Page 17 - Spring 25 FINAL

Talk to your dog – your voice is useful to smell. There are lots of scent-based

help your dog know you are close by. games you can play with dogs, although
Always talk to your dog before stroking these might take a bit of training and
them or putting a lead or harness on, this practice. You can buy toys which you can
will help them to know something is stuff with tasty treats that your blind pet
about to happen and prevent them from can sniff out. Rubber balls with a bell

getting startled. You could also talk to inside are great for ball-orientated dogs,
them on walks to warn them of and the sound helps them to track their
upcoming hazards for example kerbs. play-thing.
,
Be their lookout on walks and in the Outlook
garden – Outside the house, keep a Your dog’s outlook will depend on why
lookout for anything that might be they have lost their sight, if their health is
dangerous for your dog, such as low otherwise affected, and how they cope

hanging branches, thorns, uneven with their loss of vision. Dogs tend to
surfaces or drainage grates. Make sure cope well with losing their sight slowly
your garden is safe. You could try putting and can often still lead a long, happy life.
up a wind chime near the door to help However, sudden loss of vision can be

them 'map' out the area and guide them extremely stressful and difficult to cope
when they want to come back in. with. If you or your dog are struggling to

Keep the lead on – It's best to keep your cope, sadly, there may be some instances
dog on a lead during walks. Only let them where it may be kindest to
off the lead in secure, enclosed spaces. consider putting them to sleep.

Check the area for potential dangers to When to contact your vet
make sure your dog will be safe. Let Contact your vet if you notice any

other people know that your dog can't changes with your dog’s eyes, or if you
see so they don't reach out suddenly and think they are having problems with their
startle them. Harnesses are much kinder vision.
to your dog’s neck and eyes, and also Some causes of blindness can be painful
allow better control if you’re helping to for your dog and many eye issues can be
steer them away from hazards. easier to treat the earlier they are

Get a special collar, tag or lead – You diagnosed, so it is best to contact your

could buy a collar, tag or lead that states vet as soon as you notice any changes.
that they are blind so that anyone who You know your dog best, always contact
comes into contact with them, will know your vet if you’re concerned.
straight away.

Try new toys – If your dog has lost For further information, check out the
interest in their old toys or is struggling PDSA website.

to play the games they used to, make the
most of their keen sense of hearing and

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