Helping your newly blind or visually impaired dog adjust to their new lifestyle can be challenging. Watching your dog struggle as he tries to navigate what was once familiar territory is difficult. As a pet owner, you feel lost watching your dog adapt, not understanding what is happening to him. But there are simple steps you can take to ensure your blind dog thrives. How to help your blind dog adapt and feel safe?
How to Help a Blind Dog Adjust to Vision Loss
Here are some helpful tips on how you can make a smooth fit for your best friend:
1. Speak calmly
Your voice can have a calming effect on your dog. A change in an animal’s sight can be disorienting. Blind animals startle easily; Avoid making sudden movements or loud noises. Warn your pet that you are nearby.
When your senior dog becomes confused or disoriented, talk to him softly. Let them know that you are close and able to help them if they need it. Use your voice to guide them. If he’s sleeping, blow gently on his face or touch him lightly to wake him up.
2. Stick to your routine
As your dog adjusts to his new blindness, stick to his daily routine. If you always start your day with a walk around the neighborhood, keep going! These activities are familiar to your dog and help give him a sense of normalcy. A pet with recent vision loss will have difficulty adjusting to any significant changes in their routine. A regular schedule lets them know what time it is and what to expect next.
It is important to remember that visually impaired and blind pets rely solely on their other senses; they are going to be very responsive to the sounds around them. When walking, always keep your dog leashed and safely by your side if he reacts to loud noise.
3. Use a blind dog halo
Getting around is going to be difficult for a blind dog. Not only can losing his sight be confusing and scary for your dog, it will take time for him to adjust to his new life.
Make adjustment easier with the blind dog halo, designed to help your dog gain confidence when on the move. Instead of hitting the wall and tripping over furniture, the halo will provide a barrier between your dog and the object, helping to keep them away from obstacles safely.
4. Don’t move familiar objects
Your pet has an excellent memory; keeping his food bowl in one place will make it easier for him to find it when he’s hungry. Keep their favorite toys where they are. And try not to move your furniture! Rearranging your furniture can cause your blind dog or cat to bump their head and lead to injury.
To help the blind animal adapt to its environment, walk your dog around the house. A guided tour helps them navigate the home safely and helps blind pets mentally “map” their surroundings. Let them slowly explore and become familiar with their home one room at a time.
If you have a small dog, try not to pick it up too much. It can be very disorienting when you transport your dog and place him in a new part of the house. Let them slowly discover their surroundings on their own and store their favorite things in familiar places.
5. Safety first
While your dog gets used to it, keep him in a part of the house that he finds comforting. a hazard-free area is preferred. Use a pet gate to separate stairs or other parts of the house until your dog can master the whole house. Slowly open them up to new parts of the house as they build their confidence. When you’re away from home, consider putting your dog in a crate to give him a sense of security.
There are many ways to help your best friend adjust to their new situation, but the most important thing is to be patient. With a little time and effort, your dog can live a full and happy life.
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