How to Care for a Blind Dog

Some dogs go blind with old age, some from illness or injury and some are simply born that way. A blind dog can manage to function just as well as any other pet; they just need a little extra help and consideration. Whether your dog has recently gone blind, or you're buying or adopting a blind dog to bring into your home, there are several steps you can take to make its life easier.

Things You'll Need

  • Small bells
  • Stair gate
  • Aromatherapy oils
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Attach a small bell to your shoe or pant leg -- and get anyone who lives with you to do the same -- and to the collars of any other dogs or cats in the house, if there are any. This well let your dog know when someone is near.

    • 2

      Put a stair gate at the bottom of the stairs if your house has more than one story. A blind dog shouldn't go upstairs unsupervised; the falling hazard is too great.

    • 3

      Wipe a small amount of aromatherapy oil on any vertical surface, both inside and outside, such as door frames and furniture. This will help guide your dog so it can avoid collision hazards.

    • 4

      Keep all your furniture and your dog's food and water bowls in the same place. Your dog will quickly learn where everything is and will get confused if you move things around.

    • 5

      Look for anything, both inside and in the yard, that could poke your dog in the eye or otherwise cause harm, then move or remove it.

    • 6

      Take your dog for walks on a leash. A retractable leash will allow the dog some running freedom without being endangered by its sightlessness.