11 Wholesome Ways Pawrents of Deaf and Blind Puppers Brighten their Doggo’s Days

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Laurent Shinar • Writer and Editor
Jul 31, 2026 11:30 AM EDT

For many pawrents of differently abled doggos the struggle to make their pup feel included in the sight and sound experiencing world can be a tough one. After all, we hoomans rely very heavily on our sight and sounds and so from our pawspective it is very difficult to experience the world without them. But amongst those pawrents there are those who have harnessed our puppers' secret pawer to allow them to see and hear the world in a wonderfully unique way.

We are of course talking about their sense of smell! Estimated to be between 10k to 100k times stronger and more sensitive than our own, you can imagine that by being able to smell the world our puppers can actually learn a lot about it. In the past here we have discussed the importance of sniff walks that act as social media posts for puppers. Giving them the latest news and gossip from their local area. An activity which does not require sight or sound to partake in and to post. But the pawrents in this list have gone far beyond that simple suggestion to try and make up for what their doggos have missed out on.

Whether it be specific smelling challenges, collars that are adapted for differently abled doggos so they can be safe while sniffing, these pupper pawrents have pulled out all the stops. But we think one of the sweetest suggestions of the lot relates to arranging regular visitors for your pup. To let them get used to and build relationships with hoomans and other doggos, all led by their sense of smell. A truly heartwarming endeavor that allows these doggos to be better prepawed to enjoy the big wide world outside when they step out for their walkies. 
 

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    "Get her a friend. She'll be able to follow the other dog's scent!"
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    Blind white pit bull wearing sun hat standing on grass in sun smiling

    Dog depicted by model

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    [deleted] My first thought was spending a lot of time outdoors, if your schedule would allow that. Though she might be missing her sense of sight and sound, sniffing is very enriching for dogs. Look into something like SniffSpots, to find some unique places for her to roam. Or even spend extra time on walks to just let her sniff.
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    BirdWordAustin Your sweet girl is beautiful. We play a game where we hide treats throughout the bedroom and our dog sniffs them out. We have a signal for when he's found them all - maybe you could do some sort of pet on the head for her to know she's done?
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    HALSEY AME
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    ChrisInBliss Get her a friend. It'll help her move around too! Cause she'll be able to follow the other dogs scent! Bet you'll see her start playing again. BUT make sure its a puppy (not too young) so it can learn how to interact with your blind/deaf pup.
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    Federal_Hour_5592 Have you tried a Halo Collar? It might be hesitation about exploration. I know my blind deaf dog while he gets around fine at home really struggles outside of the home especially in open environments and will not move around and just stick to me out of just not knowing where anything is
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    Snacks 7255 Sensory type things. Think snuffle mat, obstacle course with ribbons to move through or pool noodles or treats to sniff. Maybe a new game when she has to find a treat based on smell. Maybe a new friend (another dog). I'm an OTA. who knew my career could be helpful to dogs!
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  • Well, you probably know the old adage ‘when one sense weakens the others make up for it’ and it very much applies to deaf and blind doggos who anyway have an incredible sense of smell. So of course engaging that sense, honing it and giving it time to develop is going to be critical not only for the happiness of your differently abled doggo but also allow them to develop a mental picture of the world they live in. Thereby actually giving them an enhanced sense of sight. Also that Halo collar sounds like a brilliant idea, even with the sniff training in the world, nothing can prepaw you for the unexpected. 
     

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    oneJayne I don't know if it's been suggested but get her a halo so she doesn't bump against things. It kinda like a walking stick for the blind.
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    TheFlyingSkier In the book "An Immense World" there is a chapter about dogs and their sense of smell. One of the researchers talks about taking their dog for sniff walks and even takes their dogs to "scent work classes." If there are classes like that in your area, that might be a great way for you and your dog to learn how to engage with her sense of smell more. I'm sorry to hear about her disabilities, but it sounds like she's got a wonderful family to support her. Sending positive vibes your
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    Maleficent Name9527 This may be a little thing but it could give some comfort where if your pup is choosing to self isolate maybe leave some things around with your smell. My dog is anxious and chooses to spend a lot of time alone sometimes but I do find that if I strategically leave my pieces of clothing around she will be snuggled into them at least comforted a bit. Just a thought.
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    OVE OR
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    PrestigiousSale2290 Oh bless you for loving this angel! I bet she's got a helluva sense of smell. I used to load up treat balls with smelly dried sardines and take my senior for walks near a farm to stimulate him.
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    319-594-7984
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    spectralcicada Top 1% Commenter We do stuff with cardboard boxes, lick mats, shoving treats inside toys for her to rip up, etc.
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  • You know, by looking through all these lovely ideas, one thing is becoming very clear, all you need to do for a pup without sight or sound is recreate the world you had made for them previously, but with a focus on smell. Turn their world into a smelly one, one where actions, surprises, instructions, and pretty much any other form of enrichment or treat is based around smells and finding out where they are coming from. Heck, you might even be able to play fetch if you smother the ball in fish oil…
     

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    PapillionGurl Can you get a regular visitor for her? My dog loves to visit with the mailman every day. Or an older neighbor that can come visit semi regularly?
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    BLIND
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dogs life dog photos advice blind deaf dog bright reddit thread wholesome dogs doggo pawrents days
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