Through accident, aging or genetics, your dog may have a sight problem. In most cases, with familiar surroundings, the dog has amazing coping abilities. However, there are situation that can prove to be dangerous, like stairs for example. Here is where the humans can call upon the dog’s sense of smell to offer the dog more information.

Let’s use the example of stairs. If your vision impaired dog has a problem with stairs, it is possible to give the dog olfactory clues. With a cotton swab, dip the cotton end in perfume or cologne. Touch the cotton swab to the edge of the step. Keep going up in the straight line and do the same procedure with each step. You will have marked a trail for your dog. Each step will have a scent identifier, as to where the edge is.

You may be curious as to why a cotton swab is used. The reason is to prevent a mixed scent with you and the fragrance. The goal is to have as pure a fragrance / scent for the dog to identify and track. If the onset of the vision problem is sudden and the dog have navigation problems in the house, this method can be used to identify corners, furniture and other such obstacles. Some people go and buy a different perfume or cologne to make it easier on the dog. You can test the fragrance on a inconspicuous spot to see if it causes any staining. If your dog has a sight problem, this scent trail will produce a “marked” improvement.

Catherine Forsythe

Related Articles:

See original here:
Vision Problems: Marking a Trail for Your Dog