Blind dogs and cats make terrific pets. Whilst they may require some extra care and a bit of thought and preparation towards making your home environment safe for them, looking after them is not as challenging as you may think. Whether you are adopting a blind pet or if your pet is losing their sight, we have some tips to help you care for your pet so they can thrive and you can enjoy your time together.
What causes blindness in pets?
Some pets are born blind whilst others may lose their sight due to a health condition or injury. Health conditions can be age related such as cataracts or macular degeneration. Health conditions can also include illnesses such as glaucoma, progressive retinal atrophy or SARDS (Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration). An untreated infection or stroke can also result in temporary or permanent loss of vision.
Vision issues can be hereditary and can range from partial to complete loss of vision.
Adaptability and other senses in pets
Whilst you may be anxious or concerned about your pet’s lack of vision and quality of life, it is good to know that pets are highly adaptable animals and learn quickly to live with their vision loss.
Dogs and cats are less dependent on their sight compared to humans due to their superior sense of smell and hearing. If your pet’s vision is deteriorating, they will already have the memory of the layout of your home which will help them find their way around without the use of their eyes. It may just take a few months to adjust and settle into a new routine with your help.
What to know before adopting a blind pet
Before adopting a blind pet, it is important to ask a number of questions to ensure you can adequately care for and provide a home environment that will allow them to thrive. It is important to consider these questions truthfully to ensure a blind pet is the right fit for your family.
What caused the blindness? Does it require ongoing veterinary treatment? What are the costs of such treatments?
Are they partially or completely blind? Will their vision continue to deteriorate over time?
How are they managing with their vision impairment? Are there any sounds or activities that startle them or cause distress?
Do they know any special commands?
What routines or assistance are they accustomed to and how does it help them?
Preparing your home for a blind pet
There are a number of steps that can be introduced at home to help make your pet more comfortable.
Look for hazards – view your home from your pet’s level to identify any potential hazards. Cover sharp furniture edges with padding and remove any dangerous objects that your pet could bump into. Trim back any branches in your backyard that could cause injury. Keep pathways clear and remove any items or clutter that could cause your pet to trip.
Baby gates & doors – block off any rooms or areas that are unsafe by installing baby gates or closing doors. This includes falling hazards such as tops of staircases and balconies. You can also line balcony railings with trellis or chicken wire to prevent your pet from slipping through so they can still enjoy the outdoors.
Textures and smells – use different textures and smells to help your pet navigate their way around. For example, place a mat in front of steps so your pet can feel the change of texture and know when to step up. You can also use carpet runners and rugs in your home that will act as a guide to certain locations around your home. Your pet will get to know the kitchen due to the variety of food smells! Consider subtle scents in other parts of the home that will help your pet know where they are.
Try not to move things around - find the perfect place for their food, water, litter tray and bedding and don’t move them. If it is necessary to move any of these items, be sure to lead your pet to them until they get used to their new location. It is also important not to move your furniture around as it can cause confusion and create bumping hazards for your pet.
Living with a blind pet
Once your pet is comfortable with your home environment, there are many ways you can help them thrive in your family.
Alert your pet to your presence – talk to your pet so they are aware of your presence. This is particularly important as you approach them or when you are about to pick them up or touch them so they don’t get startled.
Use bells on other pets – to prevent other pets sneaking up on them, consider placing bells on their collars. This will give them a clear understanding of where your other pets are and when they are approaching.
Inform visitors – let others visiting your home know about your pet’s vision and any instructions to ensure your pet feels safe and comfortable when they visit. In addition to family and friends, this also includes one-off visitors such as tradesman or other service providers.
Never leave your pet alone outside – always supervise your pet when outdoors to prevent them accidently escaping and risk them running onto the road or getting lost.
Exercise and enrichment – regular exercise that is in-line with your pets capabilities is important. Speak to your vet about exercise that is suitable for your pets individual needs. Always use a lead when taking your pet outdoors to keep them safe. Consider buying a range of toys that make sounds or that have a specific smell to offer enrichment. General playtime is also a great form of exercise.
Love & attention – give them lots of love and attention. Gentle pats and spending time together can be enjoyable for both of you. General playtime can help keep your pet mentally active. This could include teaching new tricks, playing with their toys or indoor games. Your pets other senses will be heightened so indoor games that involve smelling out treats or searching for a talking toy can be fun.
Healthcare – keep up to date with your pet’s health checks and preventative healthcare such as vaccinations and parasite control. Your vet may recommend more regular visits depending on your pet’s condition and ongoing healthcare requirements. Keep an eye on your pet’s overall health and behaviour and talk to your vet if you notice any changes.
Having a blind pet can be very rewarding. With a little extra care and preparation, blind pets can thrive and live a happy, healthy life. Please speak to one of our vets if you have any questions about your pet’s eyesight or overall health.