Deaf Dog Awareness Month takes place in September. We are delighted to help bring this cause to light! 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 Sale Creek, TN veterinarian.
What Are The Signs That A Pup Can’t Hear?
Fido can’t tell you if his lovely ears aren’t doing well, but there are several signs to look for.
Not Obeying Commands
If Fido has previously obeyed spoken orders but now ignores you when you tell him to Sit, Stay, or Lay Down, he may not be able to hear you.
Grumpiness
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, and may even growl or snap.
Barking More
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, and may be louder than usual.
Not Responding To Sounds
Fido’s adorable ears are usually fairly sensitive. 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.
That being said, if your dog isn’t responding to noises the way he used to, there could be an issue. This may appear to improve or worsen at times. Keep in mind that some noises generate vibrations as well. Your dog may still jump if something falls from a shelf, but the impact vibration, not the sound, may be what surprised him.
If you activate your dog’s squeaky toy, and he isn’t hearing well, he may not respond. Of course, if your dog ignores the sound of a cheese wrapper opening, this is a clear red flag!
Increased Sleep
Dogs, like people, tend to sleep more when they are depressed or simply not feeling well. Ear problems can result in both conditions.
Signs Of Ear Infections
The signs of infections are a bit different from the other signs of general hearing loss. Here are a few key ones:
What Should I Do If I Suspect My Dog Might Be Deaf?
If you know or believe that your dog has lost 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 if he responds.
This is, of course, a rough test. Additional tests, such as Baer testing, might be required for an official diagnosis from your Sale Creek, TN veterinarian.
Is Deafness A Permanent Condition?
That will depend on the puppy and the reason for the hearing impairment. In some circumstances, wax buildup might cause temporary hearing loss. However, the problem is usually permanent.
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:
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:
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 canine pal. You may want to utilize a double leash on Fido’s harness for extra security.
Give Warning: As already said, many deaf dogs hate 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.
Keeping Tabs On Fido: 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. GPS tags aren’t a bad idea, either.
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.
Your Sale Creek, TN veterinarian will be able to provide additional information and recommendations on how to care for your canine companion.
Make An Appointment At Our Sale Creek, Tn Animal Clinic
Have you got 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 Sale Creek, TN pet hospital, we are here to assist!
