My Golden Retriever is going blind, any advice?

Question

Hi, my beloved Dillon is 14 years old. He's completely blind in one eye (cataracts) and the other is slowly deteriorating, too. He had 2 cancerous tumors removed in the past 3 years so it was too much to have eye surgery. I know he's old, but I love him so very much, he is the happiest, most congenial, affectionate dog you've ever seen, honestly. He has a nice doggie bed which I put a king sized feather bed on, too, but he loves to lay on the couch. Whenever he wants to get on the couch, he always comes over and asks, I always say, "yes", but he still wants a confirmation, bless his sweet heart. Do you have any ideas of how I can make him more comfortable? I just love him so very much, and I'm just so sad because I know what's coming and I can't deal with it. Thank you for caring:{

Answer 1

He is happy even with the blindness. Most people would be in a hurry to end the dog's life with a shot from the veterinarian, and say it was to keep the dog from suffering. I don't think that is a fraction as kind as what you are doing now. In addition, give the dog some vitamin A, feed him a little carrot juice, buy capsules of lutein which is good for eyes of human beings and would be great for your dog.. Puritans POride is 1 800 645 1030. Alternative Health is 1 800 544 4225. Doctors Foster & Smith (dogs) is 1 800 826 7206 and Care a Lot is 1 800 343 7680

Answer 2

Just take it as it comes, dogs for some reason dieal with being blind better than us humans. I have a 13 yr. old miniature poodle (he in the pic to the left) and he is in human terms legally blind. He has lost his sight in his right eye to cataracts and the lense was removed from his left eye and every day, twice a day, I have to put 1 eye drop and then 5 min. later a very small part of ointment in his eye to keep the moister in. He can see blurred images and he gets around of our apartment just fine. He is so sweet and loving and he loves to cuddle with me. My best advice to you is get you loving Dillon to the vet and if nothing else see if he can refer you to a k9 eye specialist (if you haven't seen one already). Also you need to keep your furniture exactly where it is as if you go and completely rearrange it and his eye sight is pretty bad, he will start bumping into things. There is nothing wrong with a dog being blind and he will adjust to being blind just fine, especially since you are such a caring and loving mother.
Good luck

Answer 3

I am so sorry about your dog. Just keep things in his home environment the same as it is now, so he will not be bumping into things. He will learn how to get around better if things are familiar. Don't take him out to strange places. He will be scared, not knowing what is going on around him.

I have had corneal transplants in both eyes, the cataract surgery in both eyes, 3 laser surgeries, one in right eye, 2 in left, and a vitrectomy and now there is a good chance I have a cancer in the left eye. They will be doing a biopsy and I may lose the eye. Sight is so precious. At least for now, my vision in my right eye is pretty good.

Answer 4

I am so sorry. I have one too. She is 13 and is starting to have cataracts to. We can tell she is slowing down. They are the best dogs..I know people say its wrong to say they are like family but they are. I know how you feel...we will be facing that soon also. She runs the house.. We take her to work now so she won't have to be home alone. Shes more spoiled then the kids were... They just have a special look when they look at you. Just love her while you can. & spoil her....I lost a cocker that my neighbor poisioned...the SOB...made hamberger ball s with draino in them. Threw them out to kill the cats and some got in our yard.... was awful... I have never gotten over that...I say we won't get another dog but we will. Think it will be a Golden Doodle. That way I won't have to deal with the "Hair" problem... Good Luck to you......

Answer 5

I'm really really sorry for what's happening a dog is the best friend a person can have. Sadly if he's going blind you might want to consider euthanising him. I know it's a hard thing to do but you have to think about the quality of his life. Talk to the vet and see what they think. God Bless.

Answer 6

blind dogs like blind people live very happily (I am blind) Keep him in familiar surroundings use audio cues for him. Play music in the home so he knows where the house is should he become disorientated. Throw him balls with bells inside to exercise him. Roll the balls so the bells tell him where to run. Don't just call him once keep on calling so he knows where you are. He will be fine if he learns to see with his ears.

Answer 7

I think that you are doing everything right. I mean i would say take him to the vets but i know that you already did that. Just keep doing what you are doing and give Dillon lots of love which you are.

Answer 8

Awwh! =( I know just how you feel, I had a Chessie like that, it's hard. just try to give her extra effection, and try to help her alot, pet her, walk with her around the house while calling her, and if you have to put her down, buy another Golden Retriver, give her the same name as your dog that's gowing blid and just love her as much as your old one.,


Can you do me a favor ?., pet your dog a few times for me =) Thanx =P

Answer 9

hard to see an old companion go downhill. i'm not sure i would want to operate on him at his age either. as long as he's not in pain, make life a little easier for him by keeping your home the same way you would for a vision impaired person. furniture in the same places, no junk on the floor, doors open, food and water in the same spot. let him live in dignity for as long as he's comfortable.

Answer 10

you could go to a vet and check whether he can get the caterats removed ( it is possible since they do remove them in people)
If you r dog is a good canditate and u cand afford it do it a walking ( white cane) is not a option