How Can You Tell if Your Dog is Going Blind?

Emma's four-legged fur-baby, Rocky, started showing some odd behavior. It started out small, like missing a step or two, or taking an unexpected detour into the coffee table. Once a champ at fetch and squirrel-chasing, it seemed like Rocky was all of a sudden bumping into all sorts of things!

Emma initially chalked it up to him being a bit clumsy, but then, these little mishaps became more frequent. Being the ever-concerned dog mom, she couldn't shake off her worry, so she took Rocky to the vet, just to rule out anything serious. The diagnosis? Rocky was gradually going blind.

Should I Be Worried if My Dog is Going Blind?

Just because your dog's vision is deteriorating doesn't mean they can't have a happy, joyful life! On the contrary, vision loss will only heighten your dog's other senses, helping them develop new ways of communicating with you. Also, it will bring you and your dog closer together, solidifying your bond in a new way. Now is the time to tap into your creativity and work together to build new bridges between yourself and your furry friend!

Today's article will teach dog parents how to recognize vision loss symptoms and approach this issue proactively. With enough attention and patience, you'll successfully manage or treat your dog's diminishing sight issues, helping them enjoy an amazing life for years to come!

The 3 Types of Blindness in Dogs

Canine blindness falls into three categories:

1. Complete blindness (when your dog's eyesight is completely lost)
2. Intermittent blindness (when your dog's vision deteriorates and improves unexpectedly)
3. Partial blindness (when your dog can still discern shapes and light or has only one affected eye)

Are Cases of Sudden Blindness Common?

In most cases, dogs experience vision loss over long stretches of time (months or years). Therefore, unless your dog has received a major injury or trauma, blindness is mostly gradual, giving pet parents ample time to notice the signs and treat/manage it.

Behavioral Signs of Blindness in Dogs

Early signs of behavioral changes will help you notice the signs of vision loss.

Anxiety

Anxiety will be your dog's first response to these unexpected circumstances. For example, their behavior will change in new environments because they're unsure of their surroundings, so don't expect them to run or barge in new spaces the way they used to.

Likewise, partially blind dogs will refrain from climbing up and down the stairs and jumping on and off the furniture to avoid injury.

Finally, your dog will start getting more anxious when other dogs around them move too quickly and may be startled when petted from behind or woken up.

Depression

Feelings of anxiety are often followed by depression. With their old routines thrown out of order, blind dogs lose their physical and mental stimulation. As a result, their energy levels sink as their sleep time increases.

Other dogs respond to vision loss with aggression in order to keep everyone away from them and hide their weakness.

Physical Signs of Blindness in Dogs

The most common physical signs of vision loss in dogs include:

1. Cloudy eyes: The cornea or the lens is no longer clear, resulting in an appearance of cloudiness in the eyes.
2. Eye spots: They point toward both potential blindness or other medical disorders.
3. Redness and swelling: In or around the eyes, particularly when exposed to light.
4. Squinting: During exposure to light.
5. The absence of direct eye contact from your dog.
6. Your dog is constantly bumping into household items, such as furniture.

What Dog Breeds are Predisposed to Blindness?

Aside from the various factors influencing the onset of canine blindness, the dog breeds at risk of vision impairment are:

• Boston Terriers
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
• Cocker Spaniels
• English Springer Spaniels
• Golden Retrievers
• Labrador Retrievers
• Old English Sheepdogs
• Poodles
• Pugs
• Rottweilers
• Schnauzers
• Shih Tzus
• Siberian Huskies
• Yorkshire Terriers

How To Test Your Dog's Eyesight

Consulting a veterinary ophthalmologist is the most effective way to gauge the health of your dog's eyes. But before scheduling an appointment with your vet, we recommend considering the following three DIY tests to get a better understanding of your dog's eye health:

1. Direct inspection: Inspect your dog's eyes with the help of a flashlight. Look for lenticular sclerosis (that is, the thickening of the sclera) or cataracts.
2. Menace reflex test: To perform the menace reflex test, pretend to poke your dog's eye with a finger. As the finger approaches their eye, your dog will naturally blink or move away. The test will ascertain your dog's vision health and response to danger.
3. Cotton ball test: Grab a cotton ball (or any other noiseless and scentless object) and hold it up to your dog's visual field. Toss it in any direction and see if your dog reacts. The absence of a visual reaction might denote partial or complete blindness.

