Vision Loss in Senior Pets: Signs and Solutions

Vision loss in a senior pet can be a distressing experience not only for your pet, but for you and your family. Having a pet lose their vision can be one of those moments where you just wish your pet could talk to you and tell you what is going on! If your senior pet is experiencing vision loss, or you are wondering whether your pet may be losing their vision, there are signs you can watch for, as well as steps you can take to support them navigating their new normal.


Signs of Pet Vision Loss 

You may notice that your senior pet is experiencing one or a few of the following signs of vision loss: 

  • Differences in eye appearance - look for signs of cloudiness, redness, discharge, or other changes in the eyes that may indicate diseases or conditions contributing to vision loss.
  • Clumsiness in familiar spaces e.g. bumping into furniture at home, or missing a stair at their favourite park.  
  • Hesitance to be in poorly lit spaces - this can come from concern about losing already limited visual cues. 
  • Higher startle response - pets who are losing their vision may become easier to startle when something happens suddenly or from an unexpected direction, as they are not clearly seeing their surroundings. 
  • More cautious behaviour - you may notice that your senior pet stops jumping or climbing onto familiar surfaces like the couch, due to uncertainty as a result of reduced vision. 
  • Decreased interest - activities or toys that rely on your pet’s vision may be more difficult to engage with. You may find that they lose interest more easily. 
  • Increased vocalisation - your pet may become more vocal (e.g. more whining or meowing) as a way to express concern or distress, or to look for reassurance 
  • Increased bathroom accidents - you may notice that your senior pet appears to lose some of their ‘house-training’ and have more accidents in the house. This can sometimes be down to them struggling to see the appropriate spot. 

    • If you are noticing any of the above signs in your pet, it is worth keeping a note of symptoms, and their frequency or severity over a small period of time. This can help you in conversations with your vet to determine the best management or treatment. Spotting and investigating vision loss early on can make a world of difference to your pet’s quality of life and minimise the impact and disruption to their daily life. 


    Ways To Help Your Pet with Vision Loss 

    First things first, consult with your veterinarian to assess the severity of your pet’s vision loss, diagnose any underlying causes and make sure that you are clear on the best treatment options. Some causes of vision loss can be treatable so it’s vital that your visit to the vet is done as early as possible and thoroughly. 

    In addition to professional health care and guidance, below are some steps that you can take to minimise the impact of vision loss on your senior pet: 

    Make Their Home Environment Safe: Keep your home as hazard-free and accessible as possible. This could look like removing furniture from walkways, covering any sharp corners on furniture, or installing ramps to avoid them needing to take stairs. Pay particular attention to their routes to food, the bathroom and sleep and make sure these are as safe as they can be. You could also consider installing baby gates to block off stairs or any rooms that are unsafe for them to navigate. 

    Maintain consistency: Losing vision can be confusing and distressing for your pet. Avoid rearranging furniture or heavily mixing up their routine and rituals. Consistency in their days and environment can provide familiarity and comfort as they adapt to what life is like with lower vision. 

    Use Cues For Their Other Senses: Help your pet orient themselves by making the most of scent, sound or tactile cues. For instance, you could place scented or textured markers near key areas for their daily routine, or wear the same perfume or cologne so they can easily recognise you in the house. Sound cues could include a bell on doors so they can either locate a door or be less startled by someone’s ‘sudden’ arrival in a room. 

    Keep Spaces Well-Lit: Make sure the spaces that your pet is spending most of their time are well-lit. Consider setting up night lights or motion sensor lights in common areas to help them move around at night time too. 

    Avoid Startling Them: While this can be a tricky one, do your best to avoid sudden movements around your pet who is experiencing vision loss. When you’re approaching them, do it gently and try announcing your presence before touching them. 

    Show them extra TLC: Your pet may experience higher levels of anxiety because of their vision loss. Do your best to offer extra reassurance and patience, and show them affection and attention so that they feel comforted and safe.

     

    When your senior pet is feeling like their world is changing around them and things are becoming harder, your presence and support in their lives is so important. You will be a source of stability and familiarity amidst all of the change. By looking for the signs of vision loss and taking quick steps to work on treatment and management, you are doing the very best by your furry family member. 

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