Blindness in Adult Dogs: Owners’ and Dogs’ Reactions and Changes in Human–Animal Interaction

Abstract

ABSTRACT This research aimed to investigate owners’ reactions to the occurrence of blindness in their dogs, how they supported their pets, and how their dogs adapted to the new situation. We conducted a questionnaire survey of people whose dogs had become blind in adulthood. To reach the audience, we contacted international associations (roughly 41,000 members) whose primary scope was to inform and support the owners of dogs with impaired vision. Participation was anonymous and resulted in 398 returned questionnaires. The research showed that owners’ first reactions included mainly negative emotions, such as anxiety, sadness, anger, and unacceptance. However, 44% of the respondents accepted the diagnosis and actively explored tools, supplies, and techniques suitable to help their dog cope with the new situation. Only four dogs were euthanized; most owners (99.9%) refused to put their dogs to sleep, even those who stated they were initially unable to accept their dog's blindness. Canine responses to blindness were depression, increased dependency on their owner, changing postural behavior, and relying on different senses (mainly smell and hearing). Blind dogs maintained their usual daily behaviors (such as walking leash-free) except for engaging in sports, with 49.5% unable to deal with previous activity anymore. Owners found new ways to help their dogs stimulate or maintain their cognitive skills: they started guiding them through voice, little bells, and olfactory toys, exercising for mental stimulation, and finally restructuring their home space to make it easier for the dogs to orientate themselves. The improvements were valuable in reducing symptoms of depression in the dogs, helping them function with greater autonomy and independence. Finally, 89% of the respondents thought their dog was happy despite its blindness. The overall results of our research show that dog owners and their dogs adapt well to dog blindness in adulthood.