If you’ve noticed that your dog is going deaf it can be upsetting and concerning. Maybe you’ve noticed that they seem to sleep more heavily than normal, and aren’t disturbed by noises around the home that would once have roused them.
Age related deafness usually appears from 12 to 15 years old. In many cases hearing loss is not total and dogs may still be able to hear high-pitched noises like a whistle, a spoon against a metal bowl or the sound of a doorbell, or they may even respond if you use a higher pitched tone of voice with them.
While deafness can be just a natural part of the aging process, it’s important to rule out other causes of hearing loss with your vet.
For example, they will check to see if your dog has an ear infection or a blocked ear canal. Your dog’s ears may look clean on the outside, but there could be a build-up of debris deeper inside and this can only be determined by a thorough inspection from your vet. If this is the diagnosis, appropriate treatment will be recommended and the hearing loss may resolve itself.
Other potential causes for hearing loss could be hypothyroidism and canine dementia. It’s important to rule out things like congenital defects, head injuries, ruptured ear drums and even drug toxicity. More rare conditions include organic brain diseases like GME, or a brain tumour or encephalitis. It’s vital to get an early diagnosis, and therefore early treatment, so that your dog doesn’t remain deaf for life unnecessarily.
Because dogs can become deaf for a variety of reasons, including old age, it’s one reason we recommend teaching your dog hand signals when young, always using positive reinforcement with rewards, so that the transition to deafness is less traumatic for both of you.
Friendly Dog Collars have a range of collars, leads and harnesses as well as coats and vests for deaf dogs. They offer an exceptional range of award winning dog products that keep you and your dog safe.
Helpful advice and information from the PDSA.
Helpful advice and information from the Battersea.
A heart-warming article from MRCVS Online about Polo, a five-year-old dog rescued by the RSPCA who has a new lease of life after learning sign language commands.
The Deaf Dog Network is a group of people who want to help deaf dogs, wherever they are, whether they have experience of owning or training them, rescuing or fostering. As the network grows we hope to have lots more information and resources to share.
COGNITIVE DECLINE – BLOGS – SNOODS
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WOOFABILITY 