Blind Dog Care Tips

August 23^rd is Blind Dog Day. Dogs can lose their vision due to a variety of causes, including illness, injury, infection, and genetics. Fido is remarkably resilient, however, and often adjusts remarkably well. Of course, your pooch will need a bit of extra care … and in some aspects, different care. A local Burlington, ON vet offers some tips on caring for a blind dog in this article.

Do Blind Dogs Still Enjoy Walks?

Walks are necessary for sanitary purposes, but they also provide dogs with stimulation, which blind dogs also need. Fido will still enjoy sniffing things and exploring new spots. However, you’ll need to be careful with his safety. Keep your pooch leashed at all times, and don’t let him get close to potential hazards, such as busy roads or riverbanks.

Is A Blind Dog A Happy Dog?

Fido is going to enjoy the same things as any other pup. Things like bacon, belly rubs, and ear scritches will get that cute tail going! Keep in mind that our canine companions already rely heavily on their ears and noses, so can often adjust quickly to losing their vision. The biggest things are making sure your canine pal feels happy, healthy, and safe.

How Do I Care For A Blind Dog?

The most important thing is keeping your home safe and consistent, so Fido can find his way around. Setting out carpet runners can help quite a bit, as these will provide guidelines or pathways. You may also want to get a pet fountain: the sound may help your pup find his water bowls. Keeping Fido’s bed, dishes, and toys in the same area may also be beneficial. You can also get doggy bumpers, which can keep your canine pal from running into things. Ask your vet for more information.

Are Blind Dogs Expensive To Care For?

Blind dogs often have a hard time getting adopted. This is in part because people assume they’ll need a lot of extra care. However, this isn’t necessarily the case. If Fido has lost his sight due to injury or infection, but once he has healed, he may not need any more care than any other pooch. If you’re considering adopting a blind dog, don’t be shy about asking questions.

Do you have questions about your pet’s health or care? Contact us, your local Burlington, ON pet hospital, anytime!