Written by Dr. Sherry Weaver

I just found out that my dog is going to be blind and lose her hearing within two years. She is a very active dog, but I can already see the differences in her behavior because the problems have already started. Is her life worth living after losing these senses?

Riikka Karppinen
Helsinki, Finland

Helen Keller would say yes, life is worth living even with blindness and deafness. Dogs who lose some senses will compensate with their others. She will still have smell to recognize the people she loves and touch to enjoy a good petting. She will still have taste to enjoy a good meal. And with your guidance, she can still enjoy a good run on a relatively even surface on a leash. Depending on the cause of blindness or deafness, often conditions will leave some ability to see shadows and navigate around things, but even if this is not the case, as long as the furniture doesn't move, they usually navigate quite well.

I think the hardest part of living with a dog losing senses is when we see them struggling or bumping into things. I have experienced this with my own dog Einstein, who at 18 years of age has lost most of his hearing and vision, but no one could look at him and say he is not still enjoying life. Remember, as Cesar says, a dog does not intellectualize. She just accepts and enjoys what the world gives her!

Dr. Weaver

You can see more tips from Dr. Weaver in Cesar's Way magazine.

About Dr. Sherry Weaver
Dr. Weaver graduated with honors from the University of Georgia's School of Veterinary Medicine.  She founded a state-of-the-art animal hospital, teaches pet care to children, and donates time and resources to rescue organizations.

Note: The opinions and views expressed in the Ask the Vet articles are the result of Dr. Sherry Weaver's formal education and over 14 years in clinical experiences. Your veterinarian is the best source of information for your pet’s specific needs.