Caring For a Deaf Dog
As with people, many dogs suffer some degree of hearing loss. While it
takes some patience and persistence, caring and training your deaf
dog is rewarding and fun. It is important to take your new dog to the
veterinarian as soon as you get him/her. Ask your vet to check your
dog's hearing and continue to include this request during your dog's
yearly checkups.
Types of Deafness
There are two types of deafness - acquired and congenital. Congenital
deafness occurs due to a defective gene that results in a malformation
or nonfunctional ear. In Susan Cope Becker's book, Living With A Deaf
Dog, 64 dog breeds with reported congenital deafness are listed.
Some of these breeds are more susceptible to deafness than others.
Congenital deafness in dogs is permanent.
Acquired deafness occurs for any number of reasons. Some causes of
hearing loss include: Excessive amounts of wax, dirt, hair or other
material plugging the ear canal; inflammation or swelling of the ear
canal; infections of the middle or internal ear; a torn or ruptured ear
drum; loud noise; head trauma; ear mites; certain drugs; old age.
Signs To Look For
There are a number of signs that may indicate your dog is deaf, is
suffering some form of hearing loss or is experiencing ear problems that
may lead to hearing loss. These include: Inattentiveness or a change in
obedience; confusion when given familiar vocal sounds; excessive
barking; unresponsiveness to sounds; being difficult to wake up; head
shaking; head tilts toward the side of the affected ear; itchy and/or
painful ears; change in personality; a smelly discharge from the ear.
Testing For Deafness
If you suspect that your dog may be deaf or suffering some degree of
hearing loss there are some simple tests that you can do. One test
involves sneaking up behind your dog and clapping your hands or
snapping your fingers and observing any reactions. Do this from a
distance so your dog doesn't detect your actions or scent or feel any
vibrations. If you suspect that your dog is suffering some degree of
hearing loss, have this confirmed by your veterinarian. Some causes of
hearing loss are treatable. As well, there are other veterinary specialists
(i.e. neurologists) who are able to confirm deafness.
One test that evaluates deafness through the use of computers is the
BAER (brainstem auditory evoked response) procedure. By using
electrodes placed under the skin of a dog's scalp and which are
connected to a computer, the brainstem auditory response can be
measured. There are five BAER testing sites in Canada listed in Susan
Cope Becker's book.
Keeping Your Deaf Dog Safe
There are many things that you can do to keep your deaf or
hearing-impaired dog safe. Deaf dogs should be kept on a leash or in a
fenced-in yard while outdoors. Children should also be taught how to
interact with, and behave around, deaf dogs.
Learning how to communicate with, and train, your dog using hand
signals is important. Whether you use your own signals, standard
obedience signs, American Sign Language or a combination of these,
it is important that you, and others, who communicate with your dog, are
consistent with the signs you use. As well, it is a good idea to use signs
that only use one hand and are easily detected by your dog from a
distance.
In her book, Susan Cope Becker has included two informative chapters
("How To Communicate With Your Deaf Dog" and "Deaf Dog Traits,
Training and Safety Tips") which will help guardians of deaf dogs train,
communicate with, and help keep their hearing impaired canines safe.
There is also considerable information available on the Internet.
OF NOTE:
Your dog does not have a name. He/she will learn to associate your
movements, facial experssions, hand signals to "call" the dog. Until you
create a signal connected with "attention".
You can use a flashlight, a hand signal, or some other object to attract
his attention. One of the neatest communication signals I use on my
deaf cat is raising my index finger for a "No". Now, getting her attention
is another thing...
In her book, Susan Cope Becker has included two informative chapters
("How To Communicate With Your Deaf Dog" and "Deaf Dog Traits,
Training and Safety Tips") which will help guardians of deaf dogs train,
communicate with, and help keep their hearing impaired canines safe.
There is also considerable information available on the Internet.
