23/08/2026
Some dogs are born blind due to congenital anomalies and some dogs lose their sight due to injury, disease or old age.
Discovering your dog is blind or starting to lose their sight can bring up a plethora of emotions in you from grief, overwhelm, guilt, sadness, feeling lost.....
I had a dog who lost her sight due to a neurological condition at the age of 6. I remember how sad I felt for her, but I noticed how quickly she adapted and how my younger dog became her eyes, when she needed them. For dogs their primary sense is their nose and their whiskers (vibrissae) do an amazing job of helping them to judge space.
But there are lots of things you can do to help:
• Allow extra time for sniffing
• Teach navigational cues
• Tell your dog what's happening
• Use long-lines when out and about
• Halo harness if your dog consents
• Have clear day/night routines
• Keep routes through the house clear of obstacles, things that can be knocked over and dangling electrical cords
• Add textured mats at stairs, doors, and key locations as tactile anchors
• Stair gates top and bottom
• Use raised water bowls on mats/trays (foot touching mat signals bowl location)
• Ensure all floor surfaces are non-slip
• ACE Free Work
• Be aware that unfamiliar dogs may misinterpret your blind dog's body language
Many older dogs who experience diminishing sight also suffer from anxiety. If you have a dog with anxiety then check out my book
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Holistic-Help-Your-Anxious-Dog/dp/B0H6BX4M7N/
