National Deaf Pet Awareness Week

Last full week of September marks the annual National Deaf Pet Awareness Week. This special event aims to educate pet owners and veterinarians about hearing loss and deafness in cats and dogs. With an estimated 17 to 20 percent of dogs suffering from some degree of hearing loss by older age, it's important for pet owners to understand the causes and how to best care for deaf pets.

What Causes Hearing Loss in Pets?

There are several potential causes for deafness in dogs and cats. Among the most common include:

• Age-related hearing loss: Just as with humans, many pets will experience some degree of age-related hearing decline later in life. Gradual loss may start from as early as 8 years old for some breeds.
• Birth defects: Deafness from birth is often linked to hereditary factors, especially for certain white-coated dog breeds like Dalmatians and English Setters. The genes that give them their distinctive marking can also interfere with proper inner ear development.
• Chronic ear infections: Repeated ear infections, if left untreated, can cause permanent damage leading to hearing impairment over time.
• Exposure to loud noises: Prolonged exposure to very loud sounds can trauma the delicate structures of a pet’s ear canal. This noise-induced hearing loss is irreversible but preventable.
• Other illness or injury: Various other health conditions, like tumors, hypothyroidism, or head trauma may also contribute to or result in deafness depending on severity and location.

Signs Your Pet May Be Losing Hearing

Deafness and hearing issues tend to develop gradually over time. Pet owners may notice some of the following subtle signs

• No response to verbal commands or their name being called
• Loss of verbal cues like barking or meowing
• Increased volume of vocal noises
• Difficulty waking up when asleep
• Disorientation or confusion
• Delayed reactions to various sounds

If you suspect your furry friend may be having trouble hearing, schedule a veterinary exam for an official diagnosis. Routine wellness checks with your vet should include basic hearing tests, especially for senior pets. Catching issues early allows for better management.

Caring for a Deaf Pet

While deafness can present some initial challenges for pets and their owners, most animals adapt wonderfully over time. With some simple adjustments to your communication cues, training techniques and home environment, deaf dogs and cats can enjoy a good quality of life. Tips for living with a deaf pet include:

• Use consistent hand signals and rewards for training instead of verbal commands. Teach cues for common activities like sit, stay, come, down, etc.
• Get your pet’s attention with sights, smells, vibrations or touch before interacting. Flickering lights, treats, stomping on the floor and gentle taps can help alert them.
• Keep your home safe by reducing potential startle factors. Use gradual lighting, keep hallways clear of objects, and try not to surprise sleeping pets.
• Consider a vibrating collar, clock or bed so your pet can better sense daily routines or alerts to things like meals or outside time.
• Purchase identification tags noting deafness in case your pet gets lost. Microchipping is also highly recommended.
• Pay close attention to your pet’s body language and facial expressions to better understand their needs. Signs of stress, fear or confusion may indicate an issue.

Talk to your veterinarian if you think your aging pet is showing difficulty hearing. Together you can find solutions to address their unique needs as they adjust to sensory changes. Spreading awareness during National Deaf Pet Awareness Week and all year long will lead to better care for these vulnerable animals. With some simple adaptations, both pets and pet parents can thrive through deafness and hearing impairments.