What it is
Hearing depends on tiny hair cells deep in the inner ear that turn sound into nerve signals. If these cells do not develop properly or die off, sound no longer reaches the brain, however normal the outer ear looks. Inborn deafness is linked to genes, including those behind white or merle coats, and shows within the first weeks of life. Hearing can also fade later through ageing, long-lasting ear inflammation, injury or loud noise.
A deaf dog does not know it is missing anything and leans more on sight, smell and vibration. Life runs more smoothly when you get its attention with hand signals, a light touch or a flick of the lights, and keep it on a lead or in a securely fenced garden near roads.
Wake a deaf dog gently, for example by holding your hand near its nose, so that it does not wake with a fright.
Signs you may notice
- No response to its name
- Ignores the doorbell or clapping
- Hard to wake
- Startles when touched unexpectedly
- Barks louder than before
- Looks around for where sounds come from
The dog does not respond to its name, the doorbell or noise, is hard to wake and startles when approached unexpectedly. A puppy that hears with only one ear may struggle to tell where a sound is coming from.
When to see a vet
Book a vet visit if your dog stops responding to sounds or a puppy seems unable to hear. Go sooner if hearing loss comes with ear pain, discharge, a head tilt or loss of balance.
This is general information, not veterinary advice. For your own dog's health, tests and treatment, see a vet.