Many people are kind enough to take a disabled animal into their homes, while other pet owners have to cope with the unforeseen when an unlucky pet is injured by a car or in some other accident. Regardless, with just a few lifestyle changes and some special care from you, pets with disabilities can still live long and enjoyable lives.
Deafness
Deafness in pets may be caused by:
- A genetic predisposition – e.g. there is a high incidence of deafness in Dalmatian dogs and white cats with blue eyes
- Injury to ear, or infections.
- Gradual hearing loss due to old age.
It can be difficult to determine if a young pup is deaf, as it will follow the behaviour of its litter mates. While in the litter, a deaf pup may act more aggressively than others. He may bite too hard, as he is not deterred by yelps of pain from other pups.
New owners of a deaf pup may observe that it doesn’t respond to loud noises when asleep… or it may just be difficult to rouse from sleep. The pup won’t come when called or respond to commands and if there is another dog in the house, it may take cues from him.
If you suspect your pup or dog may be deaf, try the following home tests. Be aware that bilaterally deaf dogs are very sensitive to vibrations and air movement. With the dog facing away from you, stand behind him and try any of the following: jangle keys, whistle, ring a bell, bang two pots together or turn on the vacuum cleaner.
Care of a deaf dog:
- In the same way a dog with normal hearing can be startled by sound, a deaf dog can be startled by touch. You must teach the dog to enjoy touch by rewarding him with food as you stroke him gently. You should gradually teach your dog to be woken by your touch alone.
- Never let a deaf dog roam off the lead
- Always let a deaf dog know when you leave the house by getting its attention when you leave. If a dog wakes and finds that you are not there, he may stress.
- You must learn to train your dog with visual hand signals. Be patient and understanding. A professional trainer may help. Remember, there is no right or wrong when it comes to using hand signals. The key is to be consistent.
Blindness
Dogs can be born blind or suffer medical conditions such as glaucoma, or again they may receive an injury that results in blindness.
Pets will adjust to blindness in time as they learn to rely heavily on their other senses. They quickly learn to negotiate their territory without bumping into objects.
Care of a blind dog
- Don’t move furniture
- Always keep food and water bowls in the same place
- Never startle your pet… always announce your presence
- Be sure to have a secure fence so your dog can’t escape and be further injured
- Place a barrier across stairs so that your pet can’t fall down. (And help your pet to gain or regain confidence on stairs over a period of time.)
- Take your dog on just two or three different walks regularly, allowing them to memorise each path yet still enjoy variation outside home.
Amputees
Four legged friends have an advantage over us when they lose a limb - they still have three remaining! Provided the other three are strong and healthy, dogs and cats can still have a great life. There are always genuine concerns about an amputee animal’s mobility, but it is usually humans that have the hang-ups and it’s often more about how our pet will look with three legs. Pets adapt remarkably well. Often the other option for your pet is euthanasia and if you can enjoy several more happy years with your beloved pet by amputating a badly affected leg, then it is definitely worthwhile.
Your pet may need an amputation as a result of severe trauma, or cancers such as osteosarcoma and infection. The animal will be assessed on its weight, age and general health. A dog with a front limb amputated will walk with an awkward looping gait and may not be able to manoeuvre as quickly as he used to, but they do cope remarkably well. A dog with a hind leg amputation usually adapts very quickly and often lives life pretty much as before.
Cats also compensate well for the loss of a limb – it’s up to you to make lifestyle changes for your puss, such as discouraging climbing and jumping and putting feed bowls on floor.
After the operation, most pets are usually discharged in a couple of days and should then spend a few more days under your supervision. If a dog needs assistance with balancing, you can help support it by using a sling made from a towel. Be sure to move any furniture that will act as an obstacle and make sure you have non-slip surfaces - put rugs down if necessary.
Elevate food and water bowls, especially for large dogs, and make sure you provide a nice soft bed and plenty of TLC.