My dog (9 year old shitzhu bichon) has gone blind. Should we get another dog to be a companion for him?

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6 Answers

Rooster Cogburn Profile
Rooster Cogburn , Rooster Cogburn, answered

I agree with echooos, Korvo. Watch how your dog adapts ! I've seen blind dogs do just fine by themselves. At 9 years old the last thing he wants around is another dog. You'll break his heart. Teach him! He probably knows your house and yard without eyes and don't forget their hearing. It'll work out.

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Woof Woofy
Woof Woofy commented
i've seen blind dogs do fine by themselves too. i've even knew a chihuahua who lived 23 human years and she went blind when she was around 16.
Charles Davis Profile
Charles Davis answered

My wife and I had 4 shitzus, 2 have passed in the last year we still have 2. But one of them had bad seizors,and went blind from one of them, we stuck by him and it was not until we felt it was effecting himself, that decided to have him put down, to be honest it was heartbreaking for both myself and my wife. In memory of Lucky, a great dog he was 12


Skip  Gentry Profile
Skip Gentry answered

No, I don't think you should get another dog. Be happy with just the one you have. Share all your love and attention on him. If he needs help due to going blind, help him.

Tom  Jackson Profile
Tom Jackson answered

About 4 years ago, we had 3 dogs.  Two rescues (German Shepherd and a Belgian Malinois) and a Norwegian Elkhound.  The Elkhound went blind about a year before she died of cancer.

She did well with the other two dogs---probably because they had been together so long.

Personally, I don't have a clue about the effect the introduction of another dog would have on your current pet.

This is a situation I would definitely ask my vet about.

PJ Stein Profile
PJ Stein answered

No. A new dog can lead to anxiety in the blind dog. Not only will it upset the dog's routine, but sometimes dogs will take advantage of a dog wih a disability. It is just best to keep your pup as an only dog.

Maurice Korvo Profile
Maurice Korvo answered

Thank you all for your answers.  I think we will go with the flow for now, till he is over any trauma, and then look into the need for a friend/companion. Thank you all again.

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John Doe
John Doe commented
Wise decision Korvo as the new blindness is upsetting enough....the introduction of a new animal is also stressful, and would be harder if he couldn't see.

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