Old Dog Products

Quality of life & the last chapter

Caring for an Older Dog With a Disability: Blind, Deaf or Less Mobile

By The Old Dog Products team · Published

Not veterinary advice. This article is general information to help you care for your dog at home. It isn’t veterinary advice and can’t replace an exam. If you’re worried about your dog, call your vet.

Many older dogs live with a disability. Some lose their sight or hearing. Others have back legs that don’t work as well as they did. A few have all three. With some changes at home and a steady routine, most can still enjoy their days.

If you only have a minute

  • Ask your vet to check any new loss of sight, hearing or mobility.
  • Keep the home layout and daily routine the same as much as you can.
  • Block stairs and other drop-offs, and add grip to slippery floors.
  • Use touch cues for a blind dog and hand signals for a deaf dog.

Emergency: call your vet or an emergency vet now if your dog suddenly can’t see, suddenly can’t stand or walk, or drags their back legs.

See your vet first

A new disability can have a cause your vet can look into. Book a visit for any change in sight, hearing, balance or walking, and ask what to expect from here.

Caring for a blind older dog

AAHA calls a consistent home the single most important thing for a blind pet, because they build a mental map of their space (AAHA). Ideas from AAHA and AKC:

  • Don’t move the furniture, food and water bowls or bed (AKC).
  • Block stairs, pools and other drop-offs, and pad sharp furniture corners (AKC).
  • Talk to your dog and use touch so you don’t startle them (AAHA).
  • Use different scents to mark certain spaces, to help them find their way from place to place (AAHA).
  • Keep them in a small, safe room or crate when you’re out (AKC).

Caring for a deaf older dog

AAHA suggests ways to help a deaf pet (AAHA):

  • Flick the lights or stomp gently on the floor so they know you’re coming, rather than startling them.
  • Keep them on a leash outside unless the yard is securely fenced.
  • Use a baby gate if they tend to dash out the door.
  • Teach hand signals, rewarding the behavior you want.

Caring for an older dog with weak legs

If your dog’s back legs are getting weaker, read old dog back legs giving out.

Keep a steady routine

AAHA says a predictable routine, with feeding, exercise, potty breaks and training at about the same times each day, helps pets with sight or hearing loss feel more confident (AAHA). The same is true for many dogs with mobility problems.

Keep life interesting

A disability doesn’t have to mean a boring day. Sniffing games, short gentle walks and easy training keep your dog busy. See gentle exercise for senior dogs and safe toys for senior dogs.

When to see your vet

  • Any new or sudden loss of sight, hearing or mobility
  • Bumping into things more, or seeming confused or lost at home
  • Accidents in the house, or sores from lying down a lot
  • Signs of pain, such as not wanting to move or be touched

Frequently asked questions

Can a blind dog still have a good life?

Many blind dogs adapt well to a familiar home and routine. Your vet can talk to you about your dog in particular.

How do I call a deaf dog?

Get their attention with a light flick or a gentle stomp, then use hand signals you’ve taught them (AAHA).

Sources

Products mentioned

Products don’t treat any condition. They can make the home safer or easier. Ask your vet what suits your dog.

More picks in our product guide: Getting around.