Our canine companions rely heavily on hearing to navigate the world, from interpreting our commands to alerting us to potential danger. But just like us, dogs can experience hearing loss, which can be confusing and worrying for both pet and owner.
Causes of hearing loss in dogs
From the expertise of George Strain in his book Hearing Loss in Dogs and Cats, we learned that hearing loss in dogs can be present at birth (congenital) or develop later in life. . Age-related hearing loss is a common cause of acquired hearing loss. Acquired hearing loss can have a variety of causes, including:
- Ear infections: Untreated ear infections can damage the inner ear and lead to hearing loss.
- Earwax accumulation: Excessive buildup of earwax can clog the ear canal and interfere with sound transmission.
- Foreign object: Pierced objects such as grass seeds and foxtails can irritate and damage the ear canal, affecting your hearing.
- Age-related hearing loss: Just like humans, some dogs gradually lose their hearing as they age.
- trauma: Head injuries and loud noises can cause permanent hearing loss.
- Certain medicines: Some drugs can have ototoxic side effects, which damage the structures that control hearing.
Signs and Symptoms of a Deaf Dog
If you suspect your dog may have hearing loss, look out for the following signs.
- Selective hearing loss: They only respond to loud noises or familiar voices.
- Ignore command: Even well-trained dogs may not seem to follow verbal cues.
- Sleep more soundly: Difficulty waking up from sleep due to lack of auditory cues.
- Surprised by the sudden contact: They can't hear you approaching, so any unexpected petting can easily scare them away.
- Excessive barking: Your dog will not be able to distinguish between familiar sounds and dangerous sounds, leading to increased barking.
- Shake or tilt your head: Indicates ear discomfort or infection.
Living with a deaf dog
Hearing loss can be difficult, but it doesn't have to weaken the bond between you and your furry friend. Here are some tips for living with a deaf dog.
- Visual clues: Train your dog using hand signals and body language rather than verbal commands.
- Maintain a routine: Keep walk and meal times consistent to provide predictability.
- Uses vibration. Get their attention by tapping on the ground or using a vibrating collar.
- safety first: Keep your deaf dog on a leash during walks and make sure your home environment is safe from escapes.
With patience, understanding, and a few adjustments, you can continue to give your deaf dog a loving and fulfilling life. If you're concerned about your dog's hearing, consult your veterinarian to get a proper diagnosis and discuss the best course of action.
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Artificial intelligence helped edit this article.
