Has your pet been having hearing trouble? Are you considering adopting a deaf dog? Fido can still be a healthy, happy, tail-wagging buddy, if he can’t hear. You may just need to do some things a bit differently. In this article from Fairfield Animal Hospital, a Cypress, TX vet discusses deaf dog care.

Causes of Deafness

About 10 to 15 percent of our canine companions are deaf, whether in one or both ears. This is more common in white dogs, as there is a genetic link between hearing issues and pale fur. Certain breeds, such as Dalmatians and Bull Terriers, are also at higher risk. However, hearing problems can occur in any pooch, either because of genetics, injuries, or infections, or sometimes just due to old age.

Care Tips

You may find that Fido doesn’t need so much extra care as he needs different care. Your pet won’t hear you calling, so teach him to respond to things like hand signals and, after dark, a flashlight. Some dogs can still hear very low registers, such as the lower octaves on pianos, so you may want to experiment a bit and see if your pooch responds. Putting a little bell on your pup’s collar will help you track his whereabouts inside the house. We also recommend stamping your foot before approaching him from behind or when he’s asleep, and keeping him to the outside of the road on walks. It’s also a good idea to let guests know in advance that your furry bff can’t hear. Ask your vet for specific care tips.

Signs Of Impending Deafness

It’s also important for pet owners to know to look for when a dog begins to lose their hearing. If Fido has an ear infection, he may shake his head or paw at his ears. He might also seem a bit dizzy. In some cases, you might notice a foul smell coming from his ears, or see black, green, yellow, or reddish discharge. Some dogs yowl or bark loudly when their hearing dwindles, simply because they can’t hear themselves. Your canine pal may also start getting annoyed if you startle him, and he may ignore vocal commands. Contact your vet immediately if you notice any of these warning signs. 

Do you know or suspect that your pooch is having hearing trouble? Contact us here at Fairfield Animal Hospital, your Cypress, TX animal clinic, anytime!