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Blindness in dogs
Last reviewed: 08.07.2025
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Any condition that blocks light from reaching the retina will impair vision in dogs. Corneal disease and cataracts fall into this category. Other important causes of blindness in dogs include glaucoma, uveitis, and retinal disease.
Most causes of blindness cannot be detected by a general eye exam. But there are some signs that suggest that a dog may not see as well as he used to. For example, a dog with impaired vision may walk too high or too cautiously, or step on objects he would normally avoid, bump into furniture, or keep his nose close to the ground. Dogs that used to easily catch thrown objects may begin to miss. Decreased activity in older dogs is often simply attributed to age, but decreased vision may also be the cause.
Shining a bright light into your dog's eye to see if the pupil constricts is not an accurate test because the pupil may simply constrict as a reflex. This test will not tell you if your dog can form a visual image.
One way to test your dog's vision is to place him in a dark room with the furniture rearranged. When he starts walking, notice if he moves confidently or hesitates and bumps into the furniture. Turn on the light and repeat the test. A completely blind dog will walk the same distance in both tests. A dog with poor vision will show more confidence with the light on. These tests can provide qualitative information about vision, but the extent of vision loss can only be determined by a veterinarian.
A diagnosis of blindness or permanent vision loss is not a disaster. In fact, most dogs, even with normal vision, do not see very well. They rely more on their keen sense of hearing and smell. When vision deteriorates, these senses become even more acute. This allows dogs with impaired vision to easily navigate areas they know. However, you should not let a blind dog off the leash in unfamiliar places to avoid injury. At home, try not to move furniture, because your dog will retain a mental map of the location of various objects. If your dog has poor vision, try to limit its movements outside. Walks on a leash will be quite safe warm-ups. The dog will learn to rely on its owner as a guide.
It is very important to prepare for possible blindness while the dog can see. This can be done by training the dog to respond to basic commands such as "stand" and "come". When a dog becomes blind, obedience can save its life.
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