Blindness in dogs can develop gradually or instantly, depending on the cause. Discovering that your pet has vision loss could be heartbreaking in either situation. However, the quicker you catch it, the better you can help your dog cope. This gives you enough time to figure out why your dog is going blind, what treatment options are available, and how to accommodate its new requirements.
Continue reading to learn more.
How to Determine If Your Dog Is Losing Its Sight
Dogs are relatively adaptive creatures. It may be challenging to spot whether they are blind, particularly if they have been visually impaired for a prolonged period. If a dog is progressively losing their vision, you may not spot a significant change in its capability to move around.
So, look for the following indicators that your dog is going blind.
Clumsiness and Bumping Into Objects
Canines that run into furniture misjudge their steps or act clumsily might be doing so since they can not see clearly. This is particularly noticeable when reorganizing furniture or taking your dog to a new location. They might also avoid specific areas or activities that need excellent vision, such as going up and down stairs or playing fetch.
If you suspect your pet is losing vision, you should have them checked by a veterinarian specializing in dog and cat ophthalmology since there could be underlying health issues. It might be depressing if your pet keeps knocking things or seems disoriented, but it’s necessary to be patient and understanding as they adjust to their changing capabilities.
Changes in Behavior
Behavioral changes are some of the signs that your pet is going blind. They may become more hesitant to go for strolls or play as much as they used to and even get clingy or anxious. When a canine can not completely see what is around them in a new environment, it can be specifically frightening, leading to hesitation. Sometimes, dogs losing sight may become so confused and panicked that they whimper, run, or bite.
Cloudy or Hazy Appearance in the Eyes
It just takes a glance at your dog’s eyes to notice they are blind. Several conditions that lead to loss of sight, such as cataracts, leave noticeable marks on the eyes. These issues may be visible in a well-lit room. Typically, these issues manifest as cloudiness or fuzzy areas in the eyes. These could be indicators of glaucoma, which is most typical in older dogs.
Therefore, a yearly dog exam is essential to identify specific developmental issues associated with blindness. Your veterinarian may be able to detect any physical injury that has caused it.
You can explore the web for more info about pet wellness exams.
Increased Reliance on Other Senses
If they lose their vision, your dogs might depend more on their other senses, such as hearing and smell. They may be sniffing more areas or paying close attention to noises. As they depend on their remaining senses to navigate their surroundings, they might also get more reluctant to move around or discover new locations.
Also, internal medicine treatments for veterinary specialists like a veterinarian in Los Angeles may improve your dog’s health. This is done to address any underlying disorders that are causing their visual impairment as well as to protect their overall health from getting worse.
Takeaway
It is heartbreaking to see your dog gradually lose its sight. However, as distressing as it may be, there are several means to aid your pet to live comfortably without vision. Call your vet when you discover any indicators of vision loss in your pet. They can identify what is causing their blindness and whether it is curable. The earlier you detect your pet’s blindness, the faster you can find a solution.