Canine Vision Loss Symptoms

Canines can become visually impaired at any point during their lifetimes. In dogs, partial or full loss of sight can be caused by various problems including cataracts, corneal ulcers, diabetes, glaucoma, old age and entropion---a condition in which the eyelashes rub against and damage the eyeball. Owners of dogs of any age should be aware of the signs of canine vision loss and get their dog's eyes checked promptly if any symptoms appear, to ensure that the vision loss is not a result of a potentially serious health issue.

  1. Behavioral Changes

    • According to the Vet Info website, vision loss can cause a dog to become hesitant when entering unfamiliar territory or entering a dark room. Other behavioral changes that can occur include reacting startled or becoming aggressive, even to the dog's owners or members of the family with whom the dog comes into regular contact.

    Changes in Sleep Patterns

    • Some dogs that are suffering from vision loss may begin to sleep more or have altered sleeping patterns.

    Clumsiness

    • Pet Side states that dogs who lose their sight may become clumsy. Evidence of this can be seen by the dog bumping into furniture or walls or having problems going up and down stairs.

    Difficulty Finding Objects

    • Canine vision loss can result in the dog having increased difficulty finding items that it regularly uses, for example, its water bowl, food bowl or bed.

    Discharge

    • According to Go Pets America, a discharge from or crust around the eyes may also signify a vision problem in the affected canine. The type of discharge or crust can vary from dog to dog, depending on the source of the crust; for example, in some dogs this discharge may be green, whereas other dogs may have a yellow or brown colored crust.

    Lenses

    • Specific diseases that cause canine blindness or poor vision, such as cataracts, can cause a clouding, hazing or a general gray color to be visible in the lenses of the dog's eyes.

    Loss of Interest

    • Loss of vision can result in an affected dog's corresponding loss of interest in favorite play time activities, toys or even food.

    Pawing at the Eyes

    • Vet Info adds that canine eye problems that result in vision loss can also be physically irritating to the dog. Therefore, the owner may notice that their dog is pawing at the eyes or rubbing its face along furniture, the floor or its bed.

    Physical Changes to the Eyes

    • Symptoms of canine vision loss are not always related to general movement of the dog, but can be actual physical changes to the eye itself. According to Pet Care &Health and Go Pets America this includes redness, change in pupil color or enlarged eyeballs.