BLIND DOGS

There are now operations to cure dogs of cataracts but they are expensive. Some vets will put in a lens, as well as take off the cataract, making it slightly more costly. Other vets take the view that this is unnecessary since dogs don't need to read. Make sure the operation is done by an expert. Your vet can refer you to one.
If you cannot afford an operation or if your dog is going blind for some other reason, be assured that it can lead a full and happy life without sight. Dogs have much better hearing and smelling than us. They use their noses to identify objects and they can use their hearing as an echo chamber. You can make life easier for your dog by keeping furniture in the same place. If you change anything, lead the dog up to it to show what is different. Dogs are incredibly good at mapping out areas and will learn not just their own home areas but familar walk territories. Leave doors either shut or fully open -- half open the dog can bump into them. Use fireguards near all fires. Use pet safety gates to shut off stairs.

It is essential to teach your dog to come when called preferably before it loses all sight. Look under the Dogs section for IF YOUR DOG WON’T COME WHEN CALLED.Teach it on a flexilead and do not let it off lead until its obedience is absolute. You have to be able to call it back, so that it doesn't cannon into things. At first do walks in easy areas without obstacles - fields, beaches, parks without trees. Also remember to keep your dog on a flexilead if it is swimming. With the lead you can guide it back to land.The owner of a bearded collie which is blind, says she has a happy and fulfilling life. " I take our four dogs to the beach. The blind dog can run about without obstacles. I also take her to the wood. In wooded areas, she doesn't run: she walks more slowly. She sort of puts her paws out in front and sniffs around. She's very into sniffing."  Despite being a female, this dog has started lifting her leg and urinating like a male dog. This is probably in order to mark objects with her scent - which makes them "visible" via her nose. Aren't dogs clever!

Sadie

This is Sadie, a blind German Shepherd dog.
She won the Techni-Cal
"Friend in a Million"
Award for protecting owner Pat Dyer and her family from a burglar.