Adapting to Your Dogs Loss of Vision
The morning of August 13th I noticed my 8 year old shih tzu poodle, Stuart looking at me from a squinting right eye. Over the next hour I continued to observe and speak to him. He was very responsive, however his squint persisted. I couldn’t leave him alone like this all day not knowing what was wrong – if only they could speak! So I picked up the phone, cancelled my day and made an appointment with Stuart’s vet.
Turns out Stuart had developed primary glaucoma as it is common in both the poodle and shih tzu breeds. For those who are not familiar with glaucoma, it essentially raises pressure in the eye causing pain similar to that of a migraine. Normal pressure ranges from 15-25…Stuart’s right eye was at 88! We were instructed to see an eye care specialist to bring the pressure down at which point I was informed that he had not only developed glaucoma but that it also caused him to lose vision in his right eye. As if that weren’t bad enough, it was also very common for the other eye to also develop glaucoma within 8 months of the first eye. For 7 months we monitored the pressure in both eyes and administered drops to the right eye. Then, the evening of March 17th, Stuart appeared to be in a state of confusion as he tried to jump off of the couch. I placed him on the floor and observed him as he nudged into everything. I was certain he lost his vision in his left eye. My heart broke for a moment and then I remembered he feels everything I do. I needed to be okay for him to be okay and we were going to be okay. The next day I rushed him to the specialist where they confirmed a pressure spike in his left eye caused him to lose his vision.
April 4th, 2019, Stuart had the intrascleral prosthesis procedure which essentially removes the eye tissue and is replaced with a silicon prosthesis. The next few days, weeks and months were both a challenge and inspiring time. For those who have blind dogs, or dogs who are losing their vision here are some re-training tips that have made Stuarts road to recovery successful. I hope you find these helpful:
Stay positive! They feel everything you feel and this is probably the most important tip as it will make the journey to healing easier.
Don’t move furniture unless you have to in order to make it easier for them to map and navigate. But once you move it…try to not move it again.
If your dog sleeps with you lower your bed and if you don’t have one already get an ottoman for them to hop onto if your bed is still too high.
It’s important that they stay hydrated, check out water fountain bowls online. A fountain bowl will allow them to hear the stream of water so they can easily find their bowl. Here is the one I purchased.
Don’t change your day to day routine. Dogs are creatures of habit. If they have already lost their vision then there is no sense in changing their routine.
If you haven’t already teach them words like left, right, and careful. You will be amazed how well they adapt and really listen to you.
Some use “baby proof” materials in their homes. I did not because Stuart had this place mapped in no time. Sometimes I even question if he is blind.
If your pup needs one a Halo can be used as well, though they may not need it. I recommend a little re-training first.
Let them tell you what they need. They have a way of communicating with you. Stuart will still “stare” at me when he wants his walk.
Dog doors – this was a challenge as Stuart stopped using them as soon as he lost his vision. Makes me wonder if it also had anything to do with the fact that I was terrified he would find himself outside and not know how to get back in. See first bullet – they feel everything! After doing a little research I went out and bought a small rug and cut it up into four pieces and placed one piece on each side of the two dog doors. I also glued an essential oil pad with lavender to the door. He lost his vision, his sense of touch and smell are intact! With a few treat prompts he was back at using the dog doors.
For dogs that still have their eyes owners can try doggles. We have a pair…but Stuart doesn’t particularly like anything touching his face so I spare him that effort.
Toys are an essential and there are several kinds of toys to engage your blind pooch. Snuffle mats, sensory balls, wobble wag ball, and babble ball are a few suggestions.
Interacting with other dogs can also be intimidating at first. Re-introduce them to their friends as most friendly dogs will sniff around their face and recognize via smell that your dog is visually impaired.
If you are worried that your fur baby will fall off of the bed, purchase a few half moon pillows. I purchased two long pillows and one small pillow to create an “L” shape on the bed so he knows where the foot of the bed and ottoman are for him to get down. Worked like a charm!
Talk to them, often.
Join a blind dogs community group on Facebook.
This goes without saying – LOVE AND CUDDLES.
It has been 9 months since his surgery. I watch Stuart everyday in wonderment as he is truly inspiring. While he may have lost his vision, his disposition and personality have not shifted. He is still the same playful, curious and loving dog he has always been.
I hope you find value in these tips, leave me a note in the comments section with your stories, questions and feedback. Remember….they see with their hearts too.