Deaf Dog Awareness Month occurs every September, but this issue is important all year long. In fact, this is one cause that we are delighted to assist bring to light. According to the American Kennel Club website, five to ten percent of our canine companions are deaf. There are a lot of puppies out there whose adorable ears don’t work properly! Continue reading as a local Bel Air, MD veterinarian shares some thoughts on canine deafness.

What Should I Do if I Think My Dog Is Deaf?

If you know or believe that your dog has lost his hearing, you should arrange an appointment with your veterinarian to get him tested. In the meantime, put him to the test at home. Just wait for him to wake up and then stand behind him. Set off something that makes a noise, such as a squeaky toy or an alarm.

Of course, this is a rough test. Your vet would need to perform more tests, like Baer testing, to get an official diagnosis.

Do Dogs Always Go Deaf Permanently?

This will be determined by the puppy and the reason for the hearing loss. Wax buildup, for example, might cause temporary hearing loss.  In some circumstances, such as infections, medications may be offered. However, for the majority of dogs, it’s a one-way street: the condition is typically permanent.

What Are The Causes Of Canine Deafness?

There are numerous causes of canine deafness. The illness is typically inherited, which means that it was triggered by something in Fido’s genetic composition. Cochleosaccular deafness is a common cause of inherited deafness. This type of deafness is more common in dogs with piebald, merle, or white coats and/or blue eyes. Then there’s neuroepithelial deafness, which results from a loss (or lack) of cochlear hair cells. These are ear hairs, as the name says. This sort of deafness is typically visible in puppies very early on.

Of course, age is an important consideration. It is not uncommon for our canine companion to lose their hearing as they age.

Other common causes of dog deafness include:

• Infections
• Injuries
• Drugs
• Tumors
• Lesions on the brain
• Endocrine conditions

What Are The Telltale Indicators Of Deafness In Dogs?

Fido can’t tell you if his lovely ears aren’t doing so well, but there are certain indicators to look for.

Not Obeying Orders: If Fido has previously obeyed spoken orders but now ignores you when you tell him to Sit, Stay, or Lay Down, he may be unable to hear you.

Being Jumpy/Cranky: A common pet peeve among vision and hearing impaired dogs is a dislike of being startled. If you sneak up behind Fido, he may become grumpy. He may look shocked, turn, or even snap.

Increased Barking: Another thing you may notice is that your pooch barks more than usual. Fido may also increase his volume slightly because he is having difficulty hearing himself.

Missing Sounds: Fido’s adorable ears are generally highly perceptive. The ordinary pooch hears much better than we do. People, for example, are unable to hear noises beyond 20kHz. Fido, on the other hand, can hear sounds at frequencies ranging from 47k to 65kHz. Man’s Best Friend can also detect quieter noises than humans, specifically between 3k and 12k. Your canine companion can hear at -15dB, which is far lower than what our ears can detect.

That being said, if your dog isn’t responding to noises as he once did, there could be a problem. This may appear to improve and worsen at times, but keep in mind that some noises generate vibrations as well. If something falls off a shelf, your dog may still jump, but it may be the impact vibration, not the sound, that scares him. When you set off his squeaky toy, your pet may not respond. Of course, if your dog ignores the sound of a cheese wrapper opening, it’s a major red flag!

Sleeping More: Dogs, like humans, tend to sleep more when they are depressed or otherwise unwell. Both can result from ear problems.

Shaking or Tilting Head: You may notice your dog shaking or tilting his head. This is common with ear infections. While infections are not the sole cause of hearing loss, they are definitely a potential cause. If your pet has an infection, he may be unwilling to have his ears or head touched. You may notice that your pet’s ears seem warm. He may also claw at his ears or rub his head on everything, including you. Infection can also be indicated by a foul odor and discharge that appears green, red, yellow, brown, or even black.

Caring For A Deaf Dog

What if your dog cannot hear?However, there is some good news here. Caring for a deaf dog is very similar to caring for any other dog. You will just need to make a few changes to Fido’s care plan.

The following are our suggestions:

Training: Our canine companions are quite intelligent and can be taught to listen to hand gestures rather than spoken directions. Of course, hiring a professional trainer will be necessary, but it will be well worth it in the end. You may even train Fido to come when you wave a flashlight.

Use Caution On Walks: Because your dog will be unable to hear things like automobile horns, you must exercise extreme caution with him. If you have a yard, ensure that your fencing is strong. In this regard, a self-latching gate is your best bet.

When walking your dog, you must also use extreme caution. For added security, consider using a double leash on Fido’s harness.

Don’t Sneak Up On Him: As already stated, many deaf dogs despise being surprised. Stamp your foot before approaching your dog to let him know you are there. If you need to wake up Fido, try putting a treat under his nose. Everyone likes breakfast in bed!

This is also something that children and guests should be aware of. If you have visitors coming over, let them know in advance that your pet can’t hear, and let them know not to surprise him or approach slowly.

Get Fido Some Swag: Consider placing a little bell on your dog’s collar. This will assist you in keeping track of his whereabouts because he will not hear you calling him. A light-up collar is also a good idea for nighttime.

Your veterinarian will be able to provide additional information and tips on how to care for your dog.

In Conclusion: Hearing loss in dogs can be  caused by many different problems, including injuries, genetics, infections, and old age. However, pups that can’t hear well can still lead full, happy lives. In many cases, caring for a hearing-impaired pooch is a lot like caring for any other dog. Ask your vet for specific advice.

Set Up An Appointment At  Our Bel Air, MD Animal Clinic

Have you got any questions about dog hearing loss? Do you know or believe that your canine companion has ear problems? You may contact us at any time. We are happy to assist you as your Bel Air, MD pet hospital!