Many people think that as dogs age, they naturally develop cataracts, but this isn't true. Dogs get what is called "old dog eyes." The medical term is nuclear sclerosis and does not affect the eyesight terribly; dogs see as if looking through a pair of dirty glasses. With true cataracts, vision is greatly affected. It can strike at any age but it is not a common condition. Cataracts are typically inherited or can be a sign of another disease such as diabetes.
Instructions
Observe your dog to see if she is running into things or suddenly does not want to climb stairs or jump on things she normally had in the past--this can mean she is having trouble seeing. She also may begin squinting her eyes, which can also be a sign she is struggling to see.
Inspect your dog's eyes in bright lighting such as a florescent or in midday light. If you notice a bluish, white or gray color, it could be cataracts, particularly in a younger dog. Redness or inflammation in the eyes can also be a sign of cataracts.
Take your dog to your veterinarian if you notice any signs of cataracts. Unfortunately, there is no cure to completely restore the lost vision. Your vet can remove the cataracts, but vision will still be impaired. Your dog can live a full life even with impaired vision, just as people do. The key is to keep things in his environment the same as much as possible; moving furniture can cause a lot of unneeded stress. When you move furniture or you introduce new pieces, lead your dog to it so he can adjust to where it is located.