Is My Dog Having Difficulty Seeing?

Is My Dog Having Difficulty Seeing?

Many people often wonder how they would tell if their dog was having difficulty seeing. There are some subtle clues to watch out for that may indicate a vision problem. Dogs are masters at adapting to new environments and utilizing other senses such as scent, hearing, and tactile clues when their vision is diminished. Vision problems therefore are best noted when dogs are in unfamiliar environments.

The most obvious sign is bumping into objects or people. Sometimes when this occurs in puppies, it is attributed to goofiness or clumsiness but it is often an indication of a vision problem. If vision is lost in just one eye, dogs may have decreased depth perception problems and may bump into objects only the side that vision is lost.

Changes in a dog’s normal routines may indicate vision loss. Many dogs will start to alter their behavior, such as not wanting to walk up or down stairs, or resisting their normal daily walk routine. Often dogs with vision difficulties will start hesitating when trying to jump on or off things.

Due to a dog’s typically reliable sense of smell and hearing, they will try to utilize these senses when their vision is failing. Often when a treat is offered, one will notice that the dog is sniffing out the treat until they make contact with it. When a toy is tossed, the dog may be looking in the wrong direction but, in order to compensate, they will prick their ears when the  toy is thrown to listen for the sound as it lands.

Some types of vision loss conditions may only be noted in certain lighting conditions. There are some diseases that affect the ability to see in the dark but there are other less common diseases that will preferentially only affect vision in the daylight.

Owners can perform some basic testing on their own. First, observe if the pupils are dilated or normal sized. Does the pupil constrict (become smaller) when in bright light? If one or both pupils remain dilated (large) this possibly indicates a vision problem.  A second test is called a menace test. To perform this test, gently wave or move your hand forward toward the eye but avoid touching the eye, eyelids or any hairs on the face. A positive response would be that dog blinks or moves away indicating that they can see.

If you have concerns that your pet is not seeing adequately it would be advisable to have a complete ophthalmic examination performed by your veterinarian. Depending on their findings, they may refer you to a veterinary ophthalmologist for further examination and treatment . Many causes of vision loss are often best treated early in the course of the disease and early detection is key.