What You Need to Know About Canine Deafness

 

Did you know that dogs can develop deafness at any age?

It is most noticeable when your dog ceases to react to typical occurrences like as the doorbell ringing, the sound of you pouring his food for breakfast, or calling his name to come.

While thinking about your dog's deafness might be difficult, the good news is that it doesn't mean he couldn't still have a high-quality life and do all of the things that other dogs do, or even the things he used to do. It simply entails a shift in how you care for him now that you are aware of his hearing impairment.

It is believed that 5 to 10% of dogs in the United States are deaf, either in one ear (unilateral) or both ears (bilateral).

So, what's causing this?

Deafness can be hereditary or acquired. The cause of hereditary deafness might be cochleosaccular or neuroepithelial. The most prevalent cause of deafness is cochleosaccular, which is connected with coat color patterns. It is most commonly observed in dogs with piebald or merle color genes. It can induce deafness in one or both ears and is more common in those with blue eyes and a white coat. This form of deafness usually appears between the ages of one and three weeks.

Neuroepithelial deafness is unrelated to coat patterns. It frequently affects both ears and appears at the same age. A variety of causes can contribute to acquired deafness. Some drugs might be harmful to one's hearing. The deafness produced by these medications is usually permanent, but some animals may recover their hearing over time. Many elderly animals become deaf. It usually begins with a loss of capacity to hear mid-to high-level frequencies and progresses to an inability to hear any frequency.

How to Determine if Your Dog Has a Hearing Issue

Dogs who are bilaterally deaf from a young age are typically straightforward to identify. They may not respond when called, be difficult to wake while sleeping or fail to recognize you when you reach home.

Unilaterally deaf dogs, as well as dogs who develop deafness later in life, maybe more difficult to identify.

A dog who is deaf in just one ear may have difficulties finding the source of a sound and will usually orient itself towards the good ear.

Having a Deaf Dog in the House

Deaf dogs may enjoy regular lives, but they require a committed owner. Deaf dogs are not suited for homes with small children since they are easily frightened. They should never be left unattended in an open place, and their owners must be willing to learn a new language.