Many people think of a disabled dog as one with a missing limb, but not all disabilities are visible. For example, a dog who looks completely normal may be deaf or hearing-impaired. While deaf dogs have some special needs, their life can be happy and fulfilling if their owners understand and accommodate their needs. Deaf Dog Awareness Week is September 18 to 24, and to celebrate, our Golden Years Veterinary Services team shares the information you need to identify and manage canine hearing loss. 

What causes deafness in dogs?

Deafness in dogs can either be a temporary, partial, or total loss of hearing, with varying causes. To better care for their deaf dog, owners need to understand the common causes of deafness in pets, which include:

  • Congenital hearing loss — Congenital (i.e., present at birth) hearing loss is most common in dogs with white or merle coats, and usually can be detected when the puppy is between 4 and 6 weeks of age. 
  • Presbycusis — Caused by a gradual thickening of the middle ear bones, presbycusis is the most common form of acquired hearing loss in older dogs. 
  • Ear infections — Hearing loss from a middle ear infection can often improve, but untreated inner ear infections can lead to permanent deafness.
  • Ototoxicity — Certain drugs or chemicals can damage a dog’s inner ear structures, including the cochlea, resulting in hearing impairment. The hearing may return after the drug wears off, but permanent deafness is possible. Never put anything in your dog’s ears without first consulting a veterinarian. 
  • Trauma — Rarely, head trauma can result in blood in a dog’s inner ear, which can lead to temporary or permanent deafness.
  • Foreign bodies — A foreign object in the ear canal commonly causes deafness in dogs. Fortunately, hearing is usually restored once the object is removed, but some foreign objects can perforate the eardrum and cause infection so, once you have removed the object, have a veterinarian check your dog for further damage.

What are deafness signs in dogs?

Identifying hearing loss in dogs is seldom easy, especially if the loss is gradual, because dogs are experts at compensating with their strong sense of smell and sight. Signs your dog may have hearing loss include:

  • Decreased obedience or attentiveness
  • Decreased responsiveness to everyday sounds, such as the doorbell or vacuum
  • Failure to respond to familiar verbal commands, or their name
  • More difficulty rousing them from sleep
  • Decreased activity
  • Increased barking  
  • Frequent head shaking or tilting

What special care do deaf dogs require?

Deaf dogs make wonderful companions, and require only slight adjustments to help them live a safe, happy, and fulfilling life.

  • Train your dog with hand signals — Training a deaf dog is similar to training a hearing dog—using hand signals instead of verbal commands is the only difference. Use one clear, consistent hand signal for each command.  
  • Tap into your dog’s sense of smell — Always avoid startling your deaf dog by announcing your presence with a tasty treat in your hand. You can also use vibrations, such as stomping your feet or softly bumping the couch where they are sleeping, to wake them up or to let them know you are close by.  
  • Keep your dog safe outdoors —Because a deaf dog can’t hear a car or other dangers, keep them leashed or in a fenced yard. In addition to their identification, ensure your dog wears a bell on their collar to help you keep track of their whereabouts, and consider adding the word “deaf” underneath your contact information on their ID tags. 
  • Let your dog know where you are — A deaf dog may get anxious if they suddenly find you are gone, so help them stay calm by letting them see you leave the house. 

Deafness does not need to define your dog or affect your strong bond, and only a few special supportive accommodations can help them live a normal, happy, and long life. If you suspect your senior dog is losing their hearing, contact our Golden Years Veterinary Services team for a thorough examination in the comfort of your home.