Early Signs Of Vision Loss In Pets And How To Address Them

As pets grow older, changes in behavior and mobility are expected, but one of the most challenging shifts for pet owners is witnessing a decline in their companion’s eyesight.

According to Dr. Lucien Vallone, a clinical associate professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, vision loss in aging animals can present subtly at first—often through signs like hesitancy when moving, bumping into objects, or difficulty navigating stairs.

These symptoms may stem from common conditions like nuclear sclerosis, an age-related hardening of the lens that affects depth perception, or from long-term exposure to UV light, which can damage the eye’s structures.

To support a pet with reduced vision, Vallone recommends focusing on environmental stability and safety. Keeping furniture in consistent places, using textured rugs as tactile markers, and installing barriers around staircases or pools are just a few simple steps that can dramatically improve a visually impaired pet’s quality of life.

Sensory cues can also play a vital role—scented markers in different rooms or attaching bells to other pets in the home can help guide low-vision animals more confidently through familiar spaces. Ultimately, early detection is key. Vallone emphasizes the importance of scheduling a veterinary eye exam as soon as vision concerns arise, as many eye conditions are easier to treat when caught early, as reported by Texas A&M University.