Cats and Dogs

Whether it's a feline Friend or a canine companion, there are plenty of ways to enjoy and care for your pets no matter your level of vision. If you're a dog person, use all your senses to help your dog stay healthy.

It's time for your dog's bath when your hands feel oily, or smell doggy after giving it a pat.

Your sense of smell will also tell you if your dog's ears are clogged with hair, which sometimes causes an infection.

If the ears smell at all, the impacted hair might need to be removed. If you hear the click clack of your dog's nails on the floor or hear them snagging on carpets, the nails might need a trim.

You may trim the nails yourself by using a clipper with a guard. Then you won't cut the nails too short. All dogs' claws are shaped the same. The nail comes out straight and then curves downward.

With just one cut, cut just the tip where it points straight down. Then use a file to file the claw back towards the curve.

When the dog pulls back, they're feeling the vibration of the file and it's time to stop.

If you can slip a piece of paper under the nails when the dog is standing you'll know they're short enough. If you'd like to leave nail trimming and other grooming to a professional, some groomers will come to you.

You may find a house call to be more convenient if you no longer drive. Regular walks keep both you and your dog healthy. Always use a short leash so it doesn't get tangled up in your legs. The more well trained your dog is, the better.

A dog that can sit, stay, and heel will stay out of trouble while you both are out and about. In winter, icy sidewalks are safer to manage if you are wearing ice cleats. Ice is hard to see on asphalt, and walking a pulling dog on a slippery surface can be hazardous.

If you've had recent vision loss, some training with an orientation and mobility specialist might help before you and your dog navigate busy neighborhoods.

To find out more about this vision professional and where to find one near you, contact a Hadley learning expert.

Of course walking your dog also means being ready to clean up waste. Every dog has its own routine when the time is near.

When your dog is leashed, you'll sense by their movements when they're ready to relieve themselves.

As they're bending down, feel from their head down their back. you'll have a good idea of where to pick up the waist.

If you can't find it right away, use a grid pattern to feel in the general location until you've located it. You can care for your cat too by using your sense of touch, smell, and hearing.

You'll be able to hear the sound your cat makes when a hairball is being coughed up. Get up right away and go to the source of the sound.

Leave a paper towel or a Kleenex at the site to mark it while you get your cleaning supplies. Or use a landmark to help remember where it is.

Maybe next to the coffee table, to the right of the door. Wait a few minutes before starting cleanup so it solidifies. Once you've picked up the hairball, use a grid pattern to clean up the rest so no spot is missed.

You'll know it's time for your cat's nails to be trimmed when you hear them snag on the furniture or carpet. And if your cat gets built up around their eyes gently use your fingers to feel for any gunk. A soft, warm cloth will wipe it away.

There are plenty of solutions for litter box maintenance. If you use a scoop, just keep raking through the litter until you don't feel any more solids and the scoop goes smoothly through.

A sifter litter box system lets you avoid scooping entirely. Check out the resources section for more information.

Non clumping litter is another option. Your nose will tell you when it has been used up, and you just dump all the contents of the litter box and fill it with a new batch.

Our animal friends rely on us for their health and happiness. Caring for them can be a joy with any amount of vision. Just give yourself time and patience, and you'll get there together.