Deafness and Your Dog

If you whistle for your pet and he doesn’t respond, he might simply choose not to answer, he might be distracted by something even more interesting – or he might not be able to hear you. Deafness afflicts dogs and humans alike, and it can pose some special risks and dangers for your animal. Let’s look at how you might be able to help prevent the condition, or failing that, how to communicate better with your hearing-impaired friend.

What Causes Deafness?

A variety of things can cause deafness in dogs. Genetics may cause some animals — notably often all-white dogs with pink noses — to be born deaf. Hearing loss can also occur later in life, either suddenly or gradually. An infection or injury that damages the eardrum, for instance, might bring on deafness. Or your pet might lose his hearing through age-related degeneration of the parts of the ear that convey sound to the brain. Annual wellness checks are one way you can make sure infections, such as those caused by ear mites, get detected and treated early. Your vet might even find that the deafness was caused by nothing more than wax buildup. If you notice your dogs ears stink, it might be a yeast infection and if left untreated can cause hearing loss.

What if my dog is deaf?

Even if your dog’s deafness is not preventable, you can still relate to him and even train him. Dogs are amazingly adaptable. If they are born deaf they don’t know that they cannot hear. If they go deaf, they will adapt and so should you! Hand signals are always a viable option; you can also use a laser pointer to get your message across. Ecollars (electronic collars), when used correctly, can also be extremely helpful  for getting your pet’s attention without hurting him. Used at low levels, they make excellent tools for issuing recognized commands, teaching new commands, and warning your pet away from potential dangers. If you’d like more advice on training and communicating with your deaf dog, don’t hesitate to contact your friends as Sit Means Sit!