KEY TAKEAWAYS:
– Caring for blind dogs takes extra effort as they have special needs; the good thing is there are plenty of blind dog products available online
– Blind dogs can be happy and live a quality life with the help of their humans and some specialized products
– Blind dogs can still use their other senses, like touch and smell; using appropriate products will help them navigate even without sight
Table of Contents
- Keeping Blind Dogs Safe Indoors and Outdoors
- How to Blind Dog-Proof Your Home
- Training Blind Dogs
- 8 Blind Dog Products You Must Have
- 1 M MAXTOMO Blind Dog Harness Guiding Device Blind Dog Halo
- 2 Blind Dog Padded Vest
- 3
- Ocu-GLO Vision Supplement
- 4 STELLAIRE CHERN Snuffle Mat
- 5 PetSafe DrinkWell Platinum Water Fountain
- 6
- If It Barks Engraved Pet ID Tags for Dogs
- 7 Pet Qwerks Talking Babble Ball
- 8
- AKC Anti Anxiety and Stress Relief Calming Coat for Dogs
- FAQs about Blind Dog Products
- Blind Dog Products: Before You Go…
It’s not easy caring for a blind dog, or even one that has got cataracts and can’t see well.
In truth, says Dr Tammy Miller Michau, a board-certified veterinary opthalmologist, dogs getting blind is more traumatic for the owner than the dog itself.
“[Dogs] care about things such as, are they with you? Are they being fed? Are they in a safe, warm environment? If they are, they can live very happy lives, even with a loss of vision,” Dr Miller Michau says in an interview.
But I know what you think.
Apart from our love and care, of course, we still want to give them extra help in navigating around and doing what they used to do.
And it can become harder when you don’t have the right products to help.
A blind dog explores the world differently than a seeing dog, after all.
So in this article, we're going to list down the 8 of the best products we think are must-haves when caring for a blind dog.
Some of them will calm him and some will entertain.
We'll also discuss:
- Tips to keep your blind dog safe
- Ways to blind dog-proof your home
- Tips to train your dog
Let's get started!
Quick Glance at the Blind Dog Products Reviewed in this Article:
- M MAXTOMO Blind Dog Harness Guiding Device Blind Dog Halo
- Blind Dog Padded Vest
- Ocu-GLO Vision Supplement
- STELLAIRE CHERN Snuffle Mat
- PetSafe DrinkWell Platinum Water Fountain
- If It Barks Engraved Pet ID Tags for Dogs
- Pet Qwerks Talking Babble Ball
- AKC Anti Anxiety and Stress Relief Calming Coat for Dogs
Keeping Blind Dogs Safe Indoors and Outdoors
Provide a safe environment
Blind dogs can be at risk of injury from obstacles and hazards in their environment.
That's why it's important to keep their living space clear of clutter and to secure any potential hazards such as sharp objects or toxic substances.
We'll discuss this a bit more in the next section.
Use scent cues
Scent cues can help blind dogs navigate their environment and avoid potential hazards.
Using scented markers or essential oils can help guide their movements and prevent accidents.
Keep a consistent routine
Blind dogs rely on routine to navigate their environment, so keeping a consistent schedule for feeding, exercise, and playtime can help them feel secure and confident.
Use a leash
When outside, it's important to keep a blind dog on a leash to prevent them from wandering into dangerous areas or getting lost.
We have included the best leash and harness you can get for a blind dog in the list below.
Provide a safe space
Blind dogs may feel more secure in a designated safe space, such as a crate or a bed, where they can retreat when they feel overwhelmed or anxious.
Use a collar with identification
In case your blind dog does get lost, it's important to use a collar with identification tags or to have them microchipped so they can be easily identified and returned to you.
Consult with a veterinarian or professional dog trainer
If you have a blind dog, it's important to consult with a veterinarian or professional dog trainer to develop a plan for keeping them safe and helping them navigate their environment.
They can provide guidance and support for managing your dog's unique needs and abilities.
