My cocker spaniel has completely gone blind, what do I need to do to make my home safe?

I had a dog go blind. It was so sad, but she adapted to it pretty well. It helped we had a big fenced in back yard, no kids at home anymore, and several other dogs who took up the job of guiding her around.

One of the things I did was get down on all four, so my eyes were at the same level as her head. I "walked" all over the house this way. It is amazing how a change in perspective will show you things you need to take care of, that you'll miss while standing upright. I highly encourage you do do that. because like you, I thought I had taken care of everything, until a got down.

My other recommendation is "baby gates". I used these to keep her out of areas when something was going on in a room that could hurt her.

I hope and will pray for you guy's. But he can do well, especially with a loving family. Your efforts for him, and additionally what you have done in the past for him, are very noble deeds. I am sure you have earned a minimum of 10,000 cool points , to apply towards your karma. Bless you all.

Best of luck, wish I could do more. Have a great day

Try the different things that people use to baby proof their homes. If you have tables with sharp corners, they sell rubber or plastic corners to help protect from hitting their heads on that. Baby gates work wonders, even if its a big dog. Baby gate just before stairs if you have any in the home or to the kitchen because you might trip over the dog easier while cooking.

Basically keep him oriented and keep him from banging into things. Spray furniture corners and door frames with something that smells, like Glade. Keep your furniture layout the same, keep his food and water bowls in the same place, keep his bed in the same spot. Keep the "runways" clear of debris.

Don't sneak up on him, maybe whistle when you get near in case his hearing is going too, before you pet him or put the leash on him.

Our older dog can't see that well, but she can orient herself to the sidewalk when we go for a walk. Be careful when you go over a bump or at the curbs. Luckily they have put wheelchair cuts in the curbs where I live.

take anything like glass or toxic things out of its reach. try to help it by moving furniture out of the hall and scenting things with perfumes will warn your dog if something is close by. you can also train your dog so how to still play fetch i'm not quite sure how it works but don't make anything too loud like a blasting radio because it will not only scare your dog even more but it will also make it uncomfortable because it isn't sure where it is coming from.

Good luck hope this helps

I am so sorry but blind dogs do adapt well once they loose there sight remember your dog will already know his way around the house just make sure you don't move the room around and confuse your dog but i think what you have done already is ok.

If you have a basement, it would be a good idea to close the door, and also put a toddler barrier on the staircases (up and down) to make sure he doesn't try walking around too much. Put his food in a place he stays often, and make sure he isn't in any avoidable pain.Good luck!

Like another person has said do not move any of your furniture around and confuse your dog. I'm sure he will be fine and get used to things.

block off stairs ... other than that they truly adjust well ... my first dog was blind and deaf and you could not really tell ... he was already familiar with the environment, i just had to watch him around stairs ... i did do a hands and knees "walk through" to see if there was anything harsh at his level but there wasn't ... when i would walk him to the park i attached him to my jack russell and she led him to the park where i would let him free to wander about ... i really did not find he was freaked out about being blind ... even if he walked into something (like the cat who would freak out) he would just back up and mosey on ...

I've heard people use bits of carpet around furniture & other things to "warn" the dog that he's about to run into something.