Dog Deafness Symptoms and Care Guide (2025)

2023-10-20

Dr Emily Carter

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When my French Bulldog, Milo, stopped responding to his name during our walks in Texas, I grew worried. My vet, Dr. Carter, diagnosed partial deafness linked to an ear infection and guided me on managing his condition. This guide blends my experience with Milo and Dr. Carter’s expertise to help dog owners recognize and care for deafness, whether you’re in a noisy New York apartment or a quiet Texas ranch.

What Is Dog Deafness?

Dog deafness is the partial or complete loss of hearing in one (unilateral) or both (bilateral) ears, caused by genetic, environmental, or health factors [1]. Dr. Carter explains that deafness can affect a dog’s safety and behavior, requiring adapted care to maintain their quality of life [2].

Symptoms of Dog Deafness

Dr. Carter says to watch for:

  • Ignoring Commands: Not responding to verbal cues like “sit” or “come” [1].
  • Unresponsiveness to Sounds: No reaction to doorbells, clapping, or their name. Milo ignored my calls [2].
  • Difficulty Waking: Sleeping through noises that usually rouse them [1].
  • Excessive Barking: Vocalizing more due to confusion or lack of auditory feedback [2].
  • Head Shaking or Tilting: May indicate ear issues linked to hearing loss [1].
  • Lethargy or Confusion: Disorientation from missing environmental cues [2].

How to Test for Deafness at Home

Dr. Carter recommends these safe tests:

  1. Make Loud Noises: Stand out of sight (e.g., behind a door) and clap, whistle, or bang a pot. A hearing dog will turn their head or ears; Milo didn’t react [1].
  2. Test Each Ear: Make noises on one side of the dog to check for unilateral deafness. Use treats to keep them calm [2].
  3. Observe Behavior: Note if they’re startled easily or ignore familiar sounds [1].

These tests are not definitive, so Dr. Carter urges a veterinary evaluation for confirmation [2].

Signs of Deafness in Puppies

Dr. Carter notes that puppies are harder to assess due to distractibility:

  • Test with Sounds: Crinkle a treat bag or squeak a toy (e.g., PetSafe Squeaky Toy) out of sight. Hearing puppies turn toward the sound [1].
  • Watch Play: Deaf puppies may not react to squeaky toys or littermates’ yelps [2].
  • Check at 5–6 Weeks: Ear canals open by 10–14 days, so tests are reliable after 5 weeks [1].

Causes of Deafness

Dr. Carter identifies key causes:

  • Congenital Deafness: Genetic, often linked to coat color genes (e.g., piebald, merle) [1].
  • Ear Infections: Chronic infections (per your prior ear infection query [1]) can damage hearing [2].
  • Aging: Senior dogs lose hearing due to nerve degeneration [1].
  • Injuries: Head trauma or ruptured eardrums [2].
  • Toxicity or Disease: Certain medications or tumors can impair hearing [1].

Breeds Prone to Congenital Deafness

Dr. Carter notes breeds with higher risks due to genetic coat color traits:

  • Dalmatians, Bull Terriers (white or piebald coats) [1].
  • Australian Cattle Dogs, Jack Russell Terriers (merle or roan coats) [2].
  • English Setters, Cocker Spaniels (prone to ear infections) [1].

Veterinary Diagnosis

Dr. Carter recommends:

  • BAER Test: The Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response test uses clicking sounds to measure brain response, confirming bilateral or unilateral deafness. It’s safe for puppies (5+ weeks) and adults [1].
  • Physical Exam: Checks for ear infections or blockages [2].
  • Imaging: CT or MRI for tumors or deep infections in severe cases [1].

Helping a Deaf Dog

Dr. Carter’s care tips:

  1. Train Hand Signals: Use clear gestures (e.g., raised palm for “stay”) to communicate. I taught Milo hand signals for “sit” and “come” [1].
  2. Avoid Startling: Gently touch the shoulder or stomp the floor to wake or alert them. I use gentle pats with Milo [2].
  3. Ensure Safety: Keep deaf dogs leashed outdoors and use a fenced yard. I never let Milo off-leash in unfenced areas [1].
  4. Engage Other Senses: Use visual cues (e.g., flashing lights) or scented toys to stimulate them [2].
  5. Treat Underlying Issues: Use vet-prescribed treatments (e.g., Zymox for ear infections) to prevent further hearing loss [1].
  6. Regular Vet Visits: Monitor ear health to catch infections early [2].

Breed-Specific Deafness Risks

This table compares deafness risks across breeds, based on veterinary data [1][2].

Breed Deafness Risk (1–10) Vet Check Frequency (Times/Year)
French Bulldog 5 2–3
Cane Corso 4 1–2
Dalmatian 8 3–4
Australian Cattle Dog 7 2–3

Note: Risk (1–10) reflects genetic and infection susceptibility; vet check frequency shows monitoring needs.

FAQs

  • How can I tell if my dog is deaf? Look for unresponsiveness to sounds or commands; confirm with a BAER test [1].
  • Can deafness be treated? Some causes (e.g., infections) are treatable; congenital deafness is permanent [2].
  • How do I train a deaf dog? Use hand signals and positive reinforcement, like treats [1].

Key Takeaways

  • Deafness Symptoms: Ignoring sounds, excessive barking, or head shaking.
  • Diagnosis: BAER test confirms hearing loss; vet exams check for infections.
  • Vet Advice: Consult Dr. Carter for tests or ear treatments.
  • Care: Use hand signals, ensure safety, and engage other senses.

Final Thoughts

Milo’s partial deafness was a challenge, but Dr. Carter’s guidance made it manageable with hand signals and extra care. This approach works for any dog, from a sensitive French Bulldog like Milo to a sturdy Cane Corso like Titan. Shop Zymox or PetSafe toys at PetSmart or local pet stores, and consult your vet for safe deafness management!

References:

  1. VCA Hospitals, “Deafness in Dogs”.
  2. Rover, “Dog Health and Hearing Loss”.
  3. ASPCA, “Pet Health and Safety”.

Dr. Emily Carter is a licensed veterinarian based in Texas, USA, with over 15 years of hands-on experience in companion animal care. She earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and has since worked in both private practice and animal welfare organisations See Profile