How to Blind Dog-Proof Your Home
Blind dogs require a safe and secure environment to navigate their surroundings without injury.
Here are some steps to blind dog-proof your home:
1. Remove hazards: Remove any potential hazards such as sharp objects, toxic substances, or small items that your dog could swallow.
2. Secure furniture: Secure furniture such as tables and chairs to prevent your dog from bumping into them and causing injury.
3. Use baby gates: Use baby gates to block off areas of the home that are not safe for your dog to access, such as stairs or rooms with potential hazards.
4. Provide scent cues: Use scented markers or essential oils to provide scent cues that can help your dog navigate their environment and avoid potential hazards.
5. Use rugs and mats: Use rugs and mats to provide texture and traction on slippery surfaces, and to help your dog navigate their environment more easily.
6. Use audible cues: Use audible cues such as bells or clickers to help your dog locate you or navigate their surroundings.
7. Consider a crate: A crate can provide a safe and secure space for your blind dog to retreat to when they feel overwhelmed or anxious.
8. Supervise your dog: Supervise your dog at all times to prevent accidents and ensure their safety.
By taking these steps, you can help ensure that your home is safe and secure for your blind dog to navigate and enjoy.
Training Blind Dogs
Training a blind dog requires a different approach than training a sighted dog.
Here are some tips:
1. Use scent cues: Blind dogs rely heavily on their sense of smell, so using scent cues can be an effective way to train them.
For example, you can use scented markers or essential oils to mark specific locations or objects.
2. Use touch cues: Touch cues can also be effective for training blind dogs.
For example, you can use a gentle touch or tap to signal a command or behavior.
3. Use audible cues: Audible cues such as clickers or whistles can also be effective for training blind dogs.
4. Keep training sessions short: Blind dogs may become easily overwhelmed, so it's important to keep training sessions short and focused.
5. Use positive reinforcement: Positive reinforcement, such as treats and praise, can be a powerful motivator for blind dogs.
6. Be patient: Blind dogs may require more time and patience when learning new behaviors or commands. It's important to be patient and consistent in your training approach.
7. Seek professional help: If you're having difficulty training your blind dog, it may be helpful to seek the assistance of a professional dog trainer who has experience working with blind dogs.
By using these tips and techniques, you can effectively train your blind dog and help them live a happy and fulfilling life.
8 Blind Dog Products You Must Have
1 M MAXTOMO Blind Dog Harness Guiding Device Blind Dog Halo
This is a pretty cute device.
It helps a dog to be able to navigate his surroundings as well as boosting his confidence while he is wearing it.
There’s a ring at the top just like a halo and it acts as a buffer to protect your dog’s head when he comes up against hard surfaces.
With this, he will quickly learn to change his movements to the buffer effect.
There are wings on the shoulders to move with your dog, offering him protection in situations and which won’t impede him while he eats or sleeps.
If your dog has a small bit of leftover vision, the ring also won’t interfere with his field of view.
2 Blind Dog Padded Vest
What a wonderful safety precaution this is for a blind dog.
This harness is suitable for any visually impaired pup.
Often, blind dogs get startled by sudden touching, particularly when it comes from someone he does not recognize and doesn’t know he is blind.
The harness is labeled clearly at the front and at the sides so that other dog owners can approach him with care or avoid him, particularly if they have their own dogs with them.
This harness is a message in itself, making it so much easier for you than having to explain to everyone that your dog behaves differently because he can’t see.
If he has his harness on, you can still put his leash on the back clip or at the front.
The harness is also comfortable for your dog, being well padded in the front and comes with adjustable straps for around his girth.
The harness comes with a leash and collar to match as well with words on that have been embroidered.
3
Ocu-GLO Vision Supplement
This is a healthy supplement to give your dog which will benefit his eyes.
It’s got different antioxidants to promote healthy vision.
The capsules are effective for dogs that have suffered from their vision because of illness.
If the dog is older, there are eye supplements containing different antioxidants to promote healthy vision.
Some dogs can lose their vision due to diabetes and this medication is able to slow down the blindness from developing, which is wonderful!
