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by Natalie Aylett
When it comes to getting a furry friend, there are a lot of decisions to make in the process. A lot of the time people consider the living situation, kids, lifestyle, the responsibility that comes along with getting a pet and the reason behind getting a dog in the first place. Another thing to consider is questioning whether you will be able to take care of them in their old age.
It is common for dogs to have some hearing loss later in their life and it is important for owners to be able to adjust and be able to take care of them. This article will tell you all about how to care for a dog with hearing loss.
5 Tips for Caring for a Dog with Hearing Loss
Having a deaf dog can be completely different than one with all their senses intact. Here are a few helpful tips to help you and your sweet pup out!
- Train the dog using hand signals: this will help tremendously when trying to communicate with your dog. This can be done with a dog that is not deaf in case later on in their life they become hard of hearing.
- Monitor their activity: This is more for the dog’s safety. Not being able to hear can be a scary thing, especially if they are not used to it. Be sure to keep and extra eye on them, especially outside.
- Let your dog know where you are: This keeps them relaxed and makes it easier for you to get their attention if needed.
- “I am deaf” collar: If your dog does happen to get out, it may be a little more difficult to when trying to call them back home. In case of the event that someone finds them, make sure their collar says they are deaf so they understand.
- Don’t sneak up on them: This is especially important if they have not always been deaf. Make them aware when you are leaving and when you come home try not to scare them. It will save them a lot of startle.
It is important to stay patient with them and remember they are going through something hard and unfamiliar just as you are. It may take a little bit to get used to but they will learn.
Symptoms a Dog May Have if They are Becoming Deaf
If your dog has not always been deaf and you thinking they are starting to experience some hearing loss, there a few symptoms you can look for, one of the biggest being old age. Others include failure to respond to verbal commands, constant barking, becoming less active, shaking or tilting of their head, and not responding when you call their name. You can also always talk to your vet if you aren’t sure.
Don’t Let your Dog Down
Watching and helping your dog go through the transition of hearing loss is not easy and is going to take some time to get used to. Before you get a dog, consider that they could get more difficult to take care of when they get older and ask yourself if you will still be able to love them the same! Even if they’re deaf, they’re still your very best friend and most loyal companion.
Natalie Aylett attends University of Texas at Arlington where she is studying Public Relations and Advertising. She works at Eosera, Inc. in Fort Worth, Texas.
