Loss of sight in canines can develop progressively or suddenly, depending on the cause. Learning that your pet has vision loss might be heartbreaking in either situation. However, the earlier you catch it, the better you can help your dog cope. This offers you adequate time to identify why your pet is going blind, what treatment selections are available, and how to accommodate its new requirements.

Read on to learn more.

How to Determine If Your Dog Is Losing Its Vision

Canines are relatively adaptive animals. It might be difficult to spot whether they are blind, particularly if they have been visually impaired for an extended period. If a canine is progressively losing sight, you might not notice a substantial change in its ability to move around.

So, look out for the following indications that your dog is going blind.

Clumsiness and Bumping Into Objects

Canines that run into furniture, misjudge their steps, or act clumsily might be doing so because they can not see clearly. This is especially obvious when reorganizing furniture or taking your dog to a new place. They may also avoid particular areas or activities that require great vision, such as going up and down stairs or playing fetch.

If you believe your dog is losing vision, you should have them examined by a veterinarian in a veterinary facility like the animal hospital in Los Angeles since there could be underlying health problems. It might be frustrating if your pet keeps knocking things or appears disoriented, but it’s essential to be patient and understanding as they get used to their changing capabilities.

Changes in Behavior

Behavioral shifts are some of the indications that your dog is going blind. They might become more hesitant to go for strolls or play as much as they used to and even get clingy or distressed. When a dog can not see what is around them in new surroundings, it can be especially frightening, causing hesitation. Sometimes, canines losing vision might become so confused and panicked that they whine, run, or even bite.

Cloudy or Hazy Appearance in the Eyes

It just takes a glance at your pet’s eyes to see if they are blind. Many conditions that lead to blindness, such as cataracts, leave visible marks on the eyes. These problems may be visible in a well-lit area. Usually, these problems show up as cloudiness or fuzzy spots in the eyes. These could be indicators of glaucoma, which is most typical in older canines.

As a result, an annual dog checkup is required to detect specific developmental abnormalities connected with blindness. In that way, your veterinarian may be able to determine the source of the problem.

You can search “dog and cat checkup near me” online to find a veterinary facility in your area.

Increased Reliance on Other Senses

If your pets lose their vision, they might rely more on their other senses, such as hearing and smell. They may be sniffing more spots or paying close attention to noises. They may become more reluctant to walk around or explore new locations as they rely on their remaining senses to explore their surroundings.

Your dog’s health may also be improved with the help of internal medicine. This helps diagnose and treat any underlying conditions contributing to their visual impairment and keeps their health from deteriorating.

For more information about veterinary internal medicine, click here.

Conclusion

It is heartbreaking to watch your pet gradually lose its vision. However, as frightening as it may be, there are many ways to help your pet live conveniently without vision. Call your veterinarian when you see any indicators of blindness in your dog. They can determine what is causing their blindness and whether it is curable. The sooner you identify your dog’s blindness, the faster you can find a remedy.