Not every dog will go deaf, but some hearing loss is very common. Of course it’s a concern, but please know your dog can still live a very happy, good quality life. Mine did!

I know I don’t have to say this but I will anyway. The priority as always when caring for our old dogs, is love and empathy. We may feel challenged by the changes (no matter what they are), but we always need to remember whatever they are going through it’s not their fault.

Signs Your Dog is Losing His Hearing

• Sleeps more deeply
• Doesn’t react to noises/squeaky toys/doorbells/knocking the way he used to
• He doesn’t know you’re in the room until he sees you, or you touch him
• Shakes his head a lot
• Barks a lot
• Paws at his ears
• Doesn’t respond when you give him a cue
• Startled when he wakes up, because he didn’t hear you approaching

One Simple Way to Check for Hearing Loss

What I’m about to suggest is very unscientific, but it came from a vet.

My friend’s husband brought home a stray cat one day (this was many years ago), and she suspected the cat may be deaf. I gave her the name of my vet and suggested she make an appointment for testing. When she called this is the advice she got…

“Stand behind him and jingle your keys, or clap really loudly. Do his ears move? Does he turn his head? How quickly/or slowly does he respond?”

Yep, that’s it!

If it seems like there is some hearing issue, take him to the vet sooner rather than later. It could be something as simple as an ear infection that will clear up with antibiotics.

Treatment/Prevention

There’s not a lot you can do about age related hearing loss, and only temporary deafness can be reversed. However, regular vet checks to keep your dog’s ear canals clean and free from wax and hair build, are a good idea.

How to Communicate With Your Hard of Hearing or Deaf Dog

Just because your dog may be partially or completely deaf, it doesn’t mean you can’t communicate.

• When giving him a cue, say it louder.
• Use a flashlight or laser pointer to get his attention, but never shine anything directly in your dog’s eyes.
• A stomp on the floor with a heavy shoe or boot may cause vibrations your dog will notice.
• Teach him hand signals. For instance, when I taught my dog to sit, I paired it up with a hand signal, so now I don’t have to say anything.
• Practice walking up behind him, and gently tapping him on the back – then give him a nice tasty treat to get him used to it.
• Try holding a smelly treat under his nose or putting it on his bed to wake him up.
• Move the pillow or bed very slightly which may wake him without startling him.

Here are some ways senior dog parents communicate

“Switching the lights on and off.”

“I had a deaf and blind dog and I would touch his face to let him know I was there or I would just pick him up. I really had no need to call him from afar. Or give commands. Definitely I wouldn’t put a vibrating collar on. That would have freaked my dog out especially given the advanced age. My guy was 17 and a half. I don’t see an issue with needing to call a deaf dog. I would just leave him be and go to him if I wanted him.”

“Clapping hands works for mine. I cup them slightly, and it seems to be the right pitch. You might need to play with the sound a bit. Mine also has 100% cataracts so signals don’t work with him.”

“When ours was almost deaf we found that hard clapping was at the right pitch for her to hear. Then when I got her attention, I used hand signals. On a different note, I tried to put myself in her shoes and thought she might not understand and think that we just didn’t talk to her anymore. So I would make a point to talk right in her ear telling her she was a good girl and I loved her, etc. Her tail would start to wag so I know she appreciated it.”

“I had a deaf dog. I would gently touch her face and say a command using a hand motion. Consistency is key.”

“We actually have a bell on our boy just so we can hear where he is and if we are anywhere in the dark, there are light up collars and we put one of those on him when he goes outside. He gets around very well as he is partially blind as well, but it’s true he doesn’t really come when you call and that can be frustrating so rather than getting frustrated with him we just made it so we can always be aware of where he is.”

“My dog is only slightly hard of hearing—I clap and turn lights on and off.”

“I click my tongue or clap to get my little old lady’s attention. She’s not completely deaf yet but getting there. It was the same with my last deaf girl. I walked a fine line between getting her attention and startling her.”

“My girl is hard of hearing and has CCD*. I use touch and eye contact. I touch her nose gently when I want her attention. And I find that a lot of calm talking is soothing for her when she’s distressed, and when I’m happy she did something good (like eating all her dinner or going on the puppy pad) I dance around and then she dances, too.” 

*Note: CCD means canine cognitive dysfunction or dementia.

Keeping Your Deaf Dog Safe

♦ Don’t let him run off leash, unless it’s in an enclosed area.

♦ Consider a long training lead. He’ll have some freedom to run, without the fear of losing him.

♦ Pay closer attention to your surroundings when out walking. Your dog was used to hearing what’s approaching – he’ll rely on you for that now.

♦ Attach a bell to his collar, so you know where he is. 

♦ If the dog park is too much for him right now, play dates with his doggie friends will keep him active and socialising, but in a more controlled setting.

♦ If you have kids running around the house or visitors dropping by, don’t let them startle the dog. Explain the best way to approach.

Conclusion

I know it’s a difficult time for you, but imagine how your dog is feeling? You can understand what’s going on, he doesn’t. He may be feeling confused, scared, nervous.

There will be challenges while everyone acclimates to what will be your new “normal” – but as long as you keeping loving him, and showing compassion and patience, you’ll all be fine.

 

Do you share your life with a deaf, or partially deaf dog? How has the adjustment been for you? What advice would you give to people who are just starting to experience this with their dog? Sharing helps others so please leave your advice in the comments section below.

I’m excited to announce my new Senior Dog Care Support Service.

I offer 1:1 support on everything from health & wellness advice and training tips, to preparing to say goodbye and grief counselling. You can find details on all the packages I offer by visiting the Senior Dog Care Support Service page. If you have any questions or would like to book your FREE 15 minute chat, please email hpearson141@gmail.com