elderly chihuahua with cataracts

[jewelgirl]

hi just wondering if any of you have this issue to deal with? it breaks my heart to see him running into everything. and i know he just dont understand why he cant see. hes 11 years old and surgery is not affordable for me. i wonder if he has enough quality of life. he is in the same living quarters he has had all his life. so he is familliar with where all his stuff (food, water, door to outside) is.i just hate to think of putting him down. other than his eyesight, hes as active as a puppy. any advice anyone?

[Margot49]

Ah, poor little thing.  Many people own blind dogs whether their own dogs age and go blind or are special needs and adopted.  Best thing to do is not change your home environment, leaving things in the same place.  You might move things a bit, if you can, so the areas the dog travels through are wider.  You should look around and make sure there is nothing the dog can run into that may injure him, inside and outside.  Some have put plastic runners down so the dog gets used to the feel and sound of the rubber to navigate to various areas.  You can also put a bell attached to you so the dog knows where you are.  Of course, when taking the dog outside, always keep him on  a leash.  If you have the time and patience, you can do some training teaching Stop, Wait, Left, Right, etc.  Of course, you would have to do this on leash and be consistent.  It might take a while but using rewards may help also when he responds to these commands.
Good luck!!

[Kobuk]

I know, Koke sometimes used to run full tilt into things.  When I wasn't watching he would run into trees, walls.  He passed @ 3 mo ago.

[jewelgirl]

thanks for responding. i do the same with tito, but he doesnt listen. he still thinks he can run full speed ahead. so i dont let him run around the yard like he used to. things get moved and he dont remember to slow down. i just wished i could do more for him. hes my last male dog from my breeding years. ive got three females i keep in the house,but dont want no more babies. it hurts too much when they die. its really nice to talk to someone who understands.

[Kobuk]

Hi, my dog had cataracts too, I used to say to him watch out, oooppps, little sounds that let him know he was going to run into something.  He got so he knew where things were in the house.  He couldn't jump up on or off things any more, I just lifted him.  I finally got him a used baby stoller when we went out, then walked him around, when he wanted to do his peeing, he make a little noise & I'd let him out for awhile.