Blindness In Dogs
Malformations in the womb can cause dogs to be born blind. There can also be problems with the cells in the eyes that capture images. The dog doesn’t show any obvious symptoms in these cases, so the owner does not notice. Additionally, newborn puppies interact more with their environment using their sense of smell and hearing than their vision.
Dog Blindness Symptoms
The signs of blindness differ from case to case, but if you handle your dog well, you should eventually be able to tell. Your dog may be experiencing vision problems if:
- Bumping into things
- Being afraid to move
- Clumsiness in general
- Feeling jumpy
- Playing with apprehension
- Not finding food, water, or toys
- Uncertainty
- Afraid of going outside
- The depression
- Oversleeping
- Anxiety
- excessive thirst
- Redness of the eyes
- Enlarged pupils
- Eye cloudiness
Types
There are three types of blindness.
Complete blindness: A dog who is completely blind cannot see anything, including light.
Intermittent Blindness: The blindness that comes and goes intermittently is called intermittent blindness.
Partial Blindness: A dog with partial blindness may be able to see shapes and light despite cloudy vision. It is also viable for them to be blind in only one eye.
What Causes Blindness in Adult Dogs?
A variety of factors can cause blindness in dogs. Dogs can lose their vision due to age, disease, injury, or genetic conditions. Partial blindness in dogs may be a symptom of diseases such as heart, kidney, or liver disease. The following are some of the frequent causes of blindness in dogs:
Diabetes
Diabetes has become increasingly common in dogs, resulting in blindness. Diabetes can cause partial or total blindness in diabetic dogs since most develop cataracts within six months.
Glaucoma
Dogs can suffer from glaucoma. A severe case of glaucoma can damage the retina, resulting in blindness. Bloodshot and yellow-tinged eyes are some of the symptoms of glaucoma.
Suddenly Acquired Retinal Degeneration (SARDS)
Suddenly Acquired Retinal Degeneration (SARDS) can cause permanent blindness. The retina deteriorates as a result of SARDS. Within a couple of days, the condition can cause complete blindness.
Cataracts
When dogs have cataracts, their eyes often appear cloudy or milky. It causes a dog’s pupils to become blocked and prevents light from reaching the retina fully. One or both eyes can be affected.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) causes the retina to deteriorate and can lead to blindness. There are two types of PRA: early onset in puppies and late onset in older dogs.
Autoimmune Conditions
In dogs, some autoimmune conditions, such as Pannus, can cause blindness. The cornea is affected by Pannus.
Tumors
In dogs, tumors in, around, or behind the eye can cause blindness. A tumor can block a dog’s vision and damage the eye’s structure.
Trauma
Dogs can become blind due to certain traumas, such as being smashed or scratched by a car. Blindness may result from damage to the brain or nerves, which affects vision, or damage to the eyes.
Corneal Ulcers
The corneal ulcer is a wound on the surface of the cornea. Fluid accumulates in the stroma of a dog’s eye when they have a corneal ulcer, making its eye appear cloudy.
Diagnosis And Treatment Of Blindness In Dogs
- As soon as you suspect your dog is going blind, take them to the vet right away.
- The vet will conduct a complete physical examination and run additional diagnostic tests.
- Upon receiving a proper diagnosis, the vet can determine whether or not your dog’s blindness can be treated.
Prevention For Blindness In Dogs
- There are some types of blindness in dogs that can be prevented.
- Regular exercise and a healthy weight will keep your dog in good health.
- You can prevent diabetes and cancer in the dog.
- Your dog’s eyes will be protected if he eats a healthy, whole-food diet and takes a daily vitamin supplement.
- Healthy and nutrient-rich food can help protect the health of the eyes.
Adjusting To Life With A Blind Dog
Your dog can return to a normal life with a little time and training. Once your pet’s sight is lost, it may take you a few weeks or months to adjust to life with him.
To help you make the transition, here are some tips:
- Use clickers, treats, and verbal commands to train your dog using auditory and scent cues.
- Ensure that your blind dog is safe at home. Stairs and balconies can be made safer with baby gates.
- Your dog’s bedding, crate, food, and water bowls should always be kept in the same spot.
- Socialize your dog as much as you can. Help the dog explore familiar places and introduce the dog to new places, people, and dogs.
FAQs
Are dogs born blind and deaf?
Puppies are born deaf and blind for the first two weeks of their lives. It is because puppies do not have fully developed eyes when they are born.
Why are dogs born blind?
Puppies are born with closed eyes because their eyes aren’t fully developed at birth. Outside factors that could damage them must be protected.
Why are dogs born deaf?
A puppy’s last sense to develop is hearing, which is why they are born deaf. It takes them about three weeks to be able to hear. Congenital deafness occurs when dogs are born with a genetic defect.
Why are dogs born with their ears closed?
When puppies are born, their ear canals are closed, and their hearing isn’t turned on yet. It takes puppies about 21 days to hear sounds for the first time.
When can puppies see clearly?
Puppies’ eyes will develop over the next several weeks, reaching full eyesight around eight weeks of age.
