Vision loss in dogs can be sudden and life-changing. That’s why finding the right support tools is crucial in helping blind dogs stay safe and confident.

While Walkin' Pets no longer sells its own Blind Dog Halo, we continue to support the blind dog community by recommending Muffin’s Halo for Blind Dogs, a well-respected product designed to help visually impaired dogs move around with ease.

Why Use a Halo for Blind Dogs?

Vision loss can result from many causes, including:

• Glaucoma
  
  

• Cataracts
  
  

• Diabetes-related complications
  
  

• Retinal diseases like SARDS
  
  

• Physical trauma

If the vision loss is permanent, a device such as a Blind Dog Halo can help a dog overcome some of the fear associated with bumping his/her head into unseen objects, furniture, or walls.

The Blind Dog Halo bumps into things before the dog does! This helps to restore a visually impaired dog’s sense of confidence and security.

Depending on the dog’s size, the Blind Dog Halo comes attached to a comfortable harness or vest.

Our Recommended Solution: Muffin’s Halo

Although Walkin’ Pets no longer produces its own blind dog halo, we wholeheartedly recommend Muffin’s Halo. Muffin’s Halo is designed with the same mission in mind: to help blind dogs explore their surroundings safely and confidently. With a range of sizes and adjustable options, it’s a trusted choice among pet parents and veterinarians.

Meet Sterling: A True Trailblazer for Blind Dog Mobility

We’d like to share the touching story of Sterling, a sweet Papillon who helped shape the way we think about mobility aids for blind pets.

Kelly Arsenault brought her dog, Sterling, to Walkin’ Pets to inquire about any means of assisting him. Kelly, the president and founder of the Papillon Rescue of the North East (PRONE), said Sterling began to lose his vision rather suddenly over a period of just two weeks.

Initially, Kelly noticed that he was keeping his tail down, which was very unusual for him. Kelly brought him to the veterinary ophthalmologist who diagnosed Sterling with Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome (SARDS) and a prognosis that he was likely to lose all his vision within a few weeks to a few months. Unfortunately, the origin of SARDS is unknown and there is no cure.

With no cure available, Kelly turned to Walkin' Pets looking for a solution to help Sterling adjust to his new world.

Sterling became the very first tester of our original Blind Dog Halo, a device that gently alerts dogs to nearby obstacles before they walk into them. The results were immediate and uplifting.

“My husband came home and put the halo on Sterling. He called me immediately after and said, ‘Sterling is doing amazing; his tail is up and everything!’ Doing great again this morning.’” – Kelly Arsenault

Sterling and Kelly worked with Walkin’ Pets after that to work out a few tweaks, as did other product testers who subsequently worked with us to give their feedback. The feedback was invaluable in developing the final design for the Blind Dog Halo, one of optimal comfort and functionality.

In Loving Memory of Sterling

Sterling passed away recently, and our hearts go out to Kelly and everyone who loved him. He was more than a product tester. He was an inspiration. We like to think that he’s now wearing a different kind of halo, one that shines just as brightly as his spirit did here.

Thank you, Sterling, for helping so many other dogs find their way.