Deafness in dogs

Overview

Your older dog's ears don't perk up at the sound of your approach anymore. Or he sleeps through a lot of commotion going on around him. It's not that your animal companion is ignoring you - he may be suffering from hearing loss.

Symptoms

• Doesn't respond to loud noises
• Unresponsive to surroundings
• Hard to wake up
• Confusion
• Excessive loud barking
• Non-responsive to commands or name being called

Causes and prevention

Old age is the most common cause of deafness. Severe or chronic ear infections, loud noises, injuries, or tumors can cause permanent hearing loss. Ear infections or mites can clog the ear with bacteria and debris, causing temporary hearing loss. This is especially common in dogs with hanging ears, like Basset Hounds and Cocker Spaniels. However, if the ear infection or ear mites are not treated, they can result in permanent damage to the hearing.  Your dog's ears should look clean inside and should have no odor. Remember, NEVER stick anything down into your dog's ear because you can actually make things much worse.

Deafness can also be genetic and present at birth. Dalmatians are often deaf. In some breeds, deafness is linked to color. A sheltie with a white ear is often deaf in that ear. If he also has white covering his eye, he is often also blind in that eye. Deafness sometimes results in puppies from blue merle-to-blue merle breeding. Merle is gray with white and black spots, and usually some tan markings.

Treatment

If your dog has an ear infection, your veterinarian may prescribe a liquid you can use to clean and medicate the ears at home. As his ears heal, his hearing should improve.  If your dog has a middle ear infection, oral antibiotics may also be administered.  If your dog has a ruptured eardrum, the use of inappropriate medications may cause permament deafness.  If your dog is too painful to allow your veterinarian to fully visualize the ear canal and ear drum, these medications will be avoided.   Inherited deafness is not curable. Dogs with this disorder should be spayed or neutered, as they can pass on the trait to their puppies. 

The future

Dogs are surprisingly adaptive to total or partial hearing loss, but there are several steps you can take to make it easier on them. First and foremost, never let your deaf dog roam outside of your yard off leash. He will not hear cars or other dangers approaching, and people who find him will not realize he is deaf.

If you want your dog's attention, he may be able to pick up the vibrations of footsteps, so a loud stomp may make him take notice. A flashlight or laser penlight can be used as an attention-getter. To make sure he knows where you are, a tap on your pet's shoulder works well. And remember, a little love and understanding can make things a lot better for your canine companion.

Consider working with a trainer who specializes in training deaf dogs. Many dogs learn to respond to hand signals and lead completely normal lives.

Resources:

Louisiana State University. Deafness in Dogs and Cats.

Merck Vet Manual. Deafness: An Introduction.