Page 16 - Spring 25 FINAL

Diagnosis find their way around furniture and

As there are many different causes of through doorways, so try to keep things
blindness, the tests your dog might need the same. Keep walkways tidy and clear
can vary. An ophthalmoscope (an of trip hazards so they don’t fall over.
instrument that can look into the eye) If you do need to make a change in your
may be used to assess the whole eye home, guide them around the new

(front and back) for issues. Your vet may layout several times to help them learn
also use a ‘tonometer’, an instrument to the new route through the room. You can
measure the pressures in your dog’s eyes also leave a radio playing softly near
to check for glaucoma. where they sleep. The sound coming

Your vet may suggest further tests for from the same place will help them to
example taking a blood sample to see if orientate themselves.
there are any underlying issues. Your vet Keep their food and water bowls in the

may suggest a CT scan to check if there same place – Moving your dog’s food
are any underlying issues with your dog’s and water bowl somewhere new could
brain. confuse them. If you need to move their

Treatment things, guide them to the new location a
Blindness in dogs is usually permanent. few times to help them adjust.
Your vet will be able to guide you on your Dog-proof your home – Remove any
dog’s individual prognosis. furniture with sharp edges or pad the

If your dog has lost their vision and their corners. Make sure wires and other trip

eye is still painful, your vet may advise hazards are tucked away and your dog
enucleation surgery, where your dog’s can't accidentally bump into anything hot
eye is removed to allow them to lead a or dangerous, like a wood burning stove
pain-free life. or fireplace. If you need to restrict your
dog to safer areas of the house, you
Caring for a blind dog
If you've been told your dog is losing could consider using a baby gate.

their sight, or if you're thinking about Familiar smells – Dogs use their sense of
adopting a blind dog, there are some smell much more than we do so you
simple things you can do to help them consider avoiding air fresheners or
adjust. scented products in case it masks the
familiar smells your dog is used to.
A lot of owners worry about how their
dog will cope with blindness but luckily, Ring a bell – When you take your dog for
most dogs adapt really well and continue a walk, try wearing a small bell. This

to live happy lives. 'jingle' will help your dog to know where
you are at all times. If you have another
Keep your home the same – Don’t make
any sudden changes to the layout of your dog, try attaching a small bell to their
home – your dog will gradually learn to collar, your blind dog may use them as a
guide (cat collar bells are ideal).

info@bedlingtonrescue.co.uk www.bedlingtonrescue.co.uk