Canine Symptoms of Blindness

Some of the same eye diseases affecting humans also affect dogs, such as glaucoma and cataracts. Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a common form of blindness where the tissue around the retina shrinks and the dog gradually becomes blind. Suddenly Acquired Retinal Degeneration (SARDS) is blindness that can occur in a matter of days or weeks. Symptoms of canine blindness can be subtle at first, and owners may not realize their dog is losing sight.

  1. Night Blindness

    • Progressive retinal atrophy causes the pupils to become dilated, and one of the first symptoms is difficulty seeing in low light or darkness. Karen Belfi of the Blind Dog Rescue Alliance (BDRA) states that clumsiness and being easily startled is often the first thing owners notice, especially in low light. Like several eye disorders, PRA is genetic, and responsible breeders test and register their dogs with the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) before breeding them.

    Inability to Find Things

    • You may notice a dog that is losing sight will "miss" its water or food bowl, or a thrown toy or treat tossed on the ground. Because their other senses quickly take over, dogs adapt very well to disabilities like blindness and you may not realize your dog is becoming blind until its sight is very impaired. Instead of relying on sight to locate food or water, the dog may appear to hunt around for it because it is using smell instead of sight.

    Lower Energy

    • Belfi suggests you consider your dog may be becoming blind if it loses interest in playing or running like usual. A dog losing sight may start running or walking more slowly. As they lose sight, some dogs become cautious and unwilling to put themselves at risk until they figure out how to get around. Once they learn how to navigate, they do just fine.

    Becoming Lost

    • Dogs memorize familiar surroundings quickly, and onlookers may not realize a completely blind dog cannot see because the dog manages so well. In the early stages, or if furniture is moved around, you may notice your dog getting "lost" and disoriented in your house or yard, or bumping into things.

    Appearance

    • Glaucoma and cataracts develop slowly. Both of these conditions may be treatable, and glaucoma can be very painful. Belfi recommends taking your dog to the veterinarian if its eyes become cloudy or start bulging. Other signs of blindness are pupils that stay open (they eyes may look almost black) instead of narrowing when the dog is in bright light, unusual reflections from your dog's eyes---often noticeable in flash photographs. Senior dogs may develop lenticular sclerosis, which has the same hazy appearance as cataracts but is part of the normal aging process and does not affect the dog's vision. Your veterinarian can evaluate your dog's eyes and tell you whether there is anything to worry about.

    Puppy Blindness

    • Puppies can be born blind, or develop blindness shortly after birth. Because they have never had sight, blind puppies typically act and play like completely normal puppies, except they will appear somewhat clumsy and may be unwilling to go up or down stairs until taught that it's safe. Puppies develop acute senses of smell and hearing from an early age, and, with a little guidance, they can have fulfilling and active lives.