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My senior dog is losing sight and hearing. How can I help her adjust?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | American Cocker Spaniel | Female | spayed | 17 years and 1 month old | 26 lbs

We have a 17 year old American Cocker Spaniel. She is nearly blind and each day looses more of her sight. We have read your article on living with a Blind Dog, and we have one extra problem, our Sophie is also very hard of hearing. What can we do to help her adjust to her new life? Thank you Cliff & Marilyn Conley

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Rebecca, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 4th, 2017

First matter of business is Sophie's safety. Baby gate any stairs or access to outside she may have. She can still us senses of touch taste and smell so utilize those for training. Banging the floor may orient her to where you are. There are also vibrating collars available. Make sure her area of the house doesn't change. Try to minimize moving furniture or inadvertently putting roadblocks (boxes, bags) in the path she normally travels. Dogs are creatures of habit so many acclimate well to loss of senses if thier environment doesn't change.

I found this article that also may help with some pointers for Sophie. https://www.cesarsway.com/dog-care/senior-dogs/caring-for-dogs-that-are-blind-and-deaf

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Elizabeth
Veterinarian
Published on February 17th, 2019
Pets who are deaf and blind will usually learn to get around well. It is very important to not move around the furniture or place boxes or other items in the walk way. Remember that Kelsey can still smell and enjoys your company so still give her plenty of love and treats. Keep her on a routine (walking the same patterns through the house and yard). She will memorize the path and its obstacles. They also make collars for blind pets and these will help her. It to run into things.
I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By C. Rathjens, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on January 27th, 2019
It depends on what issues you're having, if any. Some dogs do great without those senses, and some really struggle. It's worse if either was lost suddenly. Generally, I'd recommend not moving your furniture around, putting a bell on her collar to help you find her, blocking off dangerous areas (like stairs) with baby gates, and investing in a "halo" (like this one, there are lots of different brands out there: https://muffinshalo.com/ ) so she's not bumping in to things all the time. Feel free to repost a question with any particular issues you're struggling with.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM
Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident
Published on August 2nd, 2019
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I am so sorry to hear that. I recommend confining the blind animal to a smaller area in the house initially. As they are getting used to that smaller area, they can be let loose in the house to see how things go. In reality, dogs learn to get around just fine even being blind so I would not be too concerned at this point. He can maintain a good quality of life. I would just recommend also to prevent him going outside without a leash or to be close to water to avoid accidents. Have a great day!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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