How to Tell if Your Dog Is Going Deaf: Signs & Breeds at Risk

Dogs have an extraordinary ability to hear even faint and distant sounds. Still, their adaptability can sometimes mask the slow loss of hearing, making it tough for owners to realize when their furry friend is starting to go deaf.

Understanding Congenital Deafness in Dogs

Dalmatian puppies are well-known for being prone to congenital deafness, a condition present from birth where puppies do not develop normal hearing. In the United States, responsible breeders carefully screen for this condition before placing puppies with families. Usually, healthy pups begin reacting to noises by around 10 days old, while those born deaf show no response.

Ethical breeding practices help reduce the chance of congenital deafness. For those adopting a deaf puppy, it’s important to work closely with the breeder to understand the specific needs and care strategies to support your pup's well-being.

Identifying Acquired Deafness in Older Dogs

Deafness that develops as dogs age or due to health issues can be subtle and progress gradually. This makes it easy for owners to mistake symptoms like unusual behavior or unresponsiveness for other problems besides hearing loss. Recognizing the early indicators of deafness enables timely consultation with your veterinarian for diagnosis and tailored care options.

10 Signs Your Dog May Be Losing Their Hearing

Noticing these signs early can make a big difference in managing your dog's quality of life. Keep an eye out for:

• Deaf puppies may show more aggressive behavior towards littermates.
• Your dog stops reacting to favorite squeaky toys or voice commands.
• They don’t respond when you call them, whistle, clap, or to common household sounds such as doorbells, phones ringing, or the vacuum cleaner.
• Startles easily and might snap if awakened suddenly.
• Appears to sleep more and is less active than usual.
• Has difficulty waking up from sleep.
• Changes in barking—either barking more often or with a different tone.
• Seems confused or disoriented in familiar surroundings.
• Frequently shakes or tilts their head, possibly signaling discomfort or confusion.
• Suddenly stops obeying verbal commands or shows signs of disobedience.

Breeds Most Vulnerable to Deafness

Coat patterns such as merle, dappling, spotting, and white coloration can raise the risk for congenital deafness. In the U.S., this condition affects many breeds—over 50 are susceptible. Along with Dalmatians, here are some commonly affected breeds:

• Australian Cattle Dog puppies
• Border Collie puppies
• Jack Russell Terrier puppies
• Dappled Dachshund
• Doberman Pinscher puppies
• English Bulldog puppies
• Bull Terrier puppies
• Shetland Sheepdog puppies
• Old English Sheepdog puppies
• Miniature Poodle puppies
• Collie puppies
• Great Dane puppies
• German Shepherd puppies
• Scottish Terrier puppies
• Maltese puppies
• Schnauzer puppies
• Siberian Husky puppies
• Toy Poodle puppies
• West Highland White Terrier puppies

How to Care for and Support a Deaf Dog

While current veterinary treatments can't restore hearing, veterinarians can guide you on how to best manage your dog's deafness. This often involves preventing sudden surprises that might startle your dog and educating everyone in the family, including kids, on how to safely approach and interact with a deaf pet.

Communicating through visual signals and hand gestures can be highly effective substitutes for verbal commands. Patience and empathy are key to helping your deaf dog live happily and comfortably.

FAQ: What Are the Early Signs of Dog Deafness?

Brief Answer: Signs to watch for are ignoring verbal commands, not responding to daily household noises, being easily startled, and changes in barking or behavior.

Dogs losing their hearing often stop coming when called, especially if they're not facing the source of the sound. Ringing phones, doorbells, or vacuum cleaners might go unnoticed. Deaf dogs frequently startle more easily when approached quietly and may bark louder or more frequently due to not hearing themselves. These symptoms indicate the need for a veterinary checkup to assess hearing and explore care options.

Conclusion

Whether your dog’s deafness is from birth or develops over time, understanding the subtle signs and knowing the breeds more prone to this condition helps owners adjust their care effectively. Partnering with your veterinarian ensures your dog’s safety and happiness are prioritized. With love, patience, and effective communication, dogs with hearing loss can enjoy fulfilling, joyful lives.