[Betsy Iole]

A helpful article on living with a blind dog from PetPlace.com.

Because the senses of smell and hearing are amazingly well developed in dogs, they are much less dependent on vision than you would expect. For this reason, their behavior may return to almost normal once they adjust to their blindness.

Be Consistent

Among other things, blind pets strongly rely on their memory to help them navigate through your home. The most important thing you can do for your dog is to keep things in the same place at all times. It is important that you be consistent.

For example, don’t re-arrange your furniture. Pick up after yourself and instruct your children to do the same. Keep his normal path clear and don’t leave things lying around that your pet can “bump” into. A misplaced laundry basket or pair of shoes or a toy can be a problem for your blind pet.

Return things after you move them. This includes chairs moved during dinner or furniture moved for visiting company. Pets can bump into these objects easily, and this can cause injury or disorientation.

Maintain a consistent area for eating and sleeping. Keep your pet's bed and his eating bowls in the same place. This is especially true for his drinking water. Do not move these areas.

and

  Place barriers over hot tubs and around pools.

  Remove or cover any sharp objects or edges, particularly those at eye level to the animal.

  Block your pet’s access to the fireplace, open stairways, balconies, decks and other potentially hazardous areas.

  Make sure your pet is well identified. A collar and microchip are critical if your pet becomes separated from you. If lost, a blind pet will probably not be able to find his way home.

  Identify your pet as being blind. Place a medical alert tag on your pet’s collar that says that he or she is blind, and include your contact information

 

[skedinger]

Hi Betsy. Thanks for the informative post on blind dogs.

My schnauzer Katie was 14 when she had to be euthanized for a recurring tumor condition. She was blind the last few years of her life. People who did not know her did not realize she couldn't see. She still walked on a leash and chased a tennis ball. We even moved and she adapted to the new home configuration and steps upstairs, which we had never had before. The only thing she stopped doing was jumping up on the bed. I think she misjudged it once and scared herself, so she would wait for someone to help her up.

Blind pets can still live very long, fulfilling lives with just a little help from their owners.