Owning a dog is a lifetime commitment. Sadly, some dogs develop blindness or other sensory problems with age. Others have been abused by previous owners and rescued for a better life - - but not without some leftover problems, including loss of vision in one or both eyes.
The Top 5 Tips For Living With A Blind Dog
Living with any pet takes compromise because you obviously have to consider him or her when you go out, plan a vacation, move home and so on. However, living with a blind dog is a completely different kettle of fish. Living with a blind dog takes more compromise for owners because you also have to bear in mind that he or she is unable to see. Contrary to popular belief, blind dogs make excellent companions but you do have to do a little research as to how you can live in harmony whilst fulfilling all of your dog’s wants and needs. The five tips below will give you a great start:
1. Remember that dogs with a full compliment of senses and those without are incredibly resilient. As such, do not feel sorry for your dog because that emotion is redundant. They will just get on with it and so should you.
2. When living with a blind dog, it is important to provide a consistent environment so do not leave things lying around.
3. Start training at the earliest opportunity so you can establish a code of conduct for your dog.
4. Use touch to reassure your dog regularly as this will give him or her a sense of comfort. This especially applies to older dogs that have gone blind.
5. Know your dog’s limitations. Living with a blind dog may not always be easy because he or she may not be able to do everything an able bodied dog can do but more often than not he will try!
Tags: Blind Dog Tips