Do not use the results of these DIY tests to come up with an official diagnosis, as they have certain limitations. For example, your dog might simply not care about the cotton ball and therefore be completely ignorant of it. Leave diagnosis to a veterinary ophthalmologist.

Why Do Dogs Go Blind?

The development of blindness will generally take several months or even years — it rarely is a sudden process. Your dog will gradually experience vision loss as part of the normal aging process, during which time pet parents can identify the early signs of blindness and, with the help of your vet, devise a proactive plan of action.

From a medical perspective, the conditions that may cause partial or permanent blindness in dogs are:

Cataracts

Cataracts are the opacity visible in dogs' eye lenses. They generally start small, taking up the entire lens when untreated. Cataracts block the dog's pupil, preventing light from entering and stimulating the retina.

Dogs can develop cataracts in one or both eyes. Most cases are believed to be hereditary, although they might also form as a response to trauma or a complication of diabetes.

Research has uncovered that 50% of diabetic dogs develop cataracts 5 months after diagnosis, 75% within a year, and 80% within one and a half years.

Cataracts are more common in older dogs, although younger ones are not impervious to this medical condition. Certain medications and supplements will help slow cataract development. In more severe cases, surgical cataract removal and intraocular lens implants are the only way to restore vision.

Chronic Dry Eye Disease

Also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), chronic dry eye occurs when the dog's eyes do not produce the proper amount of tears.

Without the constant lubrication provided by tears, your dog's body will do a variety of things to try to relieve the discomfort and provide protection, such as thick mucus production and the gradual infiltration of vessels, pigment, and tissue over the surface of the eye. All of these mechanisms will hamper your dog's sight.

KCS is manageable with regular application of eye medications. If you notice that your dog is squinting, rubbing their eyes, or exhibiting pus-like discharge around the eyes, schedule a visit to the veterinary ophthalmologist.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is an ophthalmological disorder described as the buildup of fluid inside the eye. The presence of this fluid increases the intraocular pressure (IOP), causing the eye to gradually bulge. Without regular drainage, the aqueous fluid exerts more and more pressure on the eye, causing pain and discomfort and impairing your dog's sight. This condition can result in permanent vision loss unless treated promptly.

Your dog's eyes will need glaucoma medication to relieve the intraocular pressure. In severe cases, a veterinary ophthalmologist will perform surgery to remove the affected eye.

Hypertension

High blood pressure puts additional pressure on the already delicate retina, potentially leading to partial or complete blindness.

Pannus

Pannus — or chronic superficial keratitis — is a hereditary, immune-mediated condition causing pigment growth and increased vascularization in the retina. Ultraviolet light, high altitudes, and smoke are common triggers of pannus.

Medication is necessary to manage this condition, which might cause permanent blindness in dogs if left untreated.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) causes the gradual degeneration of the retina, resulting in vision loss.

Your dog can experience either an early onset (that is, as early as two months of age) or a late onset (that is, middle to adult-aged dogs) of this condition. Unfortunately, progressive retinal atrophy is a genetic disease with no known cure to date.

Untreated Infections

In extreme cases, any untreated infection in or surrounding the eye can impact your dog's eyesight.

How to Care for a Blind Dog

Although the thought of caring for a blind dog can be disquieting, there's no reason to give up. Unlike humans, dogs don't take the vision loss so hard; they still have their strong senses of smell and hearing to make their way around! If you're ready to adapt and become your dog's eyes, then there's enough light at the end of this dark tunnel!

First, a blind dog needs stability at home to thrive. Blind dogs have to relearn their way around the house every time a piece of furniture gets moved, and not without a loud bang! Therefore, take a mental picture of what the house looked like before your dog went blind, and keep it so.

