What Are the Symptoms of a Deaf Dog?

Some dogs are born deaf or with hearing loss, while others go deaf as they age. With proper management and accommodation for their handicap, deaf dogs can still make good pets. They can be trained to respond to hand signals rather than voice commands. Along with other identification tags, put a tag warning that it cannot hear on a deaf's dog collar, in case it gets lost.

  1. Indications of Deafness

    • Congenital deafness is prevalent in certain breeds, such as Dalmatians. Some all-white dogs with white skin are born deaf. Indications of deafness include lack of response to loud noises or the owner's voice, or being easily startled. Test for deafness, out of the dog's range of sight, by whistle-blowing, loud clapping, jangling keys or shaking objects in a can. If there's no response, consult a veterinarian for further testing. Definite diagnosis requires the Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER) test, the same hearing test used with human babies. In the BAER test, a computer records how the brain responds to sound stimulation.

    Chronic Ear Infections

    • Dogs suffering from chronic ear infections may eventually loose their hearing. Symptoms of ear infections include sensitivity in the ears, head tilted to one side, lack of balance and a bad smell or secretion coming from the ears. Some breeds, especially those with dropping ears, are more susceptible to ear infections. Keep ears clean and check them regularly. Even a mild ear infection requires veterinary treatment, as constant infections commonly lead to partial or complete deafness.

    Acquired Deafness

    • Old age in dogs often brings deafness. Symptoms come on gradually, and aren't as obvious as in the congenitally deaf dog. These include ignoring the owner, not responding to voice commands, and appearing unaware of common sounds, such as the can opener. Having to touch the dog to get his attention is another indication of deafness in the older canine. Aging deaf dogs may no longer be watchdogs. If the dog doesn't realize someone is at the door or a car is in the driveway until they can see them, suspect deafness. Most older dogs make a good adjustment to lack of hearing if kept in safe circumstances.

    Drug and Other Causes

    • The Aminoglycoside class of antibiotics can damage the ears, as can trauma or diseases such as canine distemper. Consult the vet if the dog has been treated with these antibiotics or has suffered head trauma or serious illness, and appears deaf.