But most importantly, ask your vet about this product and what he/she thinks about adding it to your dog’s diet and medication.
4 STELLAIRE CHERN Snuffle Mat
The snuffle mat is a great way to exercise your blind dog’s mind by using his nose.
It’s like a homemade toy, providing your pet the opportunity to sniff and search for treats that you have hidden in the mat.
The mat usually consists of fleece strips that have been tied on to a rubber mat with holes in it.
The loose ends of the fleece are on the top and they provide great hiding spots for these treats, keeping your dog entertained and active.
It’s a wonderful way to keep him safe while he is active, particularly when you can’t be supervising him all the time.
It is important for your blind dog to get plenty of mental stimulation because if he bored or anxious, it can lead to him barking, digging, or chewing valuables.
5 PetSafe DrinkWell Platinum Water Fountain
It is not easy to encourage your blind dog to drink his water.
Often the bowls that he might have used when he was not blind now just get kicked over with water spilling everywhere.
And if your dog's vision is gone, how will he see the water to drink it in any case.
The water fountains are wonderful for a dog that shows reluctance to drink.
They gently make the sound of falling water and with a bit of guidance from you, in the beginning, the sound in future will draw your dog towards it to know that his water is there, at that position.
The PetSafe water fountain has a solid base as well, which makes it difficult to knock over. Take it up a notch by putting a non-slip mat under the fountain.
The drinking fountain can also be disassembled easily enough so you can wash it properly by hand or even in the dishwasher.
6
If It Barks Engraved Pet ID Tags for Dogs
A dog ID tag is a fantastic addition which you can add to your blind dog’s harness or collar.
In much the same way as the blind dog harness, it warns and informs other people that your dog is blind – he has a disability – don’t startle him and give him his space.
You can have important information engraved on the tag in case your dog gets lost.
You will be able to add at least 4 lines of deeply engraved text on the tags.
7 Pet Qwerks Talking Babble Ball
Most dogs just love balls, and even a blind dog loves a ball, and it’s a great way for him to get exercise as well.
But for a blind dog to find a ball, it will naturally have to make a few noises that he will be able to distinguish from his normal surroundings.
This ball has just that; it actually talks to your dog, asking to be chased and played with.
It’s got a lot of sounds and phrases.
It is just wonderful to keep a visually impaired dog busy.
After playing, the ball turns off on its own, waiting to be played with again another time.
8
AKC Anti Anxiety and Stress Relief Calming Coat for Dogs
Being blind is not easy for a dog and particularly when they can’t see what is going on in front of them or behind them.
Some dogs can become very anxious or depressed.
There is an anxiety jacket to help your dog in stressful situations.
This jacket from American Kennel Club works by applying gentle pressure onto the dog’s body, helping him to relax and to be calm without needing any medication.
At least give this jacket a shot before you try medication for anxious dogs from the vet.
FAQs about Blind Dog Products
What kind of toys do blind dogs like?
Blind dogs can still enjoy playing with toys, but it's important to choose toys that are safe and appropriate for their needs.
Scented toys, soft toys, toys with textures, interactive toys, and rope toys can all be good options for blind dogs.
It's important to supervise playtime and to choose toys that are appropriate for your dog's individual needs and preferences.
Blind Dog Products: Before You Go…
Sure, a blind dog could be a sad story.
But you can look on the positive side by providing your precious dog with the right tools to make his life easier, happier and more content.
Soon he will be identifying and connecting with his surroundings.
With plenty of love, attention, and care, with these top products, a blind dog can live positively and happily because his owner opened their eyes and saw how they can make a huge difference.
Want to read more articles about caring for blind dogs?
Check out our recommended reads below!
Related Articles:
- Dog Going Blind: How to Adjust and Help Your Blind Pet
- How To Tell If A Dog Is Blind
- How To Care For A Blind Dog
- Blind Dog Training – Is It Possible?
- Blind Dog Treatment: Can We Still Save Their Eyes?
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