Even the littlest of things such as a flooring change can impact your dog's depth perception. For example, switching from a light to a dark carpet could disorient your partially blind dog, deterring them from walking over it.

Be sure to equip your dog with a halo harness during the early stages of your dog's blindness or when moving furniture around to prevent any accidents. Also, if you have a basement, put up a gate to keep your dog from falling downstairs.

Another way to protect eyes is to have the dog wear protective goggles when outside so they do not walk into shrubs or sticks or get sand blown up in their face.

Don't Leave a Blind Dog By Themselves!

Second, dogs with vision problems mustn't be allowed outside by themselves. The outdoors — even your own yard — is subject to constant changes and hazards your dog might become aware of the hard way. Always keep a close eye on your dog when leaving the safety of your home.

Explore New Environments Step by Step

Just because your dog has vision problems doesn't mean they can't be part of the fun! Are you planning an exciting adventure? Let your dog partake in the action, but remember to introduce them to new experiences slowly and carefully.

For example, if you're in a new house, let your dog map out the smallest room (e.g., a bathroom), then move on to the rest of the place. This is important because if you suddenly let them loose in a house they've never been in before, they can get hurt.

How About a Seeing-Eye Dog?

Seeing-eye dogs help more than just us humans. A blind dog will benefit tremendously from another four-legged partner to spend time with and act as a pack leader. And there's no dog better suited for this task than one from a herding breed!

Help Your Blind Dog Find Their Pack!

The safety provided by a pack will only strengthen a blind dog's confidence. But what if your dog cannot find their pack members? The solution is simple: attach noisy tags or bells to the dogs' collars! The sound will help guide your dog toward the pack, preventing them from getting lost.

Soothe Your Dog's Anxiety by Talking to Them!

In the past, your visible presence was enough to put your dog's anxiety at ease. Now, with the sense of sight out of the picture, your voice will be doing all the hard work.

So, talk to your dog as much as possible, especially when you're in their presence. Focusing on verbal communication will help your dog learn more commands and strengthen the bond between the two of you!

Can You Use Nutrition to Prevent Blindness?

Just like in humans, maintaining a fit and healthy lifestyle can do wonders for your dog! Keep their weight in check and make sure they get enough exercise, which can ward off nasty health issues like diabetes and even lower the risk of cancer. It's also healthy to shield your pup's eyes from the sun to lessen the odds of cataracts creeping in.

Giving your furry friend a nourishing diet that's packed with whole, fresh, and well-hydrated food is another big win for their eye health. This type of diet will provide them with all those important nutrients that act as bodyguards for their eyes!

1. Blueberries

Blueberries are truly a boon for your eyes. They're packed with two crucial carotenoids for eye health — lutein and zeaxanthin — but that's not all! These delicious little berries also have anthocyanins, a type of phytonutrient that's been shown to boost night vision.

Blueberries are also loaded with flavonoids such as rutin, resveratrol, and quercetin, which could be your dog's best bet in preventing macular degeneration. Not to mention, blueberries are a good source of selenium and zinc, both of which have got your dog's vision's back.

And the cherry on top? Munching on blueberries can even help lessen the strain on your dog's eyes!

2. Broccoli

Not only does broccoli pack a punch with its anti-cancer benefits, but it also stands tall as one of the best veggies for keeping your eyes in top shape. It's a powerhouse of lutein and zeaxanthin and crammed with beta-carotene to boot.

Want a simple, nutritious side dish? Just dunk some broccoli florets in boiling water for a couple of minutes, let them cool, and you're good to go. And don't be hasty to discard those leaves — they're even richer in beta-carotene than the stems and florets!

Broccoli and its sprouts are known defenders of the retina, providing protection against the damage caused by free radicals. This might be thanks to a sneaky compound called sulforaphane, which gives your body's defenses a serious leg-up against free radicals.

3. Carrots

Carrots are like the superheroes of the veggie world!

