Those dogs with spots, dapples, or merle coats or those with white skin or fur are predisposed to congenital deafness. The most commonly affected breed is the Dalmatian, of which there are almost 30% that are deaf.
Dalmatians are born deaf in both ears about 22 percent of the time. The Australian Cattle Dog is born deaf about 11 percent of the time, with Jack Russell Terriers weighing in at eight percent dual deafness at birth.
Merle and white coat colors are associated with deafness at birth in dogs and other animals. Dog breeds commonly affected include the Dalmatian, Bull Terrier, Australian Heeler, Catahoula, English Cocker Spaniel, Parson Russell Terrier, and Boston Terrier.
Cochleosaccular is the most common cause of deafness and is associated with coat color patterns. It is usually seen in dogs with the piebald color genes or merle color gene. It can cause deafness in either one or both ears and is seen more in association with blue eyes and a white coat.
Blue eyes are thought to be linked to deafness, though this is not a direct cause and effect relationship. In dogs, there is no pigmentation in the iris, which does not indicate deafness or blue eyes. Despite the fact that humans have sex-linked deafness, it is not recognized in dogs.
Deafness is quite common in dogs, particularly in older dogs and dogs with a white hair coat and blue eyes. Although deafness may cause a dog some problems most deaf dogs can be helped to live a happy life.
Dogs with predominantly white or merle coats may be at increased risk for congenital deafness. Senile deafness develops gradually, typically occurring at about 13 years of age. Many older dogs lose their hearing but never become completely deaf; however, the loss that has already occurred is permanent.
This specialized layer of cells, and the cells that determine hair color, come from the same stem cell source. Without this stem cell, the dog's body won't be able to make this specialized layer of hearing cells and will likely be white in coloration. Dogs that carry the piebald gene are often affected by deafness.
White dogs are generally more exposed to risk of dehydration, sunstroke and Sun burn. It is therefore essential to protect their fragile skin exposure to UV rays from the sun. As it is also the case for us, overexposure to the sun can lead to many skin problems such as sunburn, blisters, peeling skin…
At the end of the day, it's important to remember that hearing loss does not have to hinder your pup's quality of life. As Webb puts it: "Deaf dogs can live happy, healthy, long lives and make great companions.
There is no definitive answer to this question, as it depends on the individual dog's personality. However, some people believe that deaf dogs may be more clingy because they cannot hear their owners' voices and may feel isolated.
Some otherwise deaf dogs can hear certain frequencies such as a shrill dog whistle. If your dog is lucky enough to have this degree of hearing make sure you use this whistle and reward his response. You never know when it will come in handy. Lastly is the issue of identification.
Ultimately, the treatment your dog receives depends on the source of their deafness. For example, some cases of deafness such as bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotics or blockages can be treated surgically. Unfortunately, there are no treatments that can revert permanent deafness back to normal.
Deaf dogs are just as capable and intelligent as dogs that can hear. They just need a little extra time and patience. You will have to learn and teach your fur-baby the different hand signals. And just like humans that are deaf, their other senses are more sensitive.
Not every dog with too much white is deaf, so there are probably additional genetic factors which determine whether the dog is deaf. However, if breeders make efforts not to produce puppies with white on or close around the ears they can significantly reduce the frequency of deafness in the breed.
Deaf Dogs Rock because they excel in therapy dog work, emotional support dog work, and service dog assistance because they don't have a fear or anxiety that usually comes with loud noises like hearing dogs do.
Did you know that dogs with predominantly white coats can be prone to deafness? Not all white dogs are deaf, but approximately 85 different dog breeds have been reported to carry the trait that causes congenital deafness.
A dog that is born deaf does not know he is deaf, or rather, he does not know everyone else can hear. To him, the world is what it is. A human who is disabled in some way, in most cases, is very aware of it.
Owners and trainers “speak” to dogs, teaching them to comprehend intent and meaning. With a deaf dog, the verbal avenue is not an option. Communication needs to focus on the visual sense instead. What is most important is to be careful and deliberate with hand, face, and body movements.
Causes of deafness in dogs include birth defects, infection, trauma, obstructions, and old age. Certain breeds and white or merle-coated animals are more likely to be born deaf. Sadly, hearing loss due to genetics, old age, and trauma is often permanent and untreatable.
Breeding studies have defined the relationship between deafness in white cats and blue eye colour. The gene responsible is an autosomal dominant gene termed W (for White). This gene appears to be pleiotropic – ie, it has more than one effect, being responsible for the white coat colour and also blue eyes and deafness.
“Deaf dogs can lead normal lives with extra work and dedication by the owner,” Teller said. Through obedience training, for example, dogs can learn hand signals in replacement of the usual verbal commands.
Caring for a deaf dog is not difficult, but you will need to make some adjustments in your life and your household. You may also need to adjust what you expect from your dog as he may not behave the same as a hearing dog would.