Caring for Man’s Best Friend

For most housedogs, daily activities consist of eating, napping, and going for walks. Dogs also love to run outside and to play with their owners when they get home from work. But for some dogs, the normal canine activities are not easy. In fact, for blind dogs, normal activities can be down-right impossible. When their owners are away, these dogs have to rely on alternative protection. While some owners may use cones for their blind pets or injured pets, other owners are choosing to use dog cone alternatives such as blind dog collars to protect their dogs.

For dogs who are blind, blind dog collars can be a life saver. Some blind dog collars have plastic cables that extend out of the traditional collar. These plastic cables are sized according to your dog’s size. They act as whisker-like mechanisms that alert the dog if there are structures or immanent danger nearby. These cables are very flexible and do not interfere with the dog’s activities. In fact, most dogs can easily adapt to the cables and lead a normal, functional life. Sometimes owners even choose to give their dog dog head protection to add extra protection from hazards.

In addition to trying to ease the life of the dog, owners also sometimes wonder how to help a blind dog live happily. Dummies.com provides a list of tips to help owners know how to increase the happiness of their blind canine. One of these suggestions is to use carpet runners to create a “familiar road” to rooms. By relying on the runner, dogs can feel their way to rooms. Another suggestion for owners is to avoid major landscaping projects. These projects can create hazards for dogs. Also, experts warn that people should try to avoid leaving objects in the pathway of a dog. A dog learns to navigate based on senses and familiarity, but when random objects appear in the dog’s pathway, he or she becomes disoriented and frustrated.

Additionally, these dog experts advise owners to incorporate short directional words and phrases into their interactions with their blind dogs. These short phrases reassure the dog and help him or her to feel connected to daily interactions. The voice of an owner can guide and sooth a dog. And lastly, pet experts advise owners to lead their dogs to a favorite “anchoring spot” when they become disoriented. Leading a pet to their favorite spot—such as a bed or their food bowl—can calm the pet down and make sure he or her feels at home.