Caring for a senior pet takes extra love and effort, but caring for a special-needs senior pet requires a higher level of devotion. A blind or deaf pet, or one with an amputation, will take a little more work, but your efforts will be rewarded with their undying love and appreciation. 

Caring for a blind senior pet 

Many older pets lose their vision due to eye conditions, such as cataracts or glaucoma. While some may be able to see shadows and shapes, others may completely lose their sight. Fortunately, pets who go blind often remember where furniture and walls are located and can navigate their environment quite well. To help your blind pet, consider the following:

• Furniture — Your pet will remember, or learn, the layout of your home. Avoid rearranging your furniture, so large items remain in the same places. If you do move a chair or sofa, walk your dog through the house on a leash to help them learn the new arrangement. 
• Stairs — Block access to stairs with a pet gate to prevent your pet from falling. 
• Tripping hazards — Keep your kids’ toys and clutter picked up so your pet does not trip over a toy and fall.
• Vocal cues — Teaching your blind pet voice commands, such as “Come” and “Leave it,” is particularly important, so you can stop them immediately, and tell them to return to you if they are in danger.

You don’t need to restrict your blind pet to a small area, or limit their activity. Daily activity is important to provide them with enrichment they are missing because they cannot see. Take your blind senior pet on regular leash walks so they can use their other senses to “see” their surroundings.

Caring for a deaf senior pet

Hearing loss is also common in older pets, but caring for a deaf pet is much the same as caring for your pet who can hear. Teach your deaf pet hand signals for common commands, such as “Come,” “Stay,” and “Outside,” and stay nearby any time you leave home with your pet so you can touch them to get their attention. 

To keep your deaf pet safe outdoors, keep these tips in mind:

• Secure the yard — Walk the perimeter of your yard frequently to ensure your fence is intact, and your pet cannot escape. Finding a lost deaf pet is challenging since they cannot hear you calling them.
• Use a leash — Always keep your pet on a leash outside your yard. Hand signals won’t save your pet if they run toward traffic, and you can’t call them back to you.
• Have your pet microchipped — Should your deaf pet wander off, a microchip drastically increases their chances of return. Your family veterinarian can place a microchip under your pet’s skin during a quick office visit.

Caring for an amputee pet

Your senior pet may require an amputation if they develop cancer, such as osteosarcoma. While you may be distraught over the loss of your pet’s leg, pets often cope quite well after an amputation and adapt quickly to life on three legs. Help your pet adjust to their new normal with the following tips:

• Keep your pet at a healthy weight — Excess weight places strain on your pet’s joints that already bear more than their normal share. Keeping your pet lean and trim will help stave off arthritis and further mobility issues.
• Prevent falls — With an altered center of gravity, your pet may be more likely to slip and fall. Place rugs on slippery floors to provide traction, and provide ramps instead of stairs to help your pet navigate your home confidently and safely.
• Provide regular exercise — A low-impact exercise routine will help your pet maintain a healthy muscle mass, which will help them support their altered frame and keep their balance.

Caring for a special-needs pet can be challenging, but it is also rewarding. If your special-needs senior pet’s quality of life is declining, you may consider supporting them with hospice care. Our telehospice service can help you make important decisions about your pet’s future, such as when in-home euthanasia is appropriate. Contact a Lap of Love veterinarian in your area for guidance.