Just like humans, some dogs suffer from diseases that affect their sense organs, including blindness and deafness. Many people are unaware that blind dogs are generally capable of functioning just as well as other dogs when given the right support and adaptations. International Blind Dog Day aims to raise awareness of the unique needs and abilities of these dogs, and to highlight that they can live long, happy, and fulfilling lives despite their condition.
International Blind Dog Day is on August 23 every year. In this article, we’ll talk about the history of this day and how to celebrate it.
History of International Blind Dog Day
Blind dogs have existed for as long as sighted dogs; however, the care of blind dogs has only recently become a priority, and International Blind Dog Day is meant to raise awareness on the issue. The first International Blind Dog Day was celebrated on Wednesday, August 23, 2017, and was launched by Sarah Horne, a UK dog-lover whose 10-year-old Jack Russell Terrier went blind due to untreated cataracts.1
Top 3 Ways to Celebrate International Blind Dog Day
You can do several activities on this day to create awareness and make the lives of blind dogs easier.
1. Adopt a Blind Dog
Adopting a blind dog might be a bit tricky, especially if you have never had a dog before, let alone a blind one, and it should not be done on a whim. However, if you are ready to commit, you can get a dog expert to help you navigate living and caring for a blind dog. Go to your local shelter and find out if any blind dogs need a new permanent or foster home.
2. Support Organizations That Rescue and Treat Blind Dogs
Some organizations, such as the Blind Dog Rescue Alliance, rescue blind dogs from unloving homes and the streets and care for them. You can celebrate International Blind Dog Day by making a donation which enables them to take in more blind dogs.
3. Spread Awareness on Social Media
Most people are unaware of the reality of blind dogs and how to live with them. The easiest way to spread awareness is by joining the conversation online. If you have a blind dog, post pictures of them under the hashtag #InternatonalBlindDogDay.
The 7 Possible Causes of Blindness in Dogs
There are several causes of blindness in dogs, including diabetes, glaucoma, retinal issues, and breed or age-related cataracts. Some of these diseases and conditions can be diagnosed early by taking your dog to the vet regularly, which could save your dog from becoming blind. Some of the most common causes are:
1. Diabetes
Diabetes in dogs has become more common and is one of the leading causes of blindness in dogs. It can lead to cataracts within 6 months of the disease, leading to partial or total blindness. Unneutered females, overweight dogs, and those fed a non-commercial diet are more at risk of developing diabetes and cataracts, leading to blindness.
2. Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Progressive Retinal Atrophy is a genetic condition that causes the retina to deteriorate and almost inevitably leads to blindness in all cases. It can develop in dogs just 18 months of age, and it has no cure. Some dog breeds are also more prone to Progressive Retinal Atrophy, including Poodles, Golden and Labrador retrievers, and English and American Cocker Spaniels, among others.
3. Trauma
Severe trauma to the head can lead to partial or complete blindness in dogs. It can occur when a dog is, for example, which damages the brain areas or nerves that regulate the dog’s vision.
4. Glaucoma
Glaucoma occurs when there is a disruption in the balance between the production and drainage of aqueous humor (the fluid inside the eye), leading to a buildup of fluid and increased pressure within the eye. This rise in intraocular pressure damages the retina and optic nerve. Glaucoma is a painful condition, and affected dogs may show signs such as lethargy, decreased appetite, eye cloudiness, redness of the eye, dilated pupils, sensitivity to light, and bumping into objects due to vision loss.
Some forms of glaucoma can be managed with medication, particularly if diagnosed early. However, if left untreated, glaucoma can result in irreversible vision loss or complete blindness.
5. Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome (SARDS)
SARDS is a poorly understood condition in dogs that causes the sudden onset of blindness and has no cure. Unlike Progressive Retinal Atrophy, it develops quickly and can cause blindness in as little as a couple of days. Unfortunately, there is no known cause of SARDS, and dogs that develop blindness this way need more support to adjust to their new situation.
6. Tumors
Brain tumors or other tumors located in or behind the eye can cause blindness in dogs. It blocks vision and can damage the structure of the eye if it goes undetected for a long time. If a progressive tumor is found around or in the eye, the treatment is likely to involve removing the eye itself.
7. Age
Just like in humans, vision usually deteriorates with age. Older dogs are more likely to develop partial or complete blindness, most likely because of diabetes, glaucoma, cataracts, or high blood pressure. It’s important to bring your dog to the vet ideally every 6 months, and anytime you notice any deterioration, so they can get diagnosed on time.
Top 5 Tips for Living With a Blind Dog
Hearing that your dog is going blind can be very unsettling. However, there are several ways you can help your blind dog live a happy and healthy life. Here are a few tips from vets and other blind dog owners.
1. Avoid Moving Furniture Around Your Home
Just like blind humans, blind dogs use their knowledge of the house and the arrangement of furniture to navigate. Blind dogs will quickly make a mind map of your furniture layout and can get confused and bump into things if you move furniture around. Try keeping your furniture minimal and your hallways clear so that your dog has more space for navigating.
2. Look For Potential Hazards
Now that your dog can’t see, they are more likely to bump into hazards. You can check for any existing hazards by getting down on all fours and crawling around—this way, you are more likely to notice all the hazards at your dog’s level. If you have stairs, adding gates at the top is a great idea.
3. Carry a Falconry Bell on Walks
Just because your dog is blind doesn’t mean they have to miss out on walks. You can carry a falconry bell with you so that your dog always knows where you are. If you have other sighted dogs, you can attach the bell to their collar and have the blind dog follow them.
4. Noisy Toys
Your blind dog will still love to play; you can make this more accessible to them by using noisy toys and trying scent work.
5. Leave the Radio or TV On
When you go out, ensure you leave the radio or TV on so that your dog can use it to orient himself. Since they can’t see, having the sound they are used to when alone makes them more comfortable and prevents them from panicking. You can also play a sound recording of yourself when you are out.
Final Thoughts
Dogs naturally rely on, and are capable of developing, their other senses, such as smell, hearing, and touch, to navigate their environment and interact with the world. With the right support, blind dogs can live healthy, happy, and fulfilling lives, form strong bonds with their families, and thrive as loving companions and best friends.
Like sighted dogs, they can live with you as your best friends and develop a strong bond.
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Featured Image Credit: Yekatseryna Netuk, Shutterstock
History of International Blind Dog Day
