The adoption rate for senior dogs is 25%. That’s why giving your senior dog all the love and care they need is important. Among the dangers senior dogs face are higher risks of canine eye diseases.
Much like people, a dog’s eyes can degenerate as they age. Thus, eye problems become much more common as a dog ages. How do you tell if your senior dog is losing eyesight? What are some common canine eye problems? How do you slow vision decline in senior dogs?
I’ll answer all of these questions and more here.
Signs of Eye Issues
You’ll notice senior dogs losing eyesight in little ways over time. For instance, your dog might have trouble fetching a ball or be slower to recognize people.
You should examine the dog’s eyes if you can. See if you notice any color differences. Check for black or white spots in the irises. Take note of whether the eyes seem duller than usual and whether their pupils seem bigger.
Common Issues
Perhaps your dog has an issue with their eyes, but you don’t know what. It’s ultimately up to the vet to determine what’s going on, but doing your research never hurts. Familiarize yourself with the most common age-related vision problems dogs can suffer from.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a severe eye condition that occurs in humans and dogs alike. Glaucoma occurs when the fluid responsible for nourishing the eyes is unable to drain out.
This causes the fluid, known as aqueous humor, to build up. As the fluid builds up, so does the pressure in the eye. This damages the eye and leads to a loss of vision. In some cases, glaucoma can be painful and requires immediate treatment. Regardless of why you’re going to the vet, you should try to keep your dog calm.
Cornea Degeneration
Cornea Degeneration is an issue common in older dogs with a history of eye issues or other underlying conditions. Injuries sometimes lead to cornea degeneration as well.
The bad news is that cornea degeneration can’t be cured. We do have ways to slow its progress, though. Treating the injury or condition and using eye drops.
Cataracts
If your dog’s eyes are dull and cloudy, cataracts may be the cause. Cataracts affect proteins in the eyes, which diminishes their function over time.
The good news is that cataracts are curable, but this requires surgery. Even if you can’t treat your pet’s eye condition, things will be okay. While nobody or animal should go blind, it’s not a fatal condition. Adjusting your lifestyle will allow your pet to thrive again. Don’t let these issues turn you off from the idea of adopting a senior dog because the joy and love they provide are worth it.
Canine Eye Problems and How to Treat Them
Canine eye problems are common as a dog ages, but that doesn’t mean you can’t do anything. Many of the most common eye issues are easily found and remedied with a bit of veterinary care.
Even if your dog isn’t showing signs now, you can still help slow cognitive decline with our Brain Bowl.