogs can develop gradually or suddenly, depending on the cause. In either case, learning that your dog has vision loss can be heartbreaking. However, the sooner you catch it, the better you can help your dog cope. This gives you sufficient time to determine why your dog is going blind, what treatment options are available, and how to accommodate its new needs.
Read on to learn more.
How to Tell If Your Dog Is Losing Its Vision
Dogs are relatively adaptive creatures. It might be difficult to detect whether they are blind, especially if they have been visually impaired for an extended period. If a dog is progressively losing their vision, you may not notice a significant change in its ability to move around.
So, look out for the following signs that your dog is going blind.
Clumsiness and Bumping Into Objects
Dogs that bump into furniture, misjudge their steps, or act clumsily may be doing so because they can’t see clearly. This is especially noticeable when rearranging furniture or taking your dog to a new location. They may also begin to avoid certain areas or activities that require good vision, such as going up and down stairs or playing fetch.
If you suspect your dog is losing vision, you should have them examined by a veterinarian specializing in dog ophthalmology because there could be underlying health issues. It may be frustrating if your dog keeps knocking objects or seems disoriented, but it’s essential to be patient and understanding as they adjust to their changing abilities.
Changes in Behavior
Behavioral changes are some of the signs that your dog is going blind. They may become more hesitant to go for walks or play as much as they used to and even become clingy or anxious. When a dog can not fully see what is around them in a new environment, it can be especially frightening, leading to hesitation. In some cases, dogs losing sight may become so confused and panicked that they whine, run, or even bite.
Cloudy or Hazy Appearance in the Eyes
It only takes a glance at your dog’s eyes to notice they are blind. Many conditions that cause blindness, such as cataracts, leave visible marks on the eyes. These problems may be visible in a well-lit room. Typically, these issues manifest as cloudiness or fuzzy spots in the eyes. These could be signs of glaucoma, which is most common in older dogs.
That’s why a pet annual checkup is necessary to identify some developmental issues associated with vision loss. Your vet can detect any physical injuries that have caused blindness.
Increased Reliance on Other Senses
Your dogs may begin to rely more on their other senses, such as hearing and smell if they lose their vision. They might be sniffing more places or paying close attention to sounds. As they must rely on their remaining senses to navigate their surroundings, they may also grow more reluctant to move around or explore new areas.
Internal medicine can be used to improve your dog’s health. This is to manage any underlying conditions contributing to their visual impairment and to prevent further deterioration of their overall health.
You can search “internal medicine vet near me” in Google to locate a vet internist in your locality.
Final Thoughts
It is heartbreaking to watch your dog gradually lose its vision. However, as frightening as it may be, there are many ways to help your dog live comfortably without vision. Contact your veterinarian when you notice any signs of blindness in your dog. They can determine what is causing their blindness and whether it is treatable. The sooner you detect your dog’s blindness, the quicker you can find a solution.
