The Wise Wag Week 12 - Senior Dog Vision and Hearing

Hi fellow animal lover,

As dogs age, their vision and hearing naturally decline, sometimes so gradually that it’s hard to notice at first. While these changes can be unsettling, dogs are incredibly adaptable — with a little help, they can continue living happy, fulfilling lives.

Signs of Vision Loss in Senior Dogs

Bumping into furniture, doorways, or objects
Hesitating before going up or down stairs
Increased anxiety in new environments
Cloudy eyes or changes in eye color (Cloudy eyes don't always mean cataracts)
Difficulty finding toys, food, or water bowls
Startling easily if approached unexpectedly

Signs of Hearing Loss in Senior Dogs

Not responding to their name or familiar commands
Startling easily when touched
Barking more or vocalizing differently
Difficulty waking up when sleeping
Ignoring doorbells or loud noises they once reacted to

Veterinary Care & Early Detection

Routine senior wellness exams can help catch vision and hearing changes early. Conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, or ear infections can contribute to sensory loss, and some may be treatable. If you notice sudden changes, schedule a vet visit immediately to rule out underlying health issues.

Eye Issues That Can Cause Blindness in Dogs

Being deaf shouldn't be the end of any training and communicaton with your dog – check out this video showing some deaf dog training techniques and tips:

Deaf Dog Training - Teaching Object Names #dogtraining #deafdog #bordercollie #signlanguage

How to Help a Dog with Vision Loss

Keep furniture in the same place to help them navigate confidently
Use textured rugs or mats as markers for important areas like food and water bowls
Teach verbal cues like “step up” or “careful” to guide them through obstacles
Add nightlights to help with low-light visibility
Scent and sound cues can help. Placing pet-safe essential oils near doorways or using a small bell on your other pets can provide orientation cues

How to Help a Dog with Hearing Loss

Teach hand signals for basic commands like sit, stay, and come
Approach from the front to avoid startling them
Use vibration cues like tapping the floor with your foot before touching them
Flashlights or gentle touch can replace verbal communication
Keep them on a leash in open areas to ensure their safety outdoors

Helping Them Feel Safe & Confident

Dogs rely on more than just sight and sound — they use scent, memory, and routine to navigate the world. With a little patience and a few small adjustments, you can help your senior dog feel just as secure and loved as ever.

Coming up next week: We’ll be talking about common senior dog diseases and how to prevent them — what to watch for, early warning signs, and ways to keep your aging dog as healthy as possible.

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