Signs Your Dog is Going Blind

It’s not always easy to know if your furry friend is starting to lose their vision, however, recognizing it early can be important in finding the correct treatment for them. Being familiar with the warning signs can help diagnose vision problems and give you information on the best ways to handle it.

Know the Signs

There are various signs to look out for to determine if your four legged friend is struggling with seeing. Not all of them may mean they are going blind, but if your dog is experiencing multiple of the symptoms below, you may want to contact your veterinarian.

• Cloudy Appearance: Eyes appear cloudy or have white spots
• Pupil Dilation: Eyes are not adjusting properly to the lighting around them
• Inability to Focus: Struggling to focus on details of your face or needs to be much closer to you
• Bumping into Objects: Clumsy behavior like running into furniture or misjudging a jump
• Seeming Confused: Being in a dazed state or easily startled
• Anxiety in New Places: Showing signs of fear or hesitation when in an unfamiliar place
• Depression: Unresponsiveness, lethargy, and uninterested in playing with others
• Avoiding Stairs: Dogs may avoid using stairs if they are unable to see them well
• Defensive Behavior: When being introduced to a new person or animal, they may lash out since they are unable to see them accurately

Causes of Blindness

There are many reason that your pup could be going blind. It is best to seek advice from a professional to get to the root of the problem, but below are a few of the reasons why a dog may be losing their sight.

• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
• Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome (SARDS)
• Macular Degeneration
• High Blood Pressure
• Aging
• Cataract or Glaucoma
• Diabetic Retinopathy
• Infection

There are also certain breeds of dogs that are more likely to have vision issues. Especially in purebred dogs. Below is a list so you can be on the lookout for warning signs.

• Siberian Huskies
• Cocker Spaniels
• Poodles
• Boston Terriers
• Collies
• German Shepherds
• Chihuahuas
• Chow Chows
• Basset Hounds
• Dalmations

Looking After A Blind Dog

If you notice that your dog is going blind, there are many things that you can do to make them more comfortable and healthy. You’ll want to make sure to take them on multiple walks so they are getting exercise, since they do not move around as much. You can also keep them entertained with sensory toys that encourage them to use their other sense. If possible, avoid moving your furniture around so they can get used to the layout. This will keep them from injuring themselves running into things.

Caring for a dog that is losing their vision is actually not as difficult as you may think. They know how to adapt to their surroundings, you may just need to help guide them. Just make sure you are on the lookout for the warning signs so you can be prepared to care for them. The most important things is to make sure they are happy and active!