Signs Of Deafness And Hearing Loss
Deafness is defined as a partial or total loss of hearing, whether temporary or permanent. As a result, there are several notable signs that can help you tell if a dog is deaf or losing their hearing. One of the most common signs is newly increased disobedience or a lack of attention. For example, a dog with hearing loss may not respond when their name gets called, fail to acknowledge familiar commands, or they are not on guard when the doorbell rings or the vacuum is in use.
There can also be changes in their behavior, such as:
From deafness due to old age to injuries, various factors can take a toll on your dog’s hearing and cause deafness. Common causes of dog deafness include:
Some dogs can also inherit deafness or are born with deafness as a result of developmental damage in the womb. A few breeds that are most likely to develop hearing loss include:
While there are many causes for deafness in dogs, an official diagnosis is needed from a licensed veterinary professional to uncover the root of the problem.
If you suspect your dog is losing their hearing, it is essential to make an appointment for further examination with your local veterinarian. This will ensure your canine receives the appropriate treatment for the cause of their deafness.
At the veterinary hospital, a veterinarian may examine the external portion of their ears with an otoscope and request x-rays, CT scans, MRIs, or neurological exams to reveal any underlying conditions affecting your dog’s hearing.
One test that’s vital in diagnosing your dog’s condition is a deafness test. The Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER) is a test that detects electrical activity in the brain’s auditory pathways.3 Small electrodes are placed on the scalp, ears, head, and between the shoulders while an earphone is inserted in the dog’s ear. The test takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete and any abnormal electrical responses are recorded for evaluation. If your dog exhibits signs of stress during the BAER, they may have to be administered anesthesia.
Ultimately, the treatment your dog receives depends on the source of their deafness. For example, some cases of deafness such as bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotics or blockages can be treated surgically. Unfortunately, there are no treatments that can revert permanent deafness back to normal. Despite this, a deaf dog can continue to live a normal life with modified care.
Taking care of a deaf dog requires dedication and patience. After all, deaf dogs can get startled easily and may lash out as a result. They also won’t be able to hear certain dangers, such as cars, other dogs, and pedestrians. Below, we’ve included a few tips to help you better understand and communicate with your deaf dog:
While your dog is undergoing new training, it’s imperative to understand your dog as well. Being able to read their body language, from ear and tail movement to their facial expressions, will allow you to understand what your dog needs or when they require more patience from you during training. This extra attention to their body language can also help strengthen the relationship with your dog.
Mark and reward training can ensure your dog understands what they’re doing correctly and help you identify behaviors that need to be improved. Because a deaf dog won’t be able to hear the sound of a clicker when they do something right, you’ll have to think of a new marker. The American Kennel Club recommends using hand gestures as markers, such as a thumbs-up.4
While most professionals suggest scent training begins when your dog is a puppy, the same techniques can still be applied to deaf dogs. This is especially important since deaf dogs will rely on their remaining senses. When your dog can recognize certain scents, you’ll also be able to recall them much easier and get their attention.
A dog with hearing loss won’t be able to hear your commands clearly, so it’s a good idea to introduce gestures that can let them know what to do. From raising an open palm for “Stay” or pointing a single finger to your face to have them focus on you, there are many ways to communicate without words. Signals can accompany mark and reward training to show your dog that these will be the new norm.
Startle training prevents your dog from getting startled when being touched or whenever you walk up to them. To get started, create a comfortable environment for your dog and introduce yourself using certain cues to let them know you’re in the room. This can be flickering the lights, a soft tap of a nearby surface, or a gentle stomp of your foot or hand. The key to startle training is patience and creating a suitable environment for your deaf dog to learn.
Going back to puppy basics will allow you to revisit previous behaviors your dog is used to and modify them to better fit their current situation. Playing focus-heavy games or even sitting down with your dog to enhance their skills will make the adjustment period much smoother.
Dog Deafness: Frequently Asked Questions
Although owning a deaf dog isn’t easy, it’s not impossible either. Use the following frequently asked questions to help you navigate through this new experience.
As Fido’s hearing devolves, he won’t be able to hear you approaching him. This can cause him to jump if you startle him from behind. This can definitely wear on his nerves!
If Fido is ignoring your commands, it could be because he can’t hear you telling him to drop that chicken leg or stop chasing the cat. He may also stop coming when you call him. (Of course, some dogs do this anyway, but that’s another topic.)
If you see any of these symptoms in your furry friend, contact your vet right away. While sometimes these issues are permanent, that isn’t always the case. Some issues can be cleared up with medication. However, even if the diagnosis isn’t great, don’t panic. Caring for a dog with hearing issues isn’t necessarily much different from caring for any other pooch! For instance, many dogs can learn to respond to hand signals, rather than vocal commands.
Do you sleep more than usual when you’re sick? If so, you’re not alone. This is the case for many dogs as well. If your canine pal is sleeping more than usual, there could be something going on with him.
Fido won’t really understand what’s happening to his ears, and may be confused or frightened by the change. This may lead him to act more docile, wary, or even apathetic.
Deafness in Dogs
If it seems as if your dog has stopped listening to you, it could be that heâs losing his hearing. Petplan behaviour specialist Inga MacKellar explains the signs to look out for and top tips for how to help.
Every year during the last week of September, owners and dog lovers support Deaf Dog Awareness Week. Some dogs are born deaf and others lose their hearing from injury, illness or old age. This special week is dedicated to raising awareness and knowledge to improve the lives of dogs living with hearing difficulties.