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Vision Loss in Chihuahuas-Blindness, Symptoms, and How To Manage

Blindness or vision loss in chihuahuas can be a congenital disorder or a lifelong issue. Acute vision loss can be brought on by trauma or infections, whereas chronic vision loss can be brought on by degenerative conditions such as cataracts, retinal degeneration, and glaucoma.

Older chihuahuas frequently experience chronic vision loss, but in some cases, it goes undetected because pet parents mistakenly blame their clumsiness and confusion on old age rather than on diminishing eyesight.

Any dog, regardless of breed, may eventually lose their vision. However, many cases of blindness are assumed to be genetic and breed- or age-specific; for instance, blindness is more common in white dogs, such as white Boxers and Great Danes.

The gradual retinal degeneration in Chihuahua dogs makes them vulnerable to blindness.

Signs Of Vision Loss In Chihuahuas

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In order to give their Chihuahuas the appropriate medical care, owners must be aware of the symptoms of vision loss. Each indication of an ocular disease should be handled carefully in order to avoid blindness because a wide range of eye disorders can lead to visual loss. Indicators of eye illness include:

inflammatory eye disease ocular discharge

  • Color shifts
  • Expansion of the eyes
  • Eye rubbing that never stops
  • Squinting
  • Lethargy

Persistent blindness can be more difficult to identify, but chihuahuas in these situations stand a higher chance of making up for their vision loss with other senses. Among the warning symptoms of deteriorating vision are:

  • Generally feeling lost
  • Having poor height perception and running into furniture, walls, or other items
  • The confusion of being in a new environment
  • Unwillingness to move
  • Locating food and water dishes is difficult

Causes of Vision Loss In Chihuahuas

Senior chihuahua with acute glaucoma and tongue falling out due to missing teeth

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There are numerous reasons for eye issues, including sudden vision loss in chihuahuas. Blindness may result from any condition that prevents light from reaching the retina or seriously harms the cornea, retina, or other eye tissues. Chihuahuas’ eyesight loss can be brought on by:

A series of degenerative diseases known as progressive retinal atrophy primarily affects Chihuahuas, Labradors, Cocker Spaniels, and Poodles. This may be the reason why your Chihuahua is losing its vision, so you should seek emergency veterinarian care.

Treatments of Vision Loss In Chihuahuas

Old Chihuahua senior Dog wears santa suit and hat stands on wooden platform. Little dog is blind but happy. An old distressed garage is behind her.

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Certain eye conditions, like glaucoma, result in irreversible vision loss, but other conditions, like cataracts, produce reversible vision loss that can be treated surgically.

Because prevention is so crucial, Chihuahua owners should seek veterinary attention for any signs of diabetes or eye illness and should not let eye infections go untreated.

What Chihuahua Owners Can Do To Ease The Life Of A Blind Chihuahua

Chihuahuas with vision problems can be taught to live regular lives. It’s important to keep in mind that dogs rely on their other senses, such as scent and hearing, in addition to eyesight, to carry out their daily tasks.

When a chihuahua loses his or her sight, especially if it happens gradually, he or she can make up for it by using other senses and lead a very normal life. What you can do to assist your blind dog includes the following:

  • Never let your chihuahua run loose in a strange area.
  • At your home, avoid moving furniture.
  • Leash up your Chi and go for a walk.
  • When approaching your Chihuahua, whistling or lightly clapping your hands will signal their presence.
  • Keep the bowls for food and water together.
  • Obtain a seeing Chihuahua to accompany your blind dog.
  • As much time as you can, spend with your dog.

Indicators of Worsening Vision Issues In Chihuahuas

Group of dogs, one blind, being taken for a walk.

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As you can see, there are numerous indicators of chihuahua vision loss. But, as a chihuahua parent, you might want to get aware of the symptoms that could indicate a growing visual issue.

Knowing what to check for is crucial because dogs won’t alert their owner if they are beginning to lose their vision.

1. Your Chihuahua Will Not Jump Off the Couch or Bed

Your Chihuahua may be losing their vision and maybe developing night blindness if you observe that they are becoming more cautious while using stairs or going outside at night, or jumping from furniture they previously jumped from.

Senile retinal degeneration, another name for night blindness, is frequently age-related. Your Chihuahua’s vision will be impaired in low-light situations if they have this ailment.

2. The Dog Can’t See Toys, Meals, Or Treats

If you throw a treat or toy at your chihuahua and they don’t see it, their vision issues could get progressively worse.

It’s crucial to assess their peripheral vision in this situation as well. To achieve this, throw your dog’s favorite treat or toy to the far right and then to the far left, and then watch what happens. Do they observe?

3. Stunned in the Sun

When your Chihuahua goes outside in the sunlight and appears a little dazed, it may be an indication of serious cataracts and declining vision. In situations with bright light, the pupils will close, and the light will then pass through the hazy and thick portion of a cataractous lens.

Risks Inside And Outside The Home

You must be aware of the dangers your dog may encounter indoors and outside if they are having vision loss or other eye issues.

Never let your pet roam freely outside of a fenced-in area until he is comfortable with his surroundings and has had time to get used to his vision issues. Unless you are certain that there are no dangers, keep them on the leash.

Make sure to pick up all the trash in the yard as well. This applies to tools, games, and branches. Each of these presents a trip risk for your Chihuahua.
You should also check the porch rails. Avoid taking a chance that your chihuahua will fall through and off the porch.

Use the ground-level door if you have one to let the dog in and out. Once your dog adjusts, stay away from any stairs or raised decks. Also, you can fasten a bell to your dog’s collar so that it will ring when it runs.

Recovery from Vision Issues

Cute longhair brown chihuahua puppy - four months old - dazzled by sun rays

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Your Chihuahua’s charm and acceptance of you will shine through even if they lose their sight. They will also be quite adept at using their other senses. While your Chihuahua learns how to navigate the world with vision issues, don’t freak out.

Let them navigate the house and surroundings on their own. You can guide them with composure when required and assist them in overcoming any barriers as they learn. Since many dogs are already trained, the adjustment won’t be as challenging as you would anticipate.
The pet’s veterinarian. Surgery and medicines may occasionally be used to treat specific illnesses and hasten recovery. The best hope for any form of recovery, though, is an early diagnosis of these vision issues.

This implies that even in the face of visual issues or uncertainty, your chihuahua will remain strong, healthy, and happy if you take them to the doctor on a regular basis and are aware of the warning signals to look out for.

Last Word

It is painful to watch your chihuahua slowly lose his vision. Although it could seem alarming at first, there are many methods to make your dog’s life without eyesight comfortable. Contact your veterinarian as soon as you see any signs of blindness in your chihuahua. They will be able to determine the cause of their blindness and whether it is treatable. The sooner you recognize your dog’s blindness, the sooner you can help them adjust.

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