Deaf Dog Awareness Month takes place in September. This is obviously an important topic throughout the year, so we are always eager to help raise awareness about it. According to the AKC website, 5% to 10% of our canine companions are deaf. That means there are a lot of puppies out there with ears that don’t operate correctly! Continue reading to learn more about deafness in dogs from a Mt. Airy, MD veterinarian.
What Causes Deafness In Dogs?
Several conditions can induce deafness. In many cases, the disease is inherited, which means it was caused by something in Fido’s genetic makeup. Cochleosaccular deafness is a very prevalent type of hereditary hearing loss. This type of deafness is more common in puppies with merle, piebald, or white coats and blue eyes. Then there’s neuroepithelial deafness, which occurs when cochlear hair cells are lost (or do not develop). As the name implies, these are hairs that develop in the ear. This sort of deafness is frequently noticeable in puppies early on.
Age, of course, is another consideration. It is extremely common for puppies to lose their hearing as they become older.
Other common causes of canine hearing loss include infections, traumas, medicines, tumors, brain lesions, and endocrine abnormalities.
Caring For A Deaf Dog
What happens if your dog is deaf? It may be upsetting to hear, but don’t panic. There is some good news here. Caring for a deaf dog is very similar to caring for any other puppy. You’ll just need to make a few changes to Fido’s care regimen.
Here are some options.
Keeping Fido Safe: Because your dog will be unable to hear sounds such as car horns, brakes, or shouting, you must take extra safety measures with him. If you have a yard, make sure you have a sturdy fence that your pet cannot climb over, under, or through. A self-latching gate is the ideal solution for access and exit. You should also exercise caution when walking your dog. Consider adding a second leash to Fido’s harness for added security.
Provide Fair Warning: As previously said, many deaf dogs dislike being sneaked up on. Stamp your foot before approaching your dog to signal your presence. If you want to rouse Fido awake, try putting a treat under his nose. Man’s Best Friend adores breakfast in bed!
Communicate With Others: Inform youngsters and guests on the do’s and don’ts of engaging with your canine companion. If you have guests coming over, let them know ahead of time that your pet cannot hear and should not be surprised or approached from behind. You might also consider getting Fido a cute vest that reads ‘I can’t hear’ or something like that.
Adjust Fido’s Training: Our canine companions are highly intelligent and can learn to respond to hand signals rather than spoken orders. You may need to hire a professional trainer, but the investment will be well worth it in the long run. You might also train Fido to come when you wave a flashlight or use a laser pointer.
Accessories: Consider attaching a small bell to your dog’s collar. This will allow you to always keep track of his whereabouts. He will not heed your call. Using a light-up collar at night can be advantageous. Your Mt. Airy, MD veterinarian will be able to provide additional advice and suggestions for caring for your canine companion.
What Are The Usual Signs of Deafness in Dogs?
Fido cannot tell you if his fuzzy ears are in poor shape, but there are certain telltale symptoms to look for.
Increased Barking: You might notice your pet barking more than usual. Fido may also raise his voice since he is probably going to be having difficulty hearing himself.
Sleeping More: Dogs, like humans, sleep more when they are depressed or sick. Both are possible outcomes of ear problems.
Not Responding To Sounds: Fido’s ears are typically very keen. Most puppies hear far better than we do. People, for example, cannot hear beyond 20kHz. Fido, on the other hand, can detect sounds ranging from 47k to 65k Hz. Dogs can also perceive softer noises than humans, picking up sounds ranging from 3 to 12 kHz. Your canine companion can sense sounds at -15dB, which is significantly lower than what our ears can detect.
All that being said, if your dog isn’t reacting to noises as well as he used to, there could be a problem. This may appear to fluctuate, but keep in mind that certain noises generate vibrations. If something falls off a shelf, your dog may still jump, but the impact vibration may be what scared him, rather than the loudness. If Fido does not react when you turn on your pet’s noisy toy or ignores the sound of a cheese wrapper opening, that’s a clear warning sign!
Ignore Commands: If Fido was once extremely proficient at following directions but now ignores you when you tell him to Sit, Stay, or Lay Down, it’s possible that he can’t hear you.
Crankiness: Almost all canines with vision and hearing impairments fear being shocked. Fido may become agitated if you approach him from the back. He might appear shocked, leap, turn around, or even snarl or snap.
Shaking/Tilting Head: Fido may shake or tilt his head. You may notice that your pet’s ears are feeling hot. He might also claw at his ears or rub his head against things … maybe even including you. Other signs of infection include foul odors, as well as discharge that appears green, red, yellow, brown, or black. A dog with an infection may also prefer not to have his ears or head touched, and may shy away from being petted. If you see any of these symptoms, please contact your Mt. Airy, MD veterinarian immediately.
What Should I Do If I Believe My Dog May Be Deaf?
If you know or suspect that your canine buddy is losing or already has lost his hearing, schedule an appointment with your Mt. Airy veterinarian to have Fido tested. In the interim, you can test him at home. Wait till he awakens, then stand behind him. Set off a soundmaker, such as a squeaky toy or an alarm. This is, of course, a simple and very informal test. Additional tests, like Baer testing, would be required by your veterinarian in order to provide an official diagnosis.
Is Canine Deafness Always Permanent?
This depends on the dog and the reason for the hearing loss. For instance, wax buildup might cause temporary hearing loss. In most cases, however, the condition is permanent.
Are Certain Breeds Predisposed To Deafness?
Breed does play a part, as it is inextricably linked to Fido’s DNA and thus any inherited diseases that may be present. While any dog can lose their hearing, certain breeds are more prone than others. Akita, English Setter, Old English Sheepdog, Papillon, Doberman, Pekingese, American Eskimo Dog, Chow Chow, and Pit Bull are just a few examples.
Schedule An Appointment At Our Mt. Airy, MD Animal Clinic
Do you have any queries about dogs’ hearing loss? Do you know or suspect that your dog has an ear problem? Please contact us at any time. As your Mt. Airy, MD pet hospital, we are here to assist!
