Petriage Clinical Insights

IMPORTANT: This article, which is provided for educational purposes only, is based on published veterinary data and decades of work with pets and pet parents. The information provided here is not designed to be comprehensive but to help you avoid the pitfalls of online misinformation and most importantly, to frame the conversation you should have with your veterinarian. Your veterinarian’s perspective may differ from what is expressed here. Always consult with your veterinarian.

Deafness

Deafness can be congenital (present at birth) or develop over time. Certain breeds, including Australian shepherds, Boston terriers, cocker spaniels, Dalmatians, German shepherds, Jack Russell terriers and many others, are more prone to congenital deafness.

Recommendation  

Observe if your pet responds to normal sounds or loud noises. Check to see if your pet wakes up when you approach. A lack of response may indicate impaired hearing. 

Tips

  • If you suspect your pet has hearing loss, consult with your vet. Sometimes hearing loss can occur because of an infection, a foreign object in the ear, or a growth. These cases may benefit from treatment. 
  • Although unfortunately there is no treatment for congenital hearing loss, your vet may recommend adaptations to best care for your pet.