Hello all, it’s been 2 years since Peanut went blind how is she doing? I want to share our experience of living with a blind dog.

After Peanut lost her sight, I truly believe it affected us more than her. If that make sense? Having this happen is scary.

We also didn’t know how her brother Reeses was going to react. Well, quite frankly he hasn’t missed a beat.

Before Peanut’s noninvasive treatment, I did all this research. For example, I began checking into the Halo rings, interactive toys, a special bowl, and anything to help her and keep her safe.

Why Did Our Girl Go Lose Her Sight?

The Reason She Lost Her Sight

Basically, she is blind from Glaucoma. This is very painful for dogs. It’s like a pet having a migraine 24/7. When this happened, we told the doctor we didn’t want her eyes sewn shut it if came to that point.

He then told us his job is to put her first not us. We agreed 100%. So, we did speak about choices and agreed when the pressure got too high, and she was in pain we will make a decision.

Then our fear set in with the other eye-getting affected so now we had to be extra aware because of pain. At this point, Peanut was already blind in both eyes. It took us about two minutes to make this decision. We knew if we didn’t do something it was selfish, and we love our pups beyond words.

Noninvasive Verses Other Options

Options for Surgery for a Blind Dog

Why we chose the noninvasive procedure? First of all, we did choose this procedure for a few reasons.

Noninvasive Surgery

Peanut had this surgery done and went blind how is she doing? This option leaves the eyeballs intact. John and I made the choice also because we want to see her eyes, blind or not. Even though Peanut can’t see her eyes still speak volumes about her personality and we didn’t want her to have to go through more invasive surgery. We know we made the right choice.

Honestly, we didn’t want her in pain anymore and our doctor has the ability to do this procedure, so making this decision is a no brainer for us.

For this particular procedure, the doctor goes behind the eye, and Pharmacological Ablation is when the doctor gives an injection that destroys the ciliary body (where aqueous is produced), and permanently reduces the intraocular pressure. So Peanut is no longer in any pain.

So basically, with this step Peanut’s eyes still move back and forth as if she can see but can’t.

Invasive Surgery

This is the process where the doctor’s eye enucleation dog this operation involves a general anesthetic for your pet. The hair around the eye is clipped; the eye is completely removed, and the eyelid skin is then stitched closed over the eye socket.

Not realizing anything about this, our specialist told us this procedure is a long recovery for dogs. We are so blessed our specialist knows the other option.

Picking Peanut Up And Getting Settled

Getting Peanut Settled After Her Procedure

Then after her procedure, we spoke with the specialist taking care of her. What did he say? His best advice, leave your furniture where it is and don’t move anything.

Next, we did mention Reeses. There are two ways it goes with dogs that are as close as Reeses and Peanut. Either he will help too much, or he will not help at all with Peanut being blind. So, then he said, hoped he has no interest in helping because it is harder to deal with in the end.

Reeses snuggles with her every night,

I remember looking at John saying I’m in shock. The doctor has always been involved with Peanut’s care. And now that’s the best he has to offer? I knew I was going to reach out to our regular vet right away.

So, I spoke to our vet who by the way, is our friend to us and his response was, don’t move the furniture. I mentioned the Halo ring and he said no need. Peanut will not bang into anything because we keep our furniture in the same spot.

I also asked if the idea of adding rubber bumpers to sharp corners is smart, and the vet said absolutely. Finally, I get one thing right!

Going Through a Heatwave During This

By the way, as this is happening, we are going through a major heatwave and our neighborhood had no power for five days. To say I am beyond not thinking during this is an understatement. John has always been the rational one in our relationship and thank goodness.

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And then John says to me we are going home to pack and stay in a hotel until the power comes back. Well, you would think he said we are going to stay in a forest with wild animals.

Immediately, I loudly say no way are we taking Peanut to a hotel after this surgery. No way!

John said, so it’s better that an MS patient and Peanut stay in an 85-degree house. No, we are going and that’s it. Needless to say, I was not happy, however, when we got to the hotel room with air, and a small refrigerator, I began to see the point.

Peanut slept from the surgery and was happy knowing that we were with her. After two days the power came back, and we went home with our fur babies.

What We Have Learned When Getting Her Home

Learning Experience After She Came Home

After getting home and settled we looked around and John began adding rubber pieces to the sharp corners of cabinets that were eye level for Peanut. Remember they’re so their eyes are level with lower cabinets.

Once that step got finished, she pretty much sniffed and walked around the house. The amazing fact is she didn’t hit a thing while walking around. The only piece we ever move maybe an inch is one chair in our great room.

In the mornings it’s a game and she has gotten used to me saying to be careful the chair and couch move by themselves at bedtime. Oh, did I mention our pups are able to understand the English language? And just like that, she misses it every time.

Does Peanut Need Anything Special To Function

Does She Need Anything Special to Function

Surprisingly the answer is no. We have picked up on the fact Peanut uses her snout almost as a walking stick. For other types of breeds such as Pugs, French Bulldogs and Bulldogs, and others that don’t have a snout it may be an issue.

Can she find her food and water bowl? The answer is yes because we never change the spot since we have lived here.

Peanut still plays with her toys, and they love these as I shared HERE.

We also did find a snuffle mat she enjoys and bought one for Reeses too.

Honestly, we are very blessed.

Changes That Have Happened Since the Blindness

Changes Since Her Blindness

Two major things have changed.

Peanut will not jump up the first step from their backyard but jumps in the house. If necessary, I can help here however she seems to love her daddy for this process. By the way, she knows out in their yard she is free to romp because she hits nothing. So, she has become braver and makes John chase her a bit to catch her. It’s quite cute.

By the way, being blind has not changed Peanut finding her food bowl. I have fed them in the same spot for eight years so she has no issues. Again, repetition is important.

As an example of another big change, she can’t be left outside in their yard by herself. These are the recommendations of both doctors. Especially because she is unable to see. She barks more now. Why? This is for survival from noises she hears. It’s also to protect herself.

Changes In Her Are Small But Important

Changes That Are Small and Important

If I pick one major change in her, she feels safest on the couch on a pillow to rest. We call it her throne and she sits in front of the couch to wait to get picked up. Of course, if we aren’t fast enough she lets us know. Peanut is a huge talker and we love it.

Another example is getting new area rugs. If you have to deal with a blind dog, be patient with the change. We had to buy a new rug and because it didn’t smell the same, she became afraid to cross over to the rug.

Again, we make it a game and say follow mommy to the couch, you can smell where it is and yes, we treat our pups like human children because we swear there are zippers and people will appear.

Repetition is the best advice I can offer and can’t say it enough. Being patient and using the same words makes a blind dog feel safe.

Blind dogs also are very afraid of sudden noises so if we make noise with a bag this frightens her. We simply say that’s us making noise and she calms down immediately.

Reassuring Peanut as to Where We Are

Reassuring Peanut We Are Here

Our pups are extremely attached to me, so she turns her head often to find me and I let her know I am right there and again she calms right down. Peanut and Reeses follow me everywhere. However, since Peanut can’t see she is more afraid now.

I visit her often during the day to let her know I am here. Also, we realize we have the perfect situation that not everyone has at home. John works from home now since COVID and Blogging is my job besides taking care of the house

Lastly, we speak to Peanut often. Remember she can’t see and Reesses can see where we are, so we reassure her of where we are in the house.

If sadly you have this happens to your dog, remember, they adapt quickly and will be okay.

I hope this post 2 years since Peanut went blind how is she doing, reaches someone that needs guidance and reassurance it will be ok. I strive to help others whether it’s with health and dogs, crafts, or home decor. They all matter!