Summer is here: sea, mountains, lake, hills... we yearn for this time for most of the year and naturally we want to think the best for our furry companions as well. I have already had occasion to say, I shared a lot of my life with an unruly fox terrier, Pepe, who had gone completely blind from primary glaucoma at the age of 6. It was the nineties and Pepe always followed us everywhere, in the city as well as on holiday. Sometimes, however, especially when he was older, I saw him in slight distress when he was in a new environment. I wondered, therefore, if certain changes were not too much of a stress for him.
I imagine that other readers sometimes have this doubt, so why not address the question to someone who has specific expertise in the field, such as Prof. Federica Pirrone, Professor of Veterinary Ethology and Animal Welfare for the degree course in Veterinary Medicine - Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences at the University of Milan.
Prof. Pirrone, can you take a blind dog on holiday?
Although each animal represents a world of its own, dogs are potentially very adaptable. This is also true for people with partial or total visual impairment, who may be able to have an excellent quality of life even on holiday. Taking care of these animals can involve a few extra challenges, but with careful planning the family can go on holiday without depriving themselves of the pleasant company of their blind dog.
What precautions should be taken in this case?
For the most part, these measures apply even when the dog does not have any vision problems; let's just say that, if such problems exist, these measures become indispensable. They range from adapting the home environment to managing outdoor walks, but not only. The most relevant issue, in fact, is perhaps the change of environment and routine, which in itself could put a strain on a blind dog's equilibrium, leading to the appearance of 
behavioural problems or worsening any discomforts already present.
What can really help the blind dog on holiday is to facilitate his adaptation to the transitional home by giving him olfactory contact with his own. How? By putting objects in his suitcase that remind him of it, such as his kennel, his toys, his bowls. It is very important, in fact, that he has the same olfactory points of reference that he would have in his usual home.
If there is a risk of him becoming agitated and anxious in a car, it is a good idea to get him used to the means of transport well in advance. The recommendation is to consult a veterinary doctor experienced in behaviour a few months in advance to be instructed on how to facilitate this fundamental process.
In general, it is good to opt for holidays that are not too far away, 'al fresco', for example in the mountains or in nature, and quiet. Chaotic environments can stress the animal and contribute to disorientation. If you go to the seaside and need to take your dog with you to the beach, you should check in advance whether there are establishments where dogs are allowed.
However, it is easy for a dog, mostly blind, to dislike beach life, which may force him to walk in the sun or expose him to a lot of noise and rowdy teenagers. It is preferable, therefore, to plan your days so that you return to your dog, perhaps at lunchtime, so that you do not have to take your dog with you but, at the same time, do not leave him alone for too long either.
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