Tracerz® Scent Markers for Blind Dogs

Key Features All-natural formulated oil blends allows dogs to distinguish Tracerz from all other items Helps blind dogs regain confidence and assists in developing a mental map of their environment Smell is only noticeable to humans up close; dogs, however, can smell them from impressive distances Contains proven scents dogs are great at detecting Lasts up to a year, simply scratch to renew Each scent bottle comes with 20 small markers(dots). Table of Contents Living with Blind Dogs What are Tracerz? Where can Tracerz be affixed? Tracerz: How Do They Work? How They Can Benefit Your Blind Dog Living with Blind Dogs HOME: Maintaining a safe and unchanging environment is key. To a blind dog, rearranging furniture can be challenging and moving to a new location can be traumatic. Blind pets may become lost and bark for help when adjusting to changes. Others may freeze up and be afraid to move. The first thing you should do is check your house for things that they can run into, knockdown, fall into, or trip over. Due to these unique challenges, we highly recommend that your blind dog have an exclusive safe spot, other than his sleeping area, to retreat to. WALKING & JOGGING: With a few simple precautions blind dogs can still go for walks. You'll need to keep a tight leash and be aware that interaction with other dogs will be tricky. Dogs assert their pack position with body language. Without the ability to read body language, blind dogs can often send unintended confrontational signals. Jogging on flat ground with a dog that has become blind is still possible with a bit of encouragement, caution, and awareness on your part. SOUNDS: Although dogs can hear a wider range of sounds than humans, this is not an effective means of navigation for dogs because of their poor ability to determine what direction a sound is coming from. When possible, leave a small radio on to give them some additional orientation, especially when they wake up from a deep sleep. SPECIAL COMMANDS: You should teach your blind dog the special command "watch out" ASAP. Use the "watch out" command sparingly or else they will learn not to take it seriously. Be careful when verbally disciplining other dogs in your home because a blind dog cannot determine if a verbal reprimand is directed at him. Instead of the traditional "no" command, use a spray bottle with water to silently discipline other dogs. OUTDOORS: For the most part, blind dogs navigate well in front and backyards. Scent marking outdoors is possible but not recommended. From a blind dog's point of view, variables such as strong winds, rain, and snow can disrupt outdoor scents and change the tactile feel of the ground. Those conditions can cause even the most well-trained blind dog to become lost. This is why drowning in pools is among the leading causes of death among blind dogs. If you have a pool, it is important to create a physical barrier around it to stop your pet from falling in. If your dog is a good swimmer you should encourage, but not force, them to swim. In addition to being excellent exercise, swimming in the pool prepares them in case they fall in accidentally. TYPES OF BLINDNESS: There are hundreds of eye diseases that can cause blindness in our pets. The most common causes are cataracts, glaucoma, trauma, and retinal degeneration or detachment. Many eye diseases are progressive and may take anywhere from days to years for total blindness to set in. You may find that your dog is blind only in certain conditions. There is often a very frustrating transitional phase where they can see in bright areas but then become effectively blind at night or in dim lighting. Your dog can benefit from additional help, such as covering your floors in carpet runners or having your dog wear thickly cushioned suits to minimize injury when running into things. While these methods can work, it is often unrealistic to cover your floors in carpet runners and have your dog wear an awkward foam suit. If your dog or cat is developing signs of vision impairment, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. What are Tracerz, and how to use them? Tracerz® scent markers are the most cost-effective way to help your dog or cat adjust to blindness. Tracerz™ are great for any indoor area such as a home, apartment, or office. Tracerz™ contain a calming blend of essential oils that are pleasantly distinctive so they won't be confused with other household products. Each scent bottle comes with 20 small markers(dots). Each unique scent is only noticeable up close to humans; however, dogs and cats can locate them from impressive distances. *These markers(dots) DO NOT come pre-scented* *Please read instructions carefully* HOW TO USE: 1. Remove the dropper cap. 2. Place the bottle in the microwave (with no cap) and heat on High for 1 minute 3. While the bottle is in the microwave, press the dropper vial into the dropper head. 4. Wait 1 minute after heating to allow hotspots to cool. 5. Repeat the heating process, 1 minute on High or until 100% of the wax is melted/liquid. 6. Remove the bottle from the microwave using a glove. The bottle and its contents may be very hot, please exercise caution when handling after the heating process. 7. Place the dropper cap onto the bottle to allow the dropper vial to heat up to the temperature of the melted wax. 8. Use the dropper to apply melted wax onto the dots. 9. Replace the dropper cap and vial. Screw on tightly. 10. For 2nd+ use, loosen cap to prevent pressure build-up during heating. 11. Scratch surface of dots to reveal fresh scent emitting material once a week. 12. Replace dot or add new wax to dots every 6-12 months. Where can Tracerz be affixed? Tracerz™ can be affixed to walls, furniture, carpet, tile, hardwood, doors, trim, appliances, vinyl, glass, and more. Tracerz™ are less than one inch in diameter and can be easily concealed. You don't have to see them; your pet just needs to smell them. Tracerz Extended Release Scent Markers for Blind Dogs