Your How can you tell if a senior dog is blind? Here’s What to Expect

Some of the most common causes of vision loss in dogs include:

Sadly, our vets are seeing an increasing number of dogs suffering from diabetes. Dogs at a higher risk of becoming diabetic include older large breeds, breeding females, dogs that have poor nutrition, and obese dogs. 75% of dogs with diabetes are likely to develop cataracts which can result in full or partial blindness.

Cataracts are easily spotted by pet parents. If your dog has progressed cataracts you may notice a cloudy appearance to your dogs eye. This condition stops light from fully reaching the retina and can lead to total blindness in dogs. In some cases, cataracts can be operated on which may prevent blindness, but early intervention is essential.

Glaucoma is a painful eye condition which feels similar to a migraine headache. Treatment is available for glaucoma however, the outcomes are best if the condition is diagnosed in its earliest stages. If your dog has yellow or green discharge from their eyes, dilated pupils, bloodshot eyes, or is slow to react to bright light, visit your vet as soon as possible. Left untreated this painful condition can lead to partial or complete blindness.

Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome (SARDS) causes a deterioration of the retina, which leads to blindness in both of the dogs eyes. This syndrome develops very quickly in dogs and can result in total blindness in just a few days or weeks. Due to the sudden nature of this condition, dogs with SARDS can have a very difficult time adjusting to their visual impairment.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), is a painless condition that results in the deterioration of the retina, potentially leading to blindness in both of the dogs eyes. PRA is an inherited condition that develops at a slower rate than SARDS, which can give your dog time to adjust to their loss of sight.

How to Tell If Your Dog Is Going Blind

Unless theyve suffered a major injury, blindness in dogs is almost always gradual. Thats why it can be difficult to spot the signs earlier on. Preliminary behavior changes like anxiety, depression, lack of energy, and aggression can also be signs but are often mistaken for other possible diseases, according to the AKC.

Be patient, consider your dog’s needs, and roll with the punches. Your blind senior can have plenty of time left with you and live a great life.

If your dog is quite familiar with your home and their general surroundings, then the symptoms of their vision loss may be hard to spot.

Have you ever taken care of a blind senior dog? What advice would you give to others who have an old dog who’s losing their vision? Let us know in the comments below!

Gold Souls, Gray Faces is a series that focuses on tips and advice for care of our sweet senior dogs. As dogs age, many of them begin losing their vision for a variety of reasons. Sometimes blindness in dogs comes on very quickly, but other times it happens gradually.

If you notice that your senior dog is bumping into things more, having trouble finding things, hesitating when getting onto or off of furniture, suffering from worsening anxiety, or showing signs of aggression or fear when being approached, then they may be experiencing vision loss.

Causes of Sudden Blindness in Dogs (+ how to help them cope!) – Dog Health Vet Advice

Like humans, dogs tend to suffer from failing hearing and diminishing eyesight as they age. It can be disorienting and stressful for aging dogs to experience these changes. Dog parents can help by understanding what’s happening and developing coping strategies for hearing and vision loss.