How to detect vision or hearing problems in pets

Have you ever wondered if your furry friend still sees or hears as well as before? Maybe he simply seems sleepier or less alert… but sometimes these subtle changes can hide sensory issues.
Sometimes what seems like simple “laziness” or a moment of daydreaming can actually be a subtle sign. Does your dog stop jumping immediately when he hears the sound of the treat bag? Does the cat no longer run when you open the refrigerator? It may not be a lack of interest, but a gradual loss of hearing or vision.

Our pets can’t tell us out loud that something is wrong, but they know how to show us. And we, of course, must know what and how to observe.
This is where the unique bond between you and your partner comes into play. It’s about those moments when you feel that “something is different”. When a dog no longer runs up the stairs as confidently, or when the cat seems more reluctant to explore… all these little details are their forms of communication. There is no need to wait for “obvious signals”. The best investigators of changes are owners who know their pets “like the back of their hands.” A hesitant gesture, a delayed reaction, a slightly different look… all of this deserves attention.

Let’s see how to identify vision or hearing problems in pets.

How to Detect Vision Problems in Pets

1. Bumps into objects or hesitates to enter even familiar spaces

If your four-legged friend suddenly becomes unsafe in a familiar environment or often bumps into furniture, it may not be simple inattention. It is a common sign of low vision.

You may notice that he suddenly avoids objects he once confidently ignored, or that he hesitates to get into a car, climb stairs, or enter a new room. This reluctance often stems from an unconscious fear of the unknown that you can no longer perceive correctly. And in his mind every shadow can become an obstacle.

2. Pupils do not react to light

Pupils should narrow in the light and dilate in the dark. If you notice that they remain constantly dilated or, on the contrary, narrow, even when the surrounding light changes, it is a sign that the eye is no longer responding correctly.
Especially in natural light, these differences become visible. You can easily test how it reacts with a soft light source. If the reaction is delayed or absent, do not hesitate to seek veterinary advice.

3. He is afraid of going up or down stairs

If until recently he climbed the stairs in the blink of an eye and now hesitates from the first step, it is a sign that the perception of space is no longer clear. Stairs, in particular, can become a real obstacle for an animal with vision problems: the depth line becomes difficult to distinguish and increases the perceived risk of “falling”.

It’s not a question of laziness or stubbornness, it’s more a question of fear. A fear that you can only calm with patience, gentle guidance and an adapted path.

What can you do if you notice these signs?

⮞ Schedule a visit to the vet.
⮞ Avoid moving objects around the house because the familiar space offers safety.
⮞ Create clear paths.

How to Detect Hearing Problems in Pets

1. Stops responding to commands or when you call his name

If your furry friend stops responding when you call him or when he hears familiar sounds like keys, food bowl or your playing tone, he may stop hearing you, don’t ignore you. This lack of response is often mistaken for stubbornness or apathy, but it may actually be a gradual loss of hearing. Notice whether he responds better to vibration, movement, or eye contact.

2. They get scared easily when you approach them

Do you suddenly appear next to him and the quadruped jumps in fear? This can be a clear sign that he didn’t hear you coming. Hearing loss leads to a general state of insecurity and any unexpected event can seem threatening.

You can reduce these times with “announced” steps. Gently tap on the floor or flash the light. This gives him time to sense your presence and feel safe.

3. Barks or meows more

Some animals become more vocal as their hearing begins to fade. It’s as if he’s trying to confirm his existence in a quieter universe. They may bark for no apparent reason or meow more often and louder.
It’s their way of making themselves heard. Even if it seems scary right now, it’s important to give them an answer and comfort. Essentially, they are simply saying, “I’m here. Can you hear me?”

What can you do if you notice these signs?

⮞ Schedule a visit to the vet.
⮞ Learn commands through gestures because animals can compensate through other senses.
⮞ Clap your hands or use vibrations (e.g. tapping the floor with your foot).
⮞ Avoid scaring him and approach him with visible steps and delicate movements.

Every awkward movement, every hesitation or prolonged silence of your furry friend can actually be a silent message. Not always easy to decipher, but always honest. And we may not always have quick answers, but we have something even more precious: our attention, patience and love.

You don’t need to be an expert or have all the solutions. Just be present, attentive and willing to look beyond the ordinary. Because in the end, what matters most is not what your pet can see or hear, but what he feels: that he is loved, understood, and safe with you.

So enjoy every moment, observe gently and, above all, never underestimate the power of a gentle touch or a caring look. They speak louder than any words.

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