How to Treat Deafness in a Dog

Deafness in dogs may appear gradually with small signs pointing toward a decrease in your dog’s ability to hear. If deafness is a result of an infection that creates pressure on the eardrum, your dog may regain his hearing if the infection is treated promptly. However, hearing problems due to aging or other causes can be permanent. A deaf dog needs special considerations.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Prevent your dog from going near cars, even your own. Dogs depend upon their hearing ability to get out of the way when an automobile approaches. When your dog can no longer hear the engine running, he can’t move to safety.

2. Teach your dog to recognize hand and body signals. A loss of hearing does not indicate a loss of intelligence. Try stomping the floor once to call your dog, twice when it’s feeding time or making clapping motions when he is looking at you to indicate he should follow. Be consistent with a signal to avoid confusion.

3. Approach your dog when he is looking at you. A dog can be startled if he turns to find someone beside him without warning and he may snap or run away. A persistent tap on the floor with your foot can send vibrations that will alert your dog to your approach.

4. Start training white dogs early to recognize hand and body signals if they show signs of deafness. Strangely, dog breeds with mostly white coats; Australian Cattle dogs, Dalmatians and Old English Sheepdogs are at a greater risk of being born deaf. A deaf puppy is highly trainable with signals.

5. Provide a secure area for your dog to play and exercise. A fenced yard is necessary for a dog suffering from deafness. He depends solely upon his eyesight and he can’t hear another dog growling or other threats.

Tips & Warnings

• Have your dog examined by a veterinarian at the first sign of hearing loss. If left untreated, infections of the inner ear can cause irreversible scarring.