Chow Chows are loyal guard dogs, always willing to be there for their family. They have eye problems that may become severe if not adequately addressed. Below are a few tips on the causes of blindness and what you can do to relieve your dog.
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Do Chow Chows Go Blind?
Chow Chows suffer from various eye problems that may cause blindness if not addressed as soon as possible. When Chow Chows age, they become prone to eye problems like glaucoma and entropion, which are not fatal unless they persist. Owners must look for signs that indicate eye problems or blindness and get them to the nearest veterinarian for tests and diagnosis.
What Are The Signs Of A Dog Going Blind?
Your Chow Chow may be partially blind in one eye, have intermittent blindness that comes and goes, or have complete blindness. Signs may vary depending on the cause of the blindness; however, signs of your Chow Chow going blind include:
- General clumsiness
- Unable to find did, water and not wanting to go outside
- Cloudy or red eyes
What Would Cause A Dog To Suddenly Go Blind?
If your Chow Chow suddenly goes blind, the cause might be Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration (SARDS), cataracts, or glaucoma. Sudden blindness must be addressed to the veterinarian immediately so that causes can be determined and treatment administered. Vision improvement is possible after treatment; however, it depends on the cause of vision loss.
Do Chow Chows Have Good Eyesight?
Chow Chows, like many dogs, have good eyesight, which, however, deteriorates with age. When a Chow Chow reaches age 5, they tend to develop eye problems like entropion, which causes teary eyes. Apart from that, Chow Chows have low peripheral vision, so guests should approach them from the front instead of the side to avoid startling them.
Can You Reverse Dog Blindness?
Dog blindness, in most cases, is irreversible. If your dog suffers from partial or intermittent blindness, there are slight chances of it being addressed if it is treated early and the root of the blindness is identified. If, however, with complete blindness, you cannot reverse it.
Do Chow Chows Have Eye Problems?
Chow Chows suffer from various eye problems that affect their vision. Common eye problems include cataracts, glaucoma, and entropion, which causes cloudy and teary eyes and low peripheral vision. If left untreated, these symptoms could lead to complete blindness of your Chow Chow.
How Do You Comfort A Blind Dog?
If your Chow Chow is diagnosed with complete blindness, there are ways to comfort and make their life easier.
Give your Chow Chow time to get accustomed to the change and let them learn to enhance their senses of hearing, smell, and touch. The best ways to comfort them are by giving your Chow a safe space to retreat when they feel stressed; the second way is by talking to them frequently and annunciating for clarity and trying, by all means, to keep a consistent routine to prevent anxiety.
How Much Does It Cost To Have A Dog’s Cataracts Removed?
Cataracts can be costly and are caused by various factors that may affect the quality of your Chow Chow’s vision. Cataracts can cause complete blindness in your Chow Chow which may cause them severe pain. Veterinarians will suggest eye surgery to remove cataracts which cost between $2,700 to $4,000, depending on the severity. Pet insurance will significantly help you cover any costs to help your pet see better.
FAQ
At What Age Do Dogs Go Blind?
Blindness and age depend on the breed of the dog. Chow Chow tends to show eye problems around age five and becomes prone to developing cataracts or glaucoma.
Is It Cruel To Keep A Blind Dog?
No, it is not cruel to keep a blind dog but instead very kind. Blind dogs require much more help and attention, which few people can give; those who undertake the task are brave and kind.
Do Dogs Understand When They Go Blind?
Yes, dogs know when they go blind. Dogs naturally have good vision, so that slight eye changes will affect them. Blind dogs are often less active and can develop depression.
Conclusion
Chow Chows are loyal family dogs that sometimes can get sick. As an owner, it is essential to know that taking care of a blind dog is a tremendous task and will require a lot of patience and care to help your pet accustom themselves to the new life. Support your dog and do not give up on them or lose your patience.
