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Living with blind and deaf dogs
By Mairin Walters
Whether a dog is born blind or deaf, or becomes blind or deaf due to an accident, age or illness, with simple modifications in environment and communication, he can still enjoy the quality of life afforded to dogs without such a disability and will make a wonderful, loving pet.
Remarkably resilient, blind and deaf dogs are able to easily adapt to their new situations and will make up for a lack of sight or hearing by relying on other senses such as smell, taste and touch, which often become keener over time.
When living or working with a blind dog, taking just a few simple steps to modify his environment can help ensure that he is safe, happy and comfortable. First, it is important to protect your dog against hazards he cannot see. This can include putting baby gates at both ends of stairways and maintaining as consistent an environment as possible by avoiding moving furniture or other objects. Eventually, your dog will learn to navigate through the home using smell and memory.
When taking your dog to unfamiliar places or for walks outside the home, try using a body harness instead of a standard collar; the former has more contact with his body and will provide him with a greater sense of security. Once your dog learns to trust you to guide him, he will gain more confidence and become more independent over time.
With deaf dogs, most owners will notice that their pets lose hearing due to old age and thus over a longer period of time. Most dogs that lose their hearing this way are quite comfortable in the home environment and adapt particularly well. The primary challenge with deaf or hearing-impaired dogs is that their owners cannot guide or signal to them verbally. Therefore, it is important to keep them on a leash at all times when outside the home. Using a combination of eye contact, facial expressions, touch, hand signals and vibration, most owners can train their deaf dogs much in the same way they would train a dog that is not hearing impaired. Some dogs can even learn to understand American Sign Language.
Building a solid relationship is very important. Once you built a routine and a developed a clear form of communication, you will find that your blind of deaf dog is just as loyal, spirited and happy as any other dog. If you are willing to take in one of these amazing dogs and help him adapt to his disability, rest assured that he will be forever grateful and that your kindness to him will pay dividends in loyalty, companionship, and unconditional love.
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