Dogs that are blind are able to do many of the same activities that seeing dogs can. With a halo harness, your blind dog can be independent when they are outside as long as you supervise in case they get into a situation that causes them stress or panic. Finding activities that a blind dog can enjoy is easy.
1. Daily Walks
Taking your blind dog on daily walks is an excellent way to get in plenty of exercise and bonding time with your dog. They will enjoy the sounds and smells as they use you for their eyes. If your dog is newly blinded, start going on short walks to build their confidence and learn to fully trust you. Bring along treats to encourage your dog as you encounter new situations that they might be unsure of attempting. Be sure to keep your dog close to your side when walking and be aware of your surroundings and any potential threat to your dog.
Walking with a blind dog is not a difficult activity; however, you do need to spend some time planning your route. Pick routes that are easy for your dog to walk, such as along a sidewalk or in the grass at a park. Avoid areas that have stairs. Also, stay away from high-traffic areas, your dog may become nervous being near vehicles as they drive by. You want the route you walk to be as peaceful as possible for you and your dog.
2. Nose Work
Blind dogs will rely heavily on their noses to help them move through the home and yard. You can purchase scent markers and put them around your home so your dog can move more freely. Aside from scent markers, you can do nose work with your dog in your house or the backyard depending on the weather. All you need for nose work are treats, scenting items, and a halo vest. You will show your dog the item they are to find and then hide the item and have them search for it using their scenting abilities.
Dogs have amazing scenting capabilities. For dogs relying on their nose to get around the house, they will be hypersensitive to new smells. When you get ready to do nose work with your blind dog, be sure to introduce one scent at a time. Allow them time to move cautiously through your home or backyard as they search for the scent. Do not introduce scents that are overly strong or might cause a reaction. Dogs can be allergic to some essential oils so do your research before introducing a scent.
3. Puzzle Games
Blind dogs need to keep all their other senses sharp. Canine puzzle games are wonderful ways to entertain your dog and keep their brain sharp. Puzzle games will range in difficulty and price depending on how advanced they are and where you buy your puzzle. You can even make an easy homemade puzzle. You will want to start your dog with an easy puzzle and then graduate up to more difficult puzzles as your dog gets the hang of them. Expect to keep them engaged for about 30 minutes at a time when they are working on a puzzle before they become bored with the activity. Do not pick puzzles that might be tricky for a blind dog; puzzles that focus on scenting abilities will be the best for a dog that is blind.
Blind dogs will use their nose to become familiar with new items. Allow them to thoroughly sniff the puzzle before filling it with treats. You want them to be comfortable with the puzzle so they try to solve it to get the treat. If there are doors or other moving parts, move them so your dog can hear the sound before treats are added. This shows them that you are okay with the sounds and they should be, too.
4. Doggy Popsicles
Popsicles are an excellent treat for any dog, especially on hot days. You can easily make homemade yummy frozen treats for your dog to enjoy. Simply fill an ice cube tray with low-sodium chicken or beef broth and add a few veggies or treats into the broth. Freeze and then wrap into a freezer bag to keep fresh.
Head outside and hide your dog’s frozen treat so they have to search a bit to find the yummy popsicle. Make it an easy-to-find hiding place so the popsicle does not melt before your pup finds it. Another great activity is to hop in the car and head to Dairy Queen or Culvers and treat your blind dog to a pup cup, a dog-friendly ice cream cup.
5. Wagon Rides
Even blind dogs need pampering and what better way than to load them up into a pull-along wagon and go for a walk? Start by going for short rides so your dog becomes used to the motion of the wagon. Be sure to keep them secure while riding in the wagon so they do not attempt to jump out and possibly injure themselves.
Small dogs and elderly dogs will enjoy wagon rides on a warm, sunny day. Dog strollers are also a great way to get your dog out and about. There are a lot of different dog strollers available, pick the one that is best suited for your dog’s size.
Conclusion
Dogs that are blind can live a relatively normal life with a few adjustments. They are still handicapped and do require special attention, but you can also help them enjoy life and spend time bonding and making memories. Before attempting any activity, be sure to research them and be ready to help your dog learn how to work around their blindness. The most important thing is to have fun with your dog during the activities.
