September marks Deaf Dog Awareness Month. This is obviously an essential topic throughout the year, and we are always delighted to help bring attention to it. According to the AKC website, around 5% to 10% of our canine companions are deaf. That means there are a lot of puppies out there whose adorable ears don’t operate properly! Read on to learn more about deafness in dogs from a local Lawrenceville, GA veterinarian.
What Causes Deafness In Dogs?
Deafness can result from a variety of conditions. In many cases, the illness is inherited, which means it was triggered by something in Fido’s genetic composition. Cochleosaccular deafness is a fairly common underlying cause of hereditary hearing loss. This form of deafness is more common in puppies with piebald, merle, or white coats and blue eyes. Then there’s neuroepithelial deafness, which is caused by the loss (or absence) of cochlear hair cells. As the name implies, these are hairs that develop in the ear. This sort of deafness is frequently detectable in puppies rather early on.
Age, of course, is another consideration. It is not uncommon for puppies to lose their hearing as they become older.
Other typical causes of canine hearing loss include the following:
- Infections
- Injuries
- Drugs
- Tumors
- Brain lesions
- Endocrine Disorders
Caring for a Deaf Dog
What if your dog is deaf? Some conditions, such as infections, may be treatable. However, for most pooches, it’s a one-way street. There is some good news here, however. In many ways, caring for a deaf dog is similar to caring for any other puppy. You will just need to make a few changes to Fido’s care regimen.
Here are some suggestions:
Safety: Because your canine friend will be unable to hear things like automobile horns, brakes, or shouting, you must exercise extreme caution with him. If you have a yard, make sure you have a sturdy fence, one your pet can’t go over, under, or through. In that regard, a self-latching gate is the ideal option.
You’ll also need to be cautious when strolling with your canine companion. For added security, consider using a double leash on Fido’s harness.
Communicating With Others: As previously stated, many deaf dogs dislike being crept up on. Stamp your foot before approaching your dog, so he knows you’re there. If you need to rouse Fido up, try placing a treat under his nose. Everyone enjoys breakfast in bed.
This is also crucial to teach children and guests. If you have guests coming over, let them know in advance that your furry companion can’t hear, and that they should not surprise him or approach quietly.
Training: Our canine companions are quite intelligent, and can learn to respond to hand gestures rather than voice directions. You may need to hire a professional trainer, but the investment will be well worth it in the long run. You might also want to teach Fido to come when you wave a flashlight.
Trappings: Consider attaching a little bell to your dog’s collar. This will allow you to keep track of his whereabouts, which is very important because he won’t hear you calling him. A light-up collar can also be useful at night.
Your Lawrenceville, GA veterinarian will be able to provide additional advice and recommendations on caring for your canine companion.
What Are the Telltale Signs of a Deaf Dog?
Fido can’t tell you if his furry ears aren’t functioning so well, but there are several telltale signs to look for.
Here are some of the key ones:
Ignoring Commands: If Fido had previously been very proficient at obeying spoken directions but now ignores you when you order him to Sit, Stay, or Lay Down, it is definitely possible that he is ignoring you because he is unable to hear you.
Being Jumpy/Cranky: A common pet peeve among nearly all vision and hearing-impaired dogs is a dislike of being startled. Fido may become irritated if you approach him from behind. He may appear surprised, turn around, or snap.
Increased Barking: You may find that your pet barks more than usual. Fido may also increase his volume slightly, as he may be having difficulty hearing himself.
Missing Noises: Fido’s beautiful ears are usually fairly sharp. Most pups can hear much better than we can. People, for example, cannot hear noises at frequencies greater than 20kHz. Fido, on the other hand, can detect noises between 47k and 65k Hz. Dogs can also detect quieter noises than humans, ranging from 3k to 12k. Your canine companion could hear things at -15dB, which is significantly lower than what our ears would detect.
All that being said, if your dog isn’t responding to noises as well as he used to, there could be an issue. This may appear to improve and worsen at times, but keep in mind that some noises generate vibrations. If something falls off a shelf, your canine buddy may still jump. However, that doesn’t mean he heard anything: the impact vibration may have been what shocked him, rather than the sound. When you trigger your pet’s favorite noisy toy, he may not respond. Of course, if your dog ignores the sound of a cheese wrapper opening, that’s a clear red flag!
Increased Sleep: Dogs, like humans, tend to sleep more when they are depressed or otherwise unwell. Ear problems can cause both.
Shaking/Tilting Head: You may also notice your dog shaking his head or tilting it. This is often an indication of an ear infection.
Ear Infection Signs: Shaking the head isn’t the only sign of infections. Infections are not the main cause of hearing loss, but they are certainly a risk. You might notice that your pet’s ears feel hot. He may also claw at his ears or rub his head on objects, including you. Infection can also be indicated by a foul odor, as can discharge that appears green, red, yellow, brown, or black. If your pet has an illness, he might not want his ears or head touched.
If you detect any of these symptoms, contact your Lawrenceville, GA veterinarian immediately.
What Should I Do If I Believe My Dog May Be Deaf?
If you know or believe that your dog has lost his hearing, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to have Fido tested. In the interim, you may want to try him out at home. Here’s a very simple (and casual) test: Wait till your pup wakes up, and then stand behind him. Set off a noisemaker, such as a squeaky toy or an alarm, and see what he does.
This is, of course, an extremely tough test. For an official diagnosis, your veterinarian would need to conduct additional tests, such as Baer testing.
Is Deafness Permanent?
That will depend on the pup and the reason for the hearing loss. In some circumstances, wax buildup might result in temporary deafness. However, in most cases, the condition is permanent.
Make An Appointment At Our Lawrenceville, GA Animal Clinic
Do you have any queries about hearing loss in dogs? Do you know or think that your dog has ear issues? Please feel free to contact us at any time. As your Lawrenceville, GA pet hospital, we are here to assist!
