Dogs, like humans, can experience varying degrees of disabilities, and while some are quite noticeable, hearing loss often goes undetected at the onset.
Generally, hearing loss is a gradual process brought on by aging, chronic ear infections or trauma. However, in some cases, dogs can be born with congenital deafness, a genetic issue.
Read more about ear infections in dogs on our blog.
How do I know if my dog is experiencing hearing loss?
Determining whether your furry companion is experiencing hearing loss or is simply a stubborn listener is the first step. Puppies who are born deaf tend to appear to be slow learners and not respond to their names or other verbal cues.
For aging pups, you might notice changes in their behaviour. For example, if your companion is typically waiting anxiously for you at the door = and they start missing your arrival, chances are they aren’t hearing you arrive and are sleeping through the commotion.
If you think your dog is experiencing hearing loss, try a few simple tests at home like rattling your keys or picking up a squeaky toy to gauge a reaction. It’s important that your furry companion cannot see the source of the noise as they can react to the visual cue and provide a false test result. If they fail to respond to the noise source, book an appointment with your veterinarian for a full examination.
Can a deaf dog be trained?
Dogs affected by hearing loss or born deaf make great companions with proper training. Typically, deaf dogs are attuned to their surroundings and have sharp instincts. Since dogs tend to look at their humans for guidance, the main difference is that you’ll need to use hand gestures rather than using verbal cues. It doesn’t matter which gestures you decide to use for different cues, the important thing is to remain consistent and teach them to associate specific hand signals and body language with the desired behaviour.
How to keep your deaf dog safe
There are many things to consider when caring for a deaf dog and keeping them safe should be top of mind. Always keep your dog on a leash near busy streets as they can’t hear traffic approaching or the honking of horns.
It’s also important to keep them leashed if you are not in a contained area, like a fenced backyard, since they can’t hear when you call them to come. Getting their attention can be tricky during the day, but at night, you might want to try flashing the porch light or using a flashlight.
Waking your deaf dog also needs some consideration. It’s important not to sneak up on your dog and startle them as they could bite by sheer impulse. If you are approaching them, try adding a little stomp to your walk so they can feel the vibration on the floor as you approach them.
Is adopting a deaf dog right for you?
Whether a dog is affected by hearing loss or not, the bottom line is whether you have the time to commit to training and caring for your new companion. Deaf dogs are just like hearing dogs and with dedication and consistency, live full and rewarding lives. If you are considering adopting a dog experiencing hearing loss, talk to an animal care expert or veterinarian to discuss the dog’s needs and seek out the guidance of a positive reinforcement dog trainer with experience working with dogs with hearing loss.
If this information was helpful, please help us continue to educate about pet health and well-being by making a donation. As a registered charity that does not receive annual government funding, the Ontario SPCA depends on the generosity of donors to change the lives of animals in need.
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