Dogs are great companions to a blind human. But what happens when the situation is reversed? What happens when the master is healthy and the dog is blind? Can humans be great companions to dogs that are blind? How does one cope with such a thing, you may rightfully ask?
Hundreds of dogs lose their sight yearly. Reasons include disease, accidents or old age. Diseases include PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy), diabetes, glaucoma, etc. Accidents include being hit by a car or fireworks. When such a thing happens, both the dog and his master will experience a difficult time. Accepting the situation, figuring out what to do next and moving on can take some time. When moving on, however, it can create a new bond between you and your dog, one that is stronger and deeper.
Of course, there are adjustments to the lifestyle of both the owner and his dog. If your dog suffers from PRA, which is a genetic condition, he will lose his sight gradually. While this is a horrifying diagnostic, it also means that smell and hearing become sharper, and help him compensate with losing the ability to see.
The great thing about dogs is that they adapt quite fast to new circumstances. Not effortless, but fast. Their aptitudes are strong, but that doesn’t mean you can’t help them adjust. There are a few things to consider. For instance, don’t move the furniture in your house, or if you really have to, don’t move it often. Your dog navigates your house by using his memory and can learn where large objects are placed around.
If you do move your furniture, help the dog learn the new object placements until he feels again comfortable with the environment. Get creative with different smells and textured materials. This will help the dog know in what room he is in. It’s not particularly hard to do either, as sometimes something as simple as an object emitting a strong, pleasant odor that is strategically placed is enough to help guide your dog.
The power of a gentle touch and voice is not something to be underestimated. It is reassuring to the dog and it gives him feelings of safety and affection. A blind dog’s sense of smell is strong, as is his hearing. He can easily trace the placement of his food or water bowl. Having running water can also help the dog trace the source faster. You can use a simple fountain with a large bowl.
Training a blind dog is still important, and you will find it’s not as hard as it might appear at first. They are already relying on their other sense and are more eager to learn. Voice commands will have much more authority for him. Blind dogs understand the importance of training, the need for rules and structure better than normal dogs, since it will make their lives a lot easier.
Living with a blind dog isn’t easy, as it requires more commitment, but it doesn’t mean you and your dog cannot be happy. If you are both dedicated, you will find out that living with a blind dog isn’t any harder than living with a healthy one.
