5 Signs Your Pet Is Going Deaf

by | Jun 10, 2022 | Health & Wellness

All pet owners want to ensure that their furry friend lives a long and happy life. One thing that can be difficult to determine is hearing loss. This can be a gradual process for older dogs and a quick one for puppies. According to the American Kennel Club, 5-10% of U.S. dogs are completely or partially deaf. There are a few signs that owners should watch out for that can help determine if your pet is suffering from deafness. 

Here are five signs that your pet may be going deaf:

Not Answering To Their Name

The most common indicator that your pet may be losing its hearing is when they stop responding to commands. High-pitched sounds are often the first sound they stop responding to. If your pet has stopped responding to their name being called, try using a variety of different sounds — clapping, whistling, clicking. This will help to test your pet’s hearing.

Sudden Disobedience

Most dog owners confuse deafness with behavioral problems. A pet that’s usually well-behaved can stop responding to commands simply because it cannot hear the commands. Owners can then make the conclusion that their pet has suddenly become disobedient. Do some at-home tests to ensure your dog is losing its hearing.

Gets Startled Easily

Pets that are starting to lose their hearing learn to rely on their other senses. For example, your pet’s sense of touch will become heightened. When this happens, your pet can become more easily startled when someone taps them from behind. If you notice that your pet gets started really easily, this could mean they are losing their hearing. 

Excessive Barking

Pets that are losing their hearing have a hard time understanding their own auditory cues. This means they don’t understand how loud they actually are. Hearing loss is causing your pet to raise their own voice. Sometimes pets assume that if they can’t hear you, you also can’t hear them. This is another reason for excessive barking. 

Sleeping More Than Usual

Sometimes a natural response to hearing loss is isolation, sleeping longer hours, less social interactions, etc. These could be signs that your pet is depressed, but these could also be signs that your pet is experiencing hearing loss. Some pets internalize this process because it can be hard to handle. Consult your vet on the best way to help your pet during this time.

Need help in choosing the right vet? You can read more about choosing a vet that gets your pet here.

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