6 Indicators That Your Dog May Be Going Blind

As your furry family member ages, it's natural to notice changes in their behavior, physical abilities, and overall health. A common — and worrying — change in older dogs is the onset of blindness. While the thought of your canine companion going blind is scary, early detection and proactive care can significantly improve their quality of life.

Common causes of blindness in dogs

Cataracts: Dogs that suffer from cataracts often develop a cloudy, whitish, or cracked appearance to their eyes. This clouding of the eye's lens prevents light from passing through, causing loss of vision. Cataracts can appear in one or both eyes and can progress at varying rates. It is crucial to obtain an accurate diagnosis and discuss an appropriate treatment plan with your veterinarian.

Glaucoma: Glaucoma is a condition in which the aqueous humor (the fluid in the eye) does not drain properly. As the eyes will continue to produce fluid, failure to drain properly leads to increased pressure within the eyes. This increase in pressure causes damage to the internal structures of the eyes, leading to visual changes and can eventually cause blindness. This is a very serious condition and should be treated by your veterinarian.

Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): Progressive retinal atrophy is an inherited eye condition in dogs characterized by gradual degeneration of the retina, leading to eventual blindness. It begins with night blindness due to deterioration of rod cells, followed by loss of daytime vision as cone cells are affected. PRA affects both eyes simultaneously and is painless. PRA is diagnosed with an eye exam focusing on the retina.

Diabetes: High blood sugar levels associated with diabetes cause changes in the lens of the eye, leading to cataract formation. Additionally, diabetes can damage the blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye, resulting in diabetic retinopathy. This condition reduces blood flow and oxygen to the retina, causing retinal cells to deteriorate and potentially leading to blindness.

Dog diabetes test

Injury or trauma: Physical damage to the eye can result in blindness.

Infections: Serious infections can cause blindness if left untreated.

Top signs that your dog is going blind

Recognizing the early signs of blindness can help you provide the necessary care and adjustments for your dog. Here are some of the most common indicators. Remember: These signs alone may not prove that your dog is losing his vision, but together they can paint a clearer picture of your dog's eye health. If you notice any of these indicators, make an appointment with your veterinarian for a complete examination.

Hitting objects

Has your dog started regularly hitting your furniture or walls? If so, it is likely that he is having difficulty seeing. As vision declines, dogs lose the ability to navigate spaces...even familiar ones. This can be especially noticeable if you've recently rearranged your furniture or moved to a new house where your dog can no longer rely on its memory to get around.

Difficulty finding toys or food

Struggling to locate toys, treats, or food bowls that are usually easy to find is another clear indicator. Deteriorating vision makes it more difficult for dogs to see and locate objects, even in familiar surroundings. You may notice that your dog is sniffing more to compensate for reduced vision.

Reluctance to move

As a dog's vision decreases, you may notice that he is hesitant to go up and down stairs, jump on furniture, and explore new areas. Your once adventurous dog is starting to stick to familiar areas and play it safe. It makes sense...he's not moving as confidently and he's afraid of getting hurt.

Behavioral changes

Vision loss can be disorienting and stressful for your dog, leading to changes in behavior. You may notice signs of increased anxiety, clinginess, or even aggression (reacting defensively to unexpected touches and sounds). Difficulty seeing could mean that he will become more dependent on you.

Changes in the eyes

If your dog's eyes are becoming cloudy, cloudy, red, or swollen, you'll want to get them checked out right away. Physical changes in the eyes may indicate underlying conditions, such as cataracts or glaucoma. These conditions usually progress slowly, so be sure to monitor your dog's eyes regularly.

Paws in the eyes

Excessive pawing or rubbing of the eyes may indicate discomfort or vision problems. This behavior often signals that your dog is experiencing pain or irritation in his eyes, which could be due to infections, injuries, or conditions such as glaucoma. Persistent eye discomfort should always be evaluated by a veterinarian.

Protecting your dog's eyes

Although some causes of blindness are unavoidable, there are steps you can take to support and nurture your dog's eye health:

Regular veterinary exams: Regular eye exams can detect problems early and provide treatment options to delay or prevent blindness.

Balanced diet: Ensure your dog has a diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins C and E, beta-carotene and omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to support eye health.

Supplements: Consider supplements designed specifically for eye health, such as those containing lutein and zeaxanthin.

Protective measures: Protect your dog's eyes from injuries and excessive sunlight, which can aggravate certain conditions.

Hygiene: Regular hygiene around the eyes can prevent infections and irritation.

Caring for a Blind Dog

Caring for a dog with vision loss requires patience, understanding and some adjustments to your regular routine. Here are some tips to help you manage and care for a blind dog:

Maintain a consistent environment

As your dog loses his vision, it's best to keep your furniture and other large household items in the same place. This type of consistency will help your dog navigate more easily and reduce the risk of accidents. Also, keep your floors clean!

Maintain a predictable routine

Speaking of consistency, maintain a solid daily routine for eating, walking and playing. Predictability helps reduce anxiety and builds confidence in a blind dog.

Work on new commands

Your dog will rely heavily on sound cues, so teach him to follow your voice. Work on new verbal cues such as "up," "down," "left," and "right." Mastering these commands can help your dog navigate the world a little better.

Create safe zones

Establish safe zones in your home where your dog can go to feel safe/protected. Provide a comfortable, familiar bed where your dog can rest without fear of bumping into things. Additionally, use baby gates to block off dangerous areas like stairs.

Use assistive devices

If your dog has completely lost his vision, consider using a harness with a handle to help guide him during walks. Additionally, products like halo vests can help protect your dog's head and alert him to obstacles.

Regular veterinary care

Schedule routine exams with your veterinarian to monitor your dog's overall health and address any changes related to his vision and behavior.

Did you know that at PetDoctors Veterinarians we provide canine and feline ophthalmology consultations ?

Talk to us! Don't leave your best friend without the care he deserves!