September is designated as Deaf Dog Awareness Month. Of course, no matter what month it is, we are delighted to help spread awareness about this important cause. According to the AKC website, five to ten percent of our canine companions are deaf. That’s a lot of dogs out there with ears that don’t work properly! Continue reading as a local Dawsonville, GA veterinarian discusses canine deafness.
What Are The Signs Of A Deaf Dog?
Fido can’t tell you if his adorable ears aren’t doing so well, but there are a few signs to look for. Here are a few of the key ones:
Ignoring Commands: If Fido had previously been very proficient at obeying vocal directions but suddenly ignores you when you order him to Sit, Stay, or Lay Down, it is possible that he is unable to hear you.
Being Jumpy/Cranky: One pet peeve shared by almost all vision and hearing challenged dogs is a dislike of being startled. If you sneak up behind Fido, he may become agitated. He may appear shocked or even snap.
Increased Barking: You may find that your pet barks more than he used to. Fido may also increase his volume if he is having difficulty hearing himself.
Missing Sounds: Fido’s lovely ears are usually pretty astute. The ordinary dog can hear much better than us. People, for example, cannot hear noises with frequencies greater than 20k Hz. Fido, on the other hand, can hear frequencies ranging from 47k to 65k Hz. Dogs can also detect quieter noises than humans can at 3k to 12k frequencies. Your canine companion has the ability to hear things at -15dB, which is significantly lower than what our hearing can detect.
Having said that, if your dog isn’t responding to noises the way he used to, there could be a problem. This may appear to improve and worse at times, but keep in mind that certain noises produce vibrations. If something falls off a shelf, your dog may still leap, but it could be the impact vibration rather than the sound that catches him off guard. When you activate his squeaky toy, your pet may not respond. Of course, if your dog ignores the sound of a cheese wrapper opening, that’s a huge red sign!
Sleeping More: Dogs, like people, tend to sleep more when they are depressed or unwell. Ear issues can induce both of these. You might notice your canine companion sleeping more than usual.
Shaking/Tilting Head: You may notice your dog shaking or tilting his head.
Ear Infections: Although infections are not the only cause of hearing loss, they are certainly one. You may notice that your cute pet’s ears seem hot. If your pet’s ears are infected, he may not want his ears or head touched. Fido may also paw his ears or rub his head against things … including you. Foul odors, as well as discharge that appears green, red, yellow, brown, or even black, can also be indicators of infection.
What Should I Do If I Suspect My Dog Is Deaf?
If you know or believe that your furry best friend is losing—or has already lost–his hearing, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to get him tested. Meanwhile, try him out at home. Simply wait until he wakes up and stand behind him. Set off something that makes noise, such as a squeaky toy, an alarm, or something similar, and see if he reacts.
This is, of course, a pretty harsh exam. Your veterinarian would need to perform more tests, like as Baer testing, to get an official diagnosis.
Is Canine Deafness Permanent?
That depends on the puppy and the reason of the hearing loss. Wax buildup can occasionally cause temporary deafness. In most cases, however, the condition is permanent.
What Causes Dogs to Be Deaf?
There are numerous factors that could contribute to deafness. The issue is often inherited, which means it was caused by something in Fido’s genetic make-up. Cochlear deafness is a prevalent cause of inherited deafness. This form of deafness is particularly common in puppies with piebald, merle, or white coats and/or blue eyes. Then there’s neuroepithelial deafness, which is caused by the loss or absence of cochlear hair cells. These hairs develop in the ears, as the name implies. This sort of deafness is typically visible in puppies at a young age.
Of course, age is another factor. Pups often lose their hearing as they age.
Other causes of canine deafness include the following:
- Infections
- Injuries
- Drugs
- Tumors
- Brain Lesions
- Endocrine problems
Caring for Deaf Dogs
What if your puppy is deaf? Some issues, such as infections, may be treatable. However, for the majority of dogs, the journey is one-way. There is some good news, though. In many ways, caring for a deaf dog is similar to caring for any other dog. You’ll only need to make a few changes to Fido’s care regimen.
Here are our recommendations:
Training: Our canine companions are incredibly intelligent and can be trained to pay attention to hand gestures rather than spoken directions. Of course, you will probably need to hire a competent trainer, but the investment will be well worth it in the end. You may even be able to train Fido to come when you wave a flashlight.
Safety: Because your canine pal will be unable to hear things like automobile horns, you must exercise extreme caution when handling him. If you have a yard, ensure sure the fencing is solid. A self-latching gate is your best option in this regard.
You should also exercise extreme caution when walking your dog. You might want to utilize a double leash on Fido’s harness for added safety.
Courtesy: As already indicated, many deaf dogs despise being sneaked up on. Stamp your foot before approaching your pooch to let him know you’re there. If you need to rouse Fido up, place a treat under his nose. Everybody enjoys breakfast in bed!
This is also crucial to teach children and guests. If you have visitors coming over, let them know in advance that your furry friend can’t hear, and tell them not to startle him or approach quietly.
Trappings: Consider adding a little bell to your dog’s collar. This will help you maintain track of his whereabouts because he will not hear you calling him. At night, a light-up collar is also useful. If you’re going to be out and about in public, a vest that says ‘I’m deaf’ or something may be helpful.
Your veterinarian will be able to provide more information and ideas on how to care for your canine companion.
Conclusion: Hearing loss can be caused by many different problems, including infections, injuries, genetics, and old age. However, in many cases, caring for a hearing-impaired pooch is a lot like caring for any other dog. Ask your vet for specific advice.
Schedule An Appointment At Our Dawsonville, GA Animal Clinic
Do you have any queries about dogs’ hearing loss? Do you know or believe your dog has ear problems? Please do not hesitate to contact us at anytime. As your Dawsonville, GA pet hospital, are here to help!
