Is my dog going blind? Here’s the signs to watch for

Vision loss in dogs happens for a myriad of reasons. From age-related changes to trauma, both temporary and permanent blindness can be scary for you and your dog. Sadly, many causes of blindness are irreversible. But, there are things you can do to help your dog adapt and continue living a long, happy life. 

Surgery and medication can cure some types of temporary blindness. Other treatments can help relieve symptoms and delay total blindness in some conditions. Monitoring your dog’s eye health through regular vet exams is important. Let’s learn more about the different types of vision loss, available treatments, and how you can help prevent or delay blindness.

Dogs can lose their vision for many reasons. Genetic conditions, cataracts, and infections can all cause blindness in dogs. While sudden blindness is rare, it can occur. Traumatic injuries can also cause vision loss. We’ll discuss the causes in more detail later.

There are three categories of blindness in dogs

Blindness in dogs usually falls into one of three categories. Your dog may move into a different category depending on treatment and progression.

• Total blindness. The dog completely loses all vision.
• Intermittent blindness. The symptoms of blindness come and go. They may only see poorly in bright light or dim settings.
• Partial blindness. The dog may still see shapes or motion. They can usually tell the difference between light and dark. Or, only one eye is affected.

Dogs may display a wide range of symptoms of vision loss or blindness depending on the cause. Because of the wide variety, we’ve grouped them into five categories. Here are some changes associated with blindness in dogs to watch for:

Eye appearance and physical changes

Eye color changes and increased reflection can signal vision problems. Your dog’s eyes might become red, puffy, or swollen. They may appear to bulge from the socket or have dilated pupils. A cloudy appearance on the surface or within the eye could suggest potential blindness. Watch for symptoms like weeping, mucus buildup, and squinting. Because eyes are so sensitive, any changes in appearance warrant a vet visit immediately.

Changes in activity and habits

Changes in behavior, like avoiding stairs or furniture, could indicate vision loss in your dog. They may be hesitant to go outside, move around, or play, and might hide more. Difficulty catching treats can also be a sign. Dogs with vision issues might startle easily, hesitate at doorways, and seem disoriented. They may walk cautiously and lower their heads to sense the ground. These behaviors could signal vision loss or other issues, so seeing a vet soon is important.

Vision-related behaviors

If your dog frequently bumps into objects or furniture, especially in a new environment, it may be due to impaired vision. They might struggle to find water, food, or toys and may avoid making direct eye contact. Squinting, especially in bright light,  pawing at their face, or pressing their head against you can also be due to vision issues. While these changes may not need an emergency visit, you’ll still want to seek your vet’s advice ASAP.

Emotional and psychological symptoms

Emotional changes, such as anxiety or hesitation in new places, can be linked to vision loss, along with depression. They may appear confused, dazed, or easily startled. You may notice general clumsiness or jumpiness as a result of their impaired vision. Many dogs with vision loss become clingy to their owners, seeking comfort and reassurance. Like some of the other symptoms we’ve discussed, these changes could be symptoms of other concerns, as well. A vet trip is necessary to determine the cause.

Other signs

Dogs with eye problems may exhibit changes in their appetite and eating behavior. They might show excessive thirst. Some develop extreme hunger, leading them to break into the garbage or eat things they usually wouldn’t touch. These thirst and hunger changes could also point to other health issues and should be checked by the vet.

Understanding the reasons behind your dog’s loss of vision is important. From genetic predispositions to environmental factors, the causes vary widely. Let’s explore some common and uncommon causes of blindness in dogs.

You’re probably wondering how vets can tell if a dog is blind, how they diagnose the cause, and what treatments are available. Let’s start with the typical types of testing for vision loss in dogs. 

• Menace response. The menace response is tested by covering one eye and waving the hand from outside the dog’s visual boundary toward the front of their face. A dog that can see should close their eyes in response to the potential threat. It’s important to note that menace is a learned response and may not work for young puppies. 
• Pupillary light reflexes. PLRs are the way your dog’s pupils react to light.  When a bright light shines in the eye, the pupil should constrict. The other eye’s pupil should also constrict, even without direct light. If the PLRs are not equally reactive, there could be a vision problem. 
• Cotton ball test. Although it doesn’t sound like an official test, it is. It involves taking a soundless, scentless object and dropping it from eye level in front of your dog. Your dog should track the object with their eyes to where it falls. If not, they might not be seeing as well as they should. 
• Light/dark test. This test involves setting up a small obstacle course. The vet will ask you to call your dog to you through the obstacle course twice: once with lights on and once with lights off. The vet may change the course a bit in between to eliminate course memory as a factor. 

Advanced testing

The above tests can determine if your dog has vision loss, but may not reveal the cause or severity. Your vet may do blood work and infectious disease tests to find underlying issues. For suspected retinal problems, an electroretinogram (ERG) and ocular ultrasound may be requested. The ERG checks how the retina responds to stimuli, while ultrasound helps find retinal detachments or tumors in the eye. Your vet may refer you to a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist and/or veterinary neurologist for further testing.

Treatment for blindness in dogs

Treatment for vision loss in dogs depends on the cause. Complete blindness is usually permanent, and treatment aims to ease pain. If one eye is affected, medication may be given to slow down vision loss in the other eye. Supplements like Ocu-GLO® may help with conditions such as retinal degeneration or cataracts. If a blind eye is painful and cannot be saved, removal (enucleation) may be recommended. For conditions where vision can be saved, treatments may include eye drops, steroids, or surgery. If blindness is due to issues like high blood pressure or infections, the vet will address those problems along with eye care and/or complimentary systemic medications.

Dogs are surprisingly adaptable to vision loss and total blindness. If your dog becomes blind, it’s important to recognize that they can still lead a fulfilling and happy life. It’s up to you to help them cope and learn how to thrive despite their vision loss. Here’s how:

• Create a safe and comfortable environment. To help your dog adapt to their vision loss, start by making their living space safe and comfortable. Focus on keeping their environment free from obstacles and dangers, and providing a cozy area where they can feel secure. 
• Encourage independent navigation. Allow your dog to explore small, familiar areas of your home using their other senses. Gently guide your dog by walking alongside them, helping them build confidence as they learn to navigate without sight. 
• Adapt your home for safety. Make your home more accessible by placing mats around with different textures to help your dog understand where they are and avoid potential dangers. Use bells on doorways so your dog can learn where to enter and exit the home. Keep your home tidy and the layout consistent so your dog can form a mental map of their environment. 
• Use tools and verbal cues. Equip your dog with a collar or harness that indicates they are blind, which can alert others to be cautious. Consider using a halo harness that provides a bumper bar to protect your dog’s face from obstacles. Teach your dog verbal cues like “left,” “right,” “up,” and “down” to help them navigate more easily and safely. 
• Maintain a consistent routine. Keep your dog’s food and water dishes, as well as their bed, in the same place. This consistency helps them find their way around and gives them a “home base” to return to if they become disoriented. If you make changes to your home, walk your dog through the new layout on a leash several times to help them adjust.
• Address potential hazards. Identify and address new hazards inside and outside your home. Place carpet runners over slippery floors to provide traction, and ensure clear paths for your dog to move around safely. Check outside for objects that could injure your dog, and add barriers around areas like pools or ponds to prevent accidents. Supervise your dog’s outdoor activities and create a safe, enclosed space for them to play.

If you suspect your dog is losing vision, see a vet right away. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can help reverse some conditions and reduce pain from others. Early intervention is essential for your dog’s comfort. Regardless of the cause, remember you are their caregiver. Make adaptations to ensure their safety and comfort. With your support, your dog can still have a fulfilling life despite vision loss.