Deaf Dog Awareness Month takes place every September. Of course, this is an important issue all year long! We are always delighted to help bring this cause to light, no matter what time of year it is. According to the AKC website, 5-10% of our canine companions are deaf. There are a lot of puppies out there with gorgeous ears that don’t operate properly! Continue reading to learn more about deafness in dogs from a local Fayetteville, NC veterinarian.
What Causes Deafness In Dogs?
A variety of factors can contribute to deafness. The illness is typically inherited, which means it was triggered by something in Fido’s genetic composition. Cochleosaccular deafness is one of the most prevalent causes of hereditary hearing loss. This form of deafness is more common in puppies with piebald, merle, or white coats and/or blue eyes. Then there’s neuroepithelial deafness, which results from a loss (or absence) of cochlear hair cells. As the name implies, these are ear hairs. This type of deafness is typically detected in puppies at a young age.
Age, of course, is an issue. Puppies frequently lose their hearing as they get older.
Other prevalent causes of dog deafness include the following:
- Infections
- Injuries
- Drugs
- Tumors
- Brain Lesions
- Endocrine Diseases
Caring For A Deaf Dog
What happens if your dog is deaf? Some conditions, such as infections, may be treatable. However, for the majority of dogs, the road is one-way. Fortunately, 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 routine.
Here are our suggestions:
- Training: Our canine companions are quite intelligent and can learn to listen to hand gestures rather than voice directions. You may need to hire a professional trainer, but it will be well worth the investment in the long term. You might also want to train Fido to come when you wave a flashlight.
- Safety: Because your dog will be unable to hear sounds such as automobile horns, you must exercise extreme caution around him. If you have a yard, ensure your fence is robust. In this regard, a self-latching gate is your best option.
You’ll also need to exercise extreme caution when walking your dog. You may want to utilize a double leash on Fido’s harness for extra security. A light up leash isn’t a bad idea. GPS tags may also be a good call.
- Communicate The Issue With Others: As already said, many deaf dogs despise being sneaked up on. Before approaching your dog, stamp your foot to let him know you are there. If you want to rouse Fido awake, try putting a treat under his nose. Everyone enjoys having breakfast in bed! This is also something to instill in children and guests. If you have visitors coming over, let them know in advance that your furry companion can’t hear and that they shouldn’t startle him or approach slowly.
- Trappings: Consider putting a little bell on your dog’s collar. This will allow you to keep track of his whereabouts because he will not hear you calling him. A light-up collar is also a useful accessory at night.
Your Fayetteville, NC veterinarian will be able to provide additional information and recommendations on how to care for your canine companion.
What Are Warning Signs Of A Dog’s Deafness?
Fido can’t tell you if his lovely ears aren’t doing well, but there are several signs to look for.
Missing Noises: Fido’s adorable ears are usually fairly sharp. The average dog can hear significantly better than we can. People, for example, cannot hear noises at frequencies greater than 20kHz. Fido, on the other hand, can hear sounds between 47k and 65k Hz. Dogs can also detect quieter noises than humans, particularly between 3k and 12k. Your canine companion can hear things at -15dB, which is significantly lower than what our hearing can pick up. If your pet isn’t responding to noises the way he used to, there could be an issue. This may appear to improve or worse at times, but keep in mind that some noises generate vibrations as well. Your canine companion may still leap if something falls from a shelf, but the impact vibration, not the sound, may shock him. When you activate your dog’s squeaky toy, he may not respond. Of course, if your pooch ignores the sound of a cheese wrapper opening, this is a clear red flag!
Increased sleep: Dogs, like people, tend to sleep more Fido shaking or tilting his head. He might also paw at his ears or rub his head against anything he can, including you. Your furry friend may not want to have his ears or head touched. These can be signs of infections. A foul odor, as well as discharge that appears green, red, yellow, brown, or black, might be indicative of infection as well.
Ignoring Commands: If Fido has previously obeyed spoken orders but now ignores you when you tell him to Sit, Stay, or Lay Down, it is possible that he is unable to hear you.
Being Jumpy/Cranky: A pet peeve shared by nearly all vision and hearing challenged dogs is a dislike of being startled. If you approach Fido from behind, he may become agitated. He may appear shocked, turn, or snap.
Increased Barking: You may find that your pet is barking more than usual. Fido may also increase his volume slightly if he is having difficulty hearing himself.
What Should I Do If I Suspect My Dog Might Be Deaf?
If you know or believe that your dog has lost his hearing, or is in the process of losing his hearing, you should schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to have Fido tested. Meanwhile, you can put him through certain tests at home. Simply wait until he wakes up and then stand behind him. Set off a noise-making device, such as a squeaky toy, an alarm, or something similar, and see what he does. If he doesn’t react, he may be having issues.
This is, of course, a rough test. Additional tests, such as Baer testing, might be required for an official diagnosis from your Fayetteville, NC veterinarian.
Is Deafness A Permanent Condition?
That is going to depend on the puppy and the reason for the hearing impairment. In some circumstances, it may be temporary. For instance, wax buildup might cause temporary hearing loss. However, the problem is usually permanent.
Make An Appointment At Our Fayetteville, NC Animal Clinic
Do you have any questions about hearing loss in dogs? Do you know or think that your canine companion has ear issues? You are welcome to contact us at any time. As your Fayetteville, NC pet hospital, we are here to assist!
