Many people find having a deaf dog a difficult task. As the dog’s hearing – one of its main senses – is impaired, changes in routine and treatment are necessary so that there is a good coexistence. But despite the challenge, every owner can learn how to care for a deaf dog. Do you want to know what the signs of deafness are, how a deaf dog’s ear works and what it’s like to live with a hearing-impaired dog? Check it out below!
Dog ear: understand how canine hearing works and how deafness arises
A dog’s hearing is one of the most refined senses. Do you know how many more times the dog listens compared to humans? While we capture sounds that reach 20,000 Hz, the dog’s hearing captures up to 60,000 Hz! The dog ear works like this: sound vibrations enter the ear, pass through the middle ear and reach the inner ear, where these vibrations are perceived and the sound is formed, allowing the dog to hear. A deaf dog cannot pick up these vibrations.
Deafness in dogs can be congenital – born with the dog – or acquired – developed throughout life by factors such as diseases ( distemper , for example), infections (such as otitis ) and aging (canine hearing is lost with age). The hearing of a deaf dog can pick up little sound (partial deafness) or no sound (complete deafness). In addition, deafness can be unilateral (in one dog ear only) or bilateral (in both ears).
How to know if the dog is deaf? Know the most common signs of deafness
The signs of deafness in dogs vary depending on their origin. Normally, the deaf dog becomes unresponsive and interacts less. Some owners even think that the dog is being rude, but in fact he is just not hearing you call. It is common for the deaf dog to also sleep more. Check out some signs of deafness in dogs:
- No response to commands
- Less interaction
- Shake your head often
- Pains and black wax in the dog’s ear
- loss of balance
- Dog turning its head to both sides several times (one-sided deafness sign)
- Puppies that are slow to learn basic things (because they aren’t listening)
To learn how to tell if the dog is deaf, perform a test at home: with the dog on its back, make a noise like shaking the food pot. This sound does not produce many vibrations. So if the dog doesn’t turn around at the noise, he could be deaf. Take him to the vet to perform the test that accurately determines deafness in a dog to confirm the diagnosis.
How to call a deaf dog: associate the pet’s name with visual stimuli
As the hearing of a deaf dog does not allow you to hear calls and commands, many people think that they cannot take care of a deaf dog. Deaf animals need special care, but they can easily live with humans. Just adapt to your reality. The first difficulty of those who have a deaf dog is learning to call it. If he doesn’t listen to you, how do you get his attention?
Methods that use visual stimuli work well. When calling the dog, point the light of a laser flashlight at a wall next to the animal a few times. With repetition and reinforcement, he will understand that this is your way of calling him. Just be careful that the light doesn’t come into direct contact with the dog’s eye . At night, you can turn the switch on and off to get attention or use a flashlight. If you are close to the dog, it is worth creating a specific touch on the animal’s body that it will associate with its name.
To train the deaf dog, abuse gestures, lights and rewards
Even without the hearing of a dog, deaf animals can be trained. Deaf dogs learn to paw, sit and even fetch the ball . Instead of voice commands, visual commands are used. The laser attracts the animal, so it’s great to show it where to get the ball and point out the toilet, for example. Visual gestures are easy for dogs to understand and can be combined with light. For example: when the pet understands the gesture that means “sit” and performs the command successfully, point the light to your hand with the paw to signal that he was right. Also, always reward them with snacks. Positive reinforcement and repetitions are essential in training a deaf dog.
Due to the weakened hearing of a dog, deaf dogs are scared of unsuspecting touches
Although it may have a special touch to get your attention, you should avoid touching a deaf dog. As it does not have canine hearing, the animal does not perceive when someone is approaching. If someone touches him out of the blue, the deaf dog will be scared. That’s why it’s important to respect your space. If you are with other people, always make it clear that your dog is deaf and therefore not to be touched.
