Canine Hearing Impairment 

September is designated as Deaf Dog Awareness Month. This is an important topic all year, and we are always delighted to help raise awareness about it. According to the American Kennel Club website, 5% to 10% of our canine companions are deaf. That means there are a lot of puppies out there whose ears just aren’t working right! Continue reading to find out more about deafness in dogs from an Oswego, IL veterinarian.

What Causes Dogs’ Deafness?

There are numerous conditions that can induce deafness. In many cases, the disease is inherited, which means it was caused by something in Fido’s genetic makeup. Cochleosaccular deafness is a rather frequent type of inherited hearing loss. This deafness is more common in puppies with piebald, merle, or white coats and blue eyes. Then there’s neuroepithelial deafness, which occurs when cochlear hair cells are lost (or not present). As the name implies, they are ear hairs. This type of deafness is typically detected in puppies at a young age.

Age is, of course, an important consideration. It is common for puppies to lose their hearing as they age.

Infections, accidents, medications, tumors, brain lesions, and endocrine abnormalities are among the other prevalent reasons for canine hearing loss.

Caring For Deaf Dogs

What happens if your dog cannot hear? Certain ailments, such as infections, may be cured. However, for the most part, it is a one-way street for dogs. There is some good news, though. In many ways, caring for a deaf dog is similar to caring for a typical puppy. You’ll just need to make a few changes to Fido’s care routine.

Here are some recommendations:

Because your dog will be unable to hear sounds such as traffic horns, brakes, or shouting, you must exercise particular caution with him. If you have a yard, install a sturdy fence that your pet cannot climb over, under, or through. The ideal option for access and exit is a self-latching gate. When walking your dog, you should use caution. For additional security, consider connecting a double leash to Fido’s harness.

As previously stated, many deaf dogs dislike being crept up on. Stamp your foot to alert your dog that you are approaching. If you need to rouse Fido up, place a treat under his nose. Breakfast in bed is a favorite of the man’s best friend!

Communicating With Others: explain to youngsters and guests the do’s and don’ts of engaging with your dog. If you have guests visiting, let them know ahead of time that your pet cannot hear and should not be surprised or approached covertly. You could also get Fido a nice vest that says, ‘I can’t hear’ or something like that.

Training: our canine companions are extremely intelligent and can be taught to respond to hand gestures rather than spoken directions. You may need to hire a professional trainer, but the money will be worth it in the long run. You may even teach Fido to come when you wave a flashlight or point a laser pointer.

Accessories: add a small bell to your dog’s collar. You’ll be able to keep track of his location at all times. He will not hear you calling him. A light-up collar can help you stay safe at night. Your Plano, IL veterinarian can provide further ideas and recommendations for caring for your canine pet.

What Are The Warning Signs Of Deafness In Dogs?

Fido cannot tell you if his fuzzy ears are in bad shape, but there are certain telltale indicators to look out for.

Jumpy Or Cranky: almost all canines with eyesight and hearing impairments dislike being shocked. If you approach Fido from behind, he may become irritated. He could appear surprised, leap, turn around, snarl, or snap.

Increased Barking: you may find your pet barking more often than usual. Fido may also turn up his volume, as he may be having difficulty hearing himself.

Missing sounds: Dog’s ears are usually fairly astute. Most pups can hear much better than humans. People are unable to hear disturbances above 20 kHz. Fido, on the other hand, can detect sounds from 47k to 65k hz. Dogs can sense softer noises than humans, with a range of 3 to 12 kHz. Your canine companion can hear at -15db, which is significantly lower than what our hearing can perceive. All being said, if your dog isn’t responding to noises as well as he used to, there could be a problem. 

Your canine pal’s hearing may appear to improve and worsen over time, but keep in mind that certain noises produce vibrations. If something falls off a shelf, your dog may jump, but it may have been the impact vibration that shocked him, more than the noise. A few dead giveaways? If Fido does not react when you engage his noisy toy, or worse,  ignores the sound of a cheese wrapper opening!

Ignoring commands: If Fido was once a good follower of directions but suddenly ignores you when you tell him to Sit, Stay, or Lay Down, he most likely can’t hear you.

Increased Sleep: when dogs are depressed or ill, they sleep more than usual. Both conditions can be caused by ear issues. You may notice your four-legged friend is now sleeping more than usual.

Shaking or tilting the head: Your furry best friend may be shaking or tilting his head. You may notice that your pet’s ears seem warm. He may claw his ears or rub his head against objects, including you. A foul odor, as well as discharge that is green, red, yellow, brown, or black, may also indicate an infection. A dog with an infection may also dislike having his ears or head touched.

If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your Plano, IL veterinarian right away.

What Should I Do If I Think My Dog Is Deaf?

If you know or suspect that your dog has lost his hearing, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to get Fido evaluated. Meanwhile, you may test him out at home. Wait for him to wake up before approaching him from behind. Use a noisemaker, such as a squeaky toy or an alarm. Of course, this is a very informal test. 

Additional tests, such as Baer testing, are required for an official diagnosis by your Yorkville, IL veterinarian.

Is Canine Hearing Loss Always Permanent?

That is dependent on the dog and the source of the hearing loss. Wax buildup can sometimes cause temporary deafness. However, in most cases, the condition is permanent.

Are Some Breeds Prone To Deafness?

Yes, breed does play a part, as it is inextricably linked to Fido’s genetics and, hence, any inherited conditions or diseases he may have. While any dog can lose their hearing, some breeds are more vulnerable than others. Among them are the Akita, English setter, old English sheepdog, papillon, Doberman, Pekingese, American Eskimo dog, chow chow, and pit bull.

Request An Appointment At Our Yorkville, IL Animal Clinic

Do you have any queries about hearing loss in dogs? Do you know, or suspect, that your dog has ear problems? Please reach out to us at any time. As your Aurora, IL pet hospital, we are here to help!