Pet Blindness Tips and Info
We shouldn't pay professional fees for merely time and/or guessing, but correct diagnosis and solutions.
Interesting and Encouraging Facts
Dogs are born blind and are blind puppies for a while. Animals prefer smell and hearing over sight as that's how they interpret the world the most
Many animals have whiskers that help them interpret their surroundings
There are many species are naturally completely blind (deep ocean, bats, etc.) or partially blind (rhinoceroses)
Animal Blindness Has Benefits!
You will have to spend more time closely nursing your companion. This brings the two of you closer than ever.Animals quickly adapt and well to blindness. It doesn't really bother them as long as they know you are there to guide them.Animals spend half their lives sleeping; therefore during half their lives during blindness, sight doesn't matter.
No more worries about cataracts or glaucoma
Tips on Dealing with Animal Blindness
For the first few weeks, the animal will need someone with it 24/7 to keep it safe and comfortable until it adjusts.Guard from injuryBlock off all areas the animal can fall down. Install "baby bumps" / bubble wrap on anything hard or sharp the animal can bump into.When walking the pet, do not engage in anything distracting (cell phone, etc.), especially in low light or near drop-offs. It only takes one second of distraction for your pet to run into something or fall. Be mindful the pet only walks straight when you guide it. Don't get complacent with distractions.It's sometimes OK for them to meet other unfamiliar pets, but not always. Ask the owner if it will be gentle with a blind dog. Then you must concentrate on the meeting of the two pets and be ready to pull yours away from danger (the stranger pet may suddenly lunge or claw at your blind dog's face, especially boxers). Walk often since they can no longer play, but with a short leash, ready to pull from dangers (falling off cliffs, bumping into things). Be especially cautious of things head level such as picnic tables which are very hard and have pointed edges. Blind animals have a tendency to rapidly change direction and walk fast; in such cases they will quickly injure their head or eyes on a picnic table seat, etc.They will defecate almost anywhere since they no longer know the difference. You will need to keep closer attention and have a poop bag ready at all times; when they stoop, you stoop also and hold the bag ready to catch the mess so it won't end up on flooring or pavement which would be very difficult to clean up.Buy a PetSafe Easysport harness (has a handle) to lift them as needed to keep them from tripping, etc. Cautions:Make sure it is snug, but not too tight and make sure all the snaps snap in place completely to avoid slip and drop!Keep track of how often they drink: Don't allow dehydration. If they seem to want something, hold their water bowl up to their snout and wait a bit to see if they drink. It may help to hold the water bowl for them the whole time they drink.Don't move things, particularly their water and food. They need to know by memory where things are.Reassure them you are there by talking to them more than usual, preferably repeating their name often.Play relaxing music for them.Apply a scent such as lavender next to, but not in, their food and water so they can find it and more easily determine their location.
Veterinarians / Ophthalmologists Info & Tips
They are very far from perfect, but charge as if they are perfect. They may or may not be able to help.Veterinarian ophthalmologists are usually booked up several months out!If the companion animal is squinting either eye, there is intense inflammation or colored discharge, get to a vet. quickly.
Most will charge around $70 for each kind of test in addition to the exam. That's a rip off! The exam should include such common tests. Try to find a place that won't charge extra for each test. The tests cost them nothing or maybe $1 in supplies.Let them know in advance you will not buy any meds from them, but rather a local pharmacist. This will prevent them from over-prescribing and overcharging.