Blind Dog Symptoms in Senior Dogs

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Are you noticing blind dog symptoms in your Weimaraner? Barring accidents and blindness from birth, there are still a number of reasons that your dog could be going blind.

In most cases, a dog who is going blind will be a senior dog, but that is not always the case.

If your dog becomes blind suddenly, you will probably figure it out pretty easily. An accident that damages her eye is obvious. And, of course, you would seek help from your dog’s vet right away.

But what if the blindness comes on gradually? You may not put two and two together for a while.

Causes of Blindness in Dogs

Weimaraner on a scent trail — Weimaraners depend mostly on their sense of smell, as opposed to sight or hearing.

Senior dogs are more likely to experience a loss of sight than younger dogs. That’s because, as a dog ages, he is more likely to be ill.

And if your dog has a disease or condition known to cause blindness, you should be more observant and on the lookout for signs that your dog is losing her sight.

Some common conditions that cause blindness in dogs are:

Diabetes

If your dog is diabetic, do make sure that it is under control. Uncontrolled diabetes has many side effects, and keeping diabetes under control can prevent some of them.

Cataracts

Dogs that have cataracts lose their sight gradually. You and your dog may not know that your dog is going blind for quite a while. Eventually you will figure it out, though.

Sudden Acute Retinal Degeneration (SARDS)

This condition causes loss of vision over several days, sometimes a few weeks. Most often seen in middle aged dogs, it is not treatable.

Retinal Detachment

While this is an emergency, immediate treatment can save your dog’s vision. Retinal detachment can cause blindness in one or both eyes. Some dog breeds are more susceptible than others.

Symptoms of a Dog Going Blind

Dog going blind, wandering off path on a walk through the woods. — Your dog may wander away from you on a walk, if she is becoming blind.

Just like people, dogs use their sight to judge distance and do a number of things.

However, your dog’s vision is not quite as important to him as it is to you.

A dog relies mostly on her sense of smell, then on hearing and then on sight and finally touch.

Often blindness is not sudden. Your dog may gradually lose more and more sight, until she can see very little or nothing at all.

If your dog is going blind, you may see these signs:

Not showing recognition of family members until they speak or get very close.
Mistaking a family member for a stranger and barking or growling.
Misjudging the distance to jump into the car or onto the bed or sofa, and falling.
Not chasing squirrels or the neighbor’s cat, if your dog usually loves a good chase.
Bumping into furniture and other things, especially in unfamiliar places.
Disorientation and getting “lost”, even in his own home.
Wandering off outside and being unable to get home.
Personality changes – showing fearfulness, aggression or withdrawal

If your dog has had sight and is now blind, he may sleep and be depressed for a while. This is an adjustment for him, just as it would be for you.

However, he will adjust to his blindness and will probably do better than you would. It is important that you accept your dog’s blindness and expend your energy on helping her learn how to cope in her new environment.

If you believe that your dog is becoming blind, you should have your vet examine her. Not all conditions are permanent, and there may be a treatment to help.

In the meantime, there are ways to make it easier for your dog, by altering a few things in your home and by purchasing a few accessories to help your dog get along.

Blind Dog Symptoms