Deaf Dog Awareness Week

Veterinary Neurology and Imaging of the Chesapeake (VNIoC) will celebrate Deaf Dog Awareness Week September 22-28, 2024. The week is a time to learn about the challenges deaf dogs face and to highlight that they are just as capable as healthy dogs. 

WHY are dogs deaf?

Dogs (and cats) can be deaf for several reasons. The five most common reasons include:

  • Congenital deafness: Some dogs are born deaf, which can be due to genetics or damage to the developing puppy during pregnancy. White and merle coat colors are associated with congenital deafness in dogs. At VNIoC, we offer BAER testing to determine if a puppy or kitten has congenital deafness. (Above are photos of a dog and puppy being tested.)

  • Aging: As our pets age, the hearing apparatus in their inner ear gradually degenerates, which is often called "sensorineural hearing loss". The is similar to aging human hearing loss. 

  • Ear infections: Ear infections can affect both ears and can go undetected.

  • Trauma: Loud noises or other injuries can cause sudden hearing loss. 

  • Blockages: Growths or tumors can block the ear and cause hearing loss.

HOW do you tell if a dog is deaf?

There are several signs that your dog may be deaf, including: 

  • Unresponsiveness: Your dog may not respond to everyday sounds, like the doorbell or vacuum, or to their name. 

  • Excessive barking: Dogs with hearing loss may bark more often, and may not be able to tell how loud they're barking.  Dogs that become deaf can have a change in their bark.

  • Startle reflex: Your dog may startle more easily, or their startle response may be more exaggerated. For example, your dog may jump when you stroke them while they're resting. 

  • Sleeping more: Deaf dogs may sleep more than usual, or more deeply. 

  • Sudden disobedience: Your dog may stop responding to commands, or require more focus to get their attention. 

WHAT breeds of dogs have been shown to have congenital deafness?

WHAT considerations should you have for a deaf dog?

You or your veterinarian can perform a behavioral response test to assess for complete deafness. This typically involves making exciting noises such as shaking keys, a squeaky toy, whistle, or calling your pup from a “hidden” location. This can be just out of sight from your dog or even behind your dog when they are focused on another object. Veterinary Neurology and Imaging of the Chesapeake uses  Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER) testing to determine if your dog is deaf. The BAER is an electrodiagnostic test that can determine if a dog, cat, or any other animal is deaf. It is a qualitative test, not quantitative. This means that we can determine whether an animal can or cannot hear in one or both ears. Among our more exotic animals, VNIoC has tested monkeys, dolphins, cheetahs, lizards, and turtles.

Deaf dogs are just as lively and loving as dogs that hear but just need some patience and understanding. Deaf dogs behave normally despite their hearing loss. They make all the regular sounds just like hearing dogs. Dogs who lose their hear or are born deaf, are also fully trainable, social, and eager to please. Trainers give commands using sign language. As with hearing dogs, hand signals are an effective training tool.

Since they cannot hear cars or other dangers approaching, a deaf dog should never be allowed to roam freely outdoors. Owners should provide a secure fenced enclosure instead. In some cases, electronic signaling devices are used to communicate with the dog.

OBSERVE #DeafDogAwarenessWeek

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