September marks Deaf Dog Awareness Month. We are always happy to help spread awareness of this worthwhile cause, no matter what time of year it is. According to the AKC website, around 5% to 10% of our canine companions are deaf. That’s a lot of cute pooches whose ears aren’t working right! Continue reading to learn more about canine deafness from a local Wichita, KS veterinarian.
What Causes Deafness In Dogs?
Deafness can result from a variety of conditions. Typically, the illness is inherited, which means it was triggered by something in Fido’s genetic composition. Cochleosaccular deafness is a prevalent 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, they 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:
- Tumors
- Brain lesions
- Endocrine disease
- Infections
- Injuries
- Drugs
How Can You Know If A Dog Is Deaf?
Dogs can’t tell us if their ears aren’t functioning well, but there are several telltale signs to look for.
Not Responding To Commands: If Fido had previously been very proficient at obeying spoken directions 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: Almost all vision and hearing challenged dogs dread being startled. Fido may become irritated if you approach him from behind. He may appear surprised, turn around, or snap.
Barking More: 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.
Shaking/Tilting Head: You may also notice your dog shaking his head or tilting it. You might notice that your pet’s ears feel heated. He might not want his ears or head touched. He may also claw at his ears or rub his head on objects, including you.
Other Signs Of Ear Infections: While infections are not the main cause of hearing loss, they are certainly a potential. Infection can also be indicated by a foul odor, as well as discharge that appears green, red, yellow, brown, or black.
Increased Sleep: Dogs, like people, tend to sleep more when they are depressed or not feeling well. Ear problems can cause both.
Not Responding To Noises: Fido’s beautiful ears are usually fairly sharp. The ordinary dog can hear much better than we can. People, for example, cannot hear noises at frequencies higher than 20k Hz. 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 dog may still leap, but the impact vibration may shock him more than the sound. When you trigger your pet’s 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!
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 try him out at home. Wait till he wakes up and then stand behind him. Set off a noisemaker, such as a squeaky toy or an alarm.
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 puppy and the reason of the hearing loss. In some circumstances, wax buildup might result in temporary deafness. However, in most cases, the condition is permanent.
Caring for a Deaf Dog
What if your dog is deaf? 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:
Avoid Startling Fido: 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, try placing a treat under his nose. That’s a much more pleasant way to get up than being jolted awake. Everyone enjoys breakfast in bed!
This is especially crucial to instill in youngsters and visitors. 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 highly 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 may also want to teach Fido to come when you wave a flashlight.
Safety: Because your dog will be unable to hear things like automobile horns, you must exercise extreme caution with him. If you have a yard, ensure sure the fencing is robust. A self-latching gate is the ideal option here.
You’ll also need to be cautious when strolling your canine companion. You may want to utilize a double leash on Fido’s harness for added security.
Trapping: You might want to attach a little bell to your dog’s collar. This will allow you to keep track of his whereabouts because he won’t hear you calling him. A light-up collar can also be useful at night.
Your Wichita, KS veterinarian will be able to provide additional information and tips on caring for your canine companion.
Make An Appointment At Our Wichita, KS 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 Wichita, KS pet hospital, we’re here to help!