First and foremost, if your dog starts ignoring commands, it could be a clear sign of hearing loss. Dogs with deafness begin to lose the ability to hear high-pitched sounds first, so if it doesn't respond to a whistle, try attempting other sounds like claps or clicks while facing away from your pet.
If you suspect your pet is losing her hearing, test her by calling her name or making a loud noise when she is looking away from you. Try several different levels in the tone of your voice because some dogs may be able to hear a higher or lower pitched sounds. Age related hearing loss can't be prevented.
If your dog has significant hearing loss, they may become less obedient or attentive and stop responding when you call their name. They may also not notice or react to noises around your home, such as the hoover or the doorbell. Deaf dogs are often difficult to wake up and become less active in their day-to-day lives.
You can test your dog's hearing by standing in a location where he cannot see you and making a sharp audible sound (loud whistle, clap, jingle of keys, tap on a fixed or movable object, etc.). If there's no head turn or altered ear position, then he may not hear you so well.
Temporary or transient deafness is most often due to buildup of wax or debris in the ear canals, while permanent deafness can have a number of causes, including untreated ear infections, injury, drug toxicity, tumors, congenital (birth) defects and old age.
Sadly, hearing loss due to genetics, old age, and trauma is often permanent and untreatable. However, acquired deafness (due to an infection or blocked ear canal) is usually temporary with veterinary care. If you suspect your pet may have lost their hearing, see a vet ASAP.
Infections that do not resolve with treatment may have an underlying cause such as allergies, thyroid disease, or adrenal disease. If the infection has caused hearing loss, deafness is usually temporary and resolves with treatment.
Some deaf dogs sleep longer and more deeply than hearing dogs; so it's paramount to wake your dog gently (especially new puppies).
Sometimes you can get your deaf dog's attention via vibrations. Tapping or stomping on the floor may create a vibration large enough to attract your dog's attention. Once your dog looks at you, mark and reinforce that attention. In addition, waving hands or arms at a distance can gain your dog's interest.
Owning a deaf dog is a very rewarding and unique experience.
Deaf dogs rely on their owners to communicate with them via body language, hand signals, and even facial expressions! Because of this, their bond with their owner is unique and special. They are highly attentive to their owners.
There are no set hand signals for teaching and training a deaf dog. This means there are no wrong hand signals.
Their hearing capabilities are slightly different to ours; our hearing frequency being 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz whilst a dog's is 40 Hz to 60,000 Hz. This means that they can hear sounds at a higher pitch, a prime example being a dog whistle; undetectable to humans but excruciatingly clear for dogs.
Dog Hearing Loss: Causes and Symptoms
As your dog loses his hearing, you might find him “ignoring” your cues, such as not sitting when asked or failing to come when you call him. Or he may seem confused by his surroundings or by your requests.
The reasons your dog may not be listening might be medical in nature, but most often, if your dog will not come to you or ignores you completely, it is because of a training or a behavioral issue. Once you feel you have ruled out potential illness, training and conditioning your dog will improve his recall ability.
Deafness in Dogs
More than 30 breeds of dogs have a known susceptibility for deafness, including the Australian shepherd, Boston terrier, cocker spaniel, Dalmatian, German shepherd, Jack Russell terrier, Maltese, toy and miniature poodle, and West Highland white terrier. Typically, it is more common in senior dogs.
In fact, a dog without hearing can be even more loving, as he has learned to rely on his other senses. He will stick closer to you so that he can see your movements and snuggle up close so that he can feel your closeness. Never let deafness in your dog discourage you.
Deaf dogs do not need a hearing companion as a guide. The personality of the individual dog will determine whether another pet in your home is desirable. If your deaf dog is amenable, however, a furry friend with great dog skills can be a wonderful mentor.
Separation Anxiety – Deaf dogs may have separation issues because they cannot hear. For example, if you leave a dog in a crate she or he may panic about being alone because it cannot hear activity in the next room.
Yes, your dog can learn sign language
He paces non-stop unless given direction.
But in acquired hearing loss, there is now a disconnect in how they perceive things both in their environment and what we want from them, and this can definitely lead to some level of anxiety."
Some deaf dogs may feel a vibration in the floor as we approach them, but others may not, so it is important not to sneak up and startle them. Often, firmly tapping a foot nearby is enough to wake them or get their attention. It is also important to teach children appropriate respect for deaf dogs.
Small dogs are considered senior citizens of the canine community when they reach 11-12 years of age. Their medium-sized friends become seniors at 10 years of age. Their larger-sized colleagues are seniors at 8 years of age. And, finally, their giant-breed counterparts are seniors at 7 years old.
In rare cases, animals awaken from anesthesia deaf in both ears, often following ear cleaning or teeth cleaning. It may be the case that the body shunts blood away from the cochlea during anesthesia to protect other critical organs, or that pressure or jaw positioning compresses the arterial supply to the cochlea.
Just as deaf humans tend to capitalize on other senses, most deaf dogs take full advantage of their superb sense of smell, sight, and touch. In fact, they sometimes compensate so well for lack of hearing that it even gets them into trouble!