If you’re caring for a blind dog, asking yourself what to do with a blind dog, is it safe to take your little friend for long walks? The answer is – absolutely! In fact, you should do all you can to make sure your daily walks with your blind dog don’t change or stop. According to the American Kennel Club, all dogs rely heavily on routine to make it through the day, and this goes double for any animal with limited sight.
Just because your dog’s vision is impaired doesn’t mean his or her life should be any different or any less enjoyable. Dogs use multiple senses to explore the world, and sight is only one of them. They can still have fun and feel the excitement, so it’s important to keep them exposed to what’s outside. This will always give them something to look forward to.
A Blind Dog Should Be an Active Dog
If your dog is losing its sight, there’s going to be an adjustment period ahead when living with a blind dog. Not just for your pet, but for you. You may notice your dog bumping into objects or furniture. You may notice your furry friend has suddenly lost interest in things, such as playing or running about. This is common behavior when a dog’s vision begins to disintegrate. These are signs of depression, and it’s your job to jump in there and remind your dog that there’s still plenty of things to enjoy.
Long walks are a prime example. Your dog’s inability to see is no excuse for not taking him out for daily exploration. While the path you take won’t be easy for your pet to see, it will be easy to taste, hear, and smell. There are all kinds of scents and sounds outdoors that your dog will be curious about. How will he ever know they exist if you don’t strap on his leash and show him?
A male dog, for instance, will pick up scents from other animals that have been around. This will get his senses tingling, and he’ll sniff out that rock, tree, or fire hydrant his counterpart has marked. Once he finds it, he’ll do the same.
This is a small way of showing dominance and maintaining his place in the world, so stopping him from taking part in walks or outdoor activities could have negative effects on his confidence. No matter what the ailment is, you want your baby to stay strong, healthy, and mentally stimulated, so keep him walking and “adventuring” regularly.
How to Help Blind Dogs Get Around
You’ll want to keep a watchful eye on your dog to make sure he’s safe, and fitting your dog with a halo could potentially take some of the worries off your shoulders. A halo extends beyond your dog’s head to ensure that whatever’s nearby doesn’t cause an injury. The halo runs into objects first, keeping your dog safe no matter where he (or she) happens to wander.
A halo will give you a sense of relief and allow your blind dog to travel over brush, between sofas, and through any other spot that’s around.
Muffin’s Halo strives to ensure your dog lives life to the fullest every day. Call us at (818) 943-9673 or email us muffinshalo@gmail.com for more information about our products.
A blind dog doesn’t deserve to have his walking routines disrupted due to an affliction. Maintain regular walks with your pet to keep his spirits up.