HINTS FOR LIVING WITH A BLIND DOG

New to the family

• First, get down on the floor and crawl around at the dog's eye level to find anything that might be dangerous.
  

• Have children crawl around blindfolded to see what it will be like for their new playmate.
  

• Try to have something familiar to the dog -- toy, blanket, bed, etc. -- for comfort in a strange new place.
  

• If you have time, provide the dog with something with your scent on it at least a few days before getting the dog.
  

• Decide on a specific area that will the dog's home base; an area where it can be contained. Consider having a crate there for it to sleep and eat in.
  

• Get Living with Blind Dogs by Caroline Levin  (http://www.petcarebooks.com)
  

• Join the Blinddogs list at Yahoo!Groups   (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/blinddogs)
  

Padding furniture and corners

• Bubble wrap taped around table legs, wall or cabinet corners, etc.
  

• Batting from the fabric store
  

• Foam pipe insulation from the home center plumbing dept.
  

Provide a base

• Keep a bed in rooms the dog is most comfortable -- maybe one in the bedroom and one in the family room.
  

• A crate with an open door provides a safe haven.
  

• Put a mat under food and water dishes.
  

Stairs - stepping off into the unknown

• Use baby gates, decorative fireplace screens, etc. to block off stairs.
  

• Don't push. A traumatic fall can cause a permanent fear. Give it time.
  

• A treat (piece of kibble) on each step or two going down.
  

• Stand in front of the dog and hook your finger lightly in the collar or harness. Encourage, but try not to pull the dog down the steps.
  

• Practice going up and down until it's done smoothly.
  

• Put mats at the top and bottom of stairs.
  

• If you use a ramp, make sure there is a raised edge so the dog doesn't step off the side.
  

Outside, Landmarks inside and out

• Small wind chime at the back door
  

• Path" of carpet runners or heavy rubber shelf liner
  

• Mat under bowls; door mats at doors, steps, and stairs
  

• Scents on danger areas (vanilla, citrus, furniture polish, etc.) It doesn't need to be strong, a dog's sense of smell is much better than yours.
  

• If your dog runs into things in unfamiliar areas, use a Littlest Angel Vest to protect the head/nose
  

• Use Doggles* or an Eye Shield* to protect the eyes or prevent a blinding glare in bright light for dogs with cataracts and some vision
  

Guiding

• Harnesses seem to work best, and should always be used instead of a collar for dogs with glaucoma.
  

• Pass a leash through a length of PVC pipe for a rigid guide
  

• Doggie door: hold the door open and lure the dog through with a treat
  

• Work on vocabulary: "careful", Watch!", "step up", "step down", "find it", etc.
  

Getting along

• Bell -- on your pant leg so the dog knows where you are
  

• Bells -- on other animals in the house
  

• Crate to retreat to, that is safe and familiar
  

• Try to speak to or lightly blow on the dog (not in its ear) before touching
  

• Aggression may be due to a feeling of vulnerability, but it my also be caused by pain, a thyroid condition, or other physical problems. Time for a vet check.
  

• Confusion and reversing day/night may be signs of senility. Look into OTC phosphatidylserine (PS) or Rx Anipryl.
  

Emotions (Google these for info on them)

• Flower Essences (Anaflora for your dog, Bach for you and/or your dog) can help.
  

• Anxiety Wrap can take the edge off
  

• D.A.P. (Dog Appeasing Pheromone) mimics a natural comforting pheromone produced by mother dogs
  

Toys and play and exercise

• Emphasize sound and smell
  

• Roll-A-Treat Ball (dispenses treats as it rolls),  balls and toys, such as Play-N-Speak Interactive Dog Toys,  with recordings in them (NOT unattended), scented balls & toys
  

• Have a special long leash to use in a wide open area for running in a safe circle around you
  

• Slow down on walks -- smelling around means more now
  

• A long hall makes a good "runway" for a game of fetch
  

• A large rigid plastic pool with a large ball in it to chase round and round
  

• Go find it"  -- hide smelly treats
  

  *Doggles      http://angelvest.homestead.com/Doggles.html

  *Eye Shield  http://angelvest.homestead.com/EyeShield.html

Last updated: November 16, 2005

Sharilyn Burghart / Littlest Angel Vest