National Deaf Dog Awareness Week starts September 20 th ! Do you know or suspect that your canine buddy is hearing impaired? It’s most common to see hearing issues in senior pooches, but any pup can be afflicted, due to genetics, infection, or injury. The good news is that Fido is very resilient, and can do just fine without hearing. A Westminster, MD vet offers a few tips on caring for a deaf dog in this article.
Hand Motions
Dogs can learn to obey hand signals just as they would vocal commands. This will make things much easier on both you and your furry best friend! If you aren’t sure how to go about training your pet, hire a professional dog trainer. It will be well worth it!
Flashlight
Consider teaching Fido to respond to a flashlight being waved, or a light flickering on and off. This will be very helpful for calling your canine companion in at night!
Bell
Consider putting a bell on Fido’s collar, so you always know where he is. This will help you keep track of him when he’s out of your line of sight.
Avoid Startling The Pup
One ‘pet’ peeve many deaf dogs have is being startled or woken up unexpectedly. If you are approaching your furry friend from behind, stomp your foot so he knows you’re coming.
Tones
Sometimes dogs with hearing issues can still hear musical notes in very low octaves. If you have a piano, try hitting some of the lower keys. If Fido responds, this may be a great way for you to signal him.
Walks
When walking your canine pal, be sure to keep him to the outside. It’s also best to walk facing oncoming traffic. Your pooch won’t hear cars coming, so you need to take extra precautions to make sure he won’t veer out into the road.
Security
It’s dangerous for any dog to run around off-leash, but this is especially hazardous for deaf dogs. If you have a yard, fence all or part of it in so Fido has a safe place to run and play.
Guests
When having people over, make sure they understand that your furry buddy can’t hear. If you’re having a lot of people over, hang a little sign on Fido’s collar.
Please reach out to us, your local Westminster, MD vet clinic, anytime. We’re here to help!
