Ensuring Health

Failing sight

Failing sight

Falling sight is more serious, although much can be done to protect the dog from injury. Though not entirely blind, an old dog sometimes becomes frightened because he cannot see objects clearly. The condition may go unnoticed around the house, where everything is familiar, but if you change the furniture around, you may notice that he stumbles or perhaps hesitates to move. “Blue eye” or cloudy eyeballs in an old dog may mean cataracts, which, of course, will need veterinary attention. 

The totally blind dog can get along fairly well and still enjoy life if a little extra care is taken for his safety and comfort. As long as he can smell and feel and hear his loved ones, he doesn’t seem to mind at all. Blind dogs get around by memory. Don’t rearrange the furniture. Keep his things in the usual places. He will remember where they are and can find his water bowl, his bed, his favourite toys, Block the stairways with puppy or baby gates. Keep rooms and stairways bright and free of obstacles. If the dog is totally blind, guide him safely up and down the stairs. He will still enjoy riding in the car, for his chief pleasure in going places is t sniff the scents along the way. 
When picked up and set down, your dog may not know where he is and may bump into objects until he gets his bearings. When you pick him up, therefore, set him down again in his own bed or on a chair whose familiar scent will tell him exactly where he is . he can then make his way from one room to another without getting lost.