Picture this: over 100 varieties, donning colors from mystic purple and white to the iconic, vivid orange that we all know and love. Each of these little powerhouses is like a treasure chest bursting with nutrients that work wonders for your dog's peepers. We’re talking a cocktail of pro- vitamin A, beta-carotene, vitamins B to K (yeah, almost the whole alphabet), riboflavin, niacin, and a band of minerals like calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and more.

That age-old saying that carrots are buddies with your eyes? It's legit! Plus, carrots come armed with lycopene and lutein, these cool phytonutrients that guard the eyes against the pesky UVB radiation and the mischief of free radicals.

4. Cold Water Fish

Fish like salmon, tuna, cod, haddock, and the humble sardine are jam-packed with Omega-3 essential fatty acids. They're like the VIPs of cellular health, especially EPA and DHA, two of the star players in the Omega-3 league.

Fun fact, DHA takes up a whopping 30% of all the fatty acids that make up the retina. And sardines? They're like the secret service for your eyes with their sky-high levels of Omega-3 that lend some serious defense against macular degeneration.

5. Eggs

Let's talk about eggs, which are packed with cysteine and sulfur, two key players in the production of glutathione. This might shed some light on why sulfur-rich compounds are like bodyguards for our eyes, shielding them from cataract formation.

Now, the yolk is where it gets even more interesting. It's loaded with lutein, and diets that are lutein-rich could mean a lower risk of stumbling into the path of macular degeneration.

The zeaxanthin found in eggs is like another badge of honor for eye health. A study from the University of Massachusetts in 2006 found out that munching on an egg a day increased lutein and zeaxanthin levels in the blood, helping lower the risk of age-related macular degeneration.

6. Garlic

Garlic, renowned for its high sulfur content, plays a vital role in synthesizing glutathione, a significant protein acting as an antioxidant for your eye's lens. Glutathione has been deemed crucial in warding off certain vision issues.

7. Kale

This verdant vegetable is packed with lutein and zeaxanthin, potent antioxidants. According to the American Optometric Association, these unique substances function akin to "built-in sun shades." Combined with beta-carotene, you have the ideal nourishment that helps shield against oxidative stress!

8. Pumpkin

The vibrant orange hue of pumpkins is a clear indicator of their high content of carotenoids like beta-carotene, which helps to combat harmful free radicals.

Additionally, the lutein and zeaxanthin found in pumpkins also contribute to eye health, further establishing them as a whole food that defends against macular degeneration.

Not to be overlooked, pumpkin seeds also come with numerous benefits, such as Omega-3, zinc, and phytosterols, all of which bolster your dog's immune response.

9. Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are among the healthiest foods globally and offer a multitude of benefits. Packed with beta-carotene, they are an ideal selection for safeguarding ocular health.

A mere seven minutes of steaming sweet potatoes can optimally enhance their capacity to promote canine wellness.

Furthermore, sweet potatoes are enriched with anthocyanins, potent compounds known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities.

10. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are packed with two nutrients vital for eye health: lycopene and lutein.

Notably, lycopene, a potent antioxidant, is found in red fruits and vegetables and serves as a protective shield against macular degeneration. Its effectiveness in preventing cancer is well-documented, and it also aids in safeguarding the eyes from sun-induced damage.

Lycopene's bioavailability is further enhanced when tomatoes are cooked with a smidge of first-pressed extra virgin olive oil, thus amplifying the body's capacity to absorb and utilize this critical eye-supporting compound.

Help Your Dog Cope With Their Loss of Vision!

Loss of vision is not the end of the world for a dog! They will cope with the absence of sight, adjust to the new reality, and learn how to keep enjoying life by heightening their remaining senses. And with a patient, loving parent by their side, they'll feel like they haven't lost anything at all! For more advice on dog nutrition, health, and training, make sure that you contact us and check out our blog!

Volhard Dog Nutrition and its expert nutritionists are now offering online consultations to help more dog parents discover why, what, and how to feed their dogs the healthiest of foods! Speaking to a Volhard nutritionist will help you understand the inseparable relationship between healthy food, a healthy body, and a healthy mind. If you're interested in contacting one of our Volhard nutritionists, don't hesitate to access our consultation page!

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