As many as one in 10 dogs is deaf in one or both ears, according to the American Kennel Club. And many dogs that are not completely deaf don’t hear as well as a dog should. People often assume it’s only white dogs that can be deaf, but a dog doesn’t have to be all white, or even mostly white, to be genetically predisposed. The merle gene, present in collies, dappled dachshunds, American foxhounds, and other colorful breeds, increases the odds for deafness. So does the piebald gene, found in Samoyeds, greyhounds, beagles, and Dalmatians.
Of course, deafness can also occur in a dog that is not genetically primed for it as a result of a severe ear infection or the loss of hearing that is often part and parcel of old age. How can you maintain — or build — a wonderful relationship with a deaf or hard-of-hearing dog? Consider these measures.
Put yourself in the dog’s place. Think about how unsettling it would be if you thought you were alone and then suddenly felt a hand along your back. That’s what it’s like for a deaf dog when you touch her but she can’t see you. For that reason, get close to your dog only from in front of her, where she can see you. Or signal that you’re coming over by flicking the light switch two or three times.
Calmly wake a sleeping deaf dog to let her know you’re leaving the house, too. She won’t hear the door opening and closing or the jangle of your car keys and could feel bad, or even scared, to wake up and discover she’s alone.
Put safety more front and center. A deaf dog must always remain on leash when you are on walks in unconfined spaces, that is, areas without fencing. Not only can a deaf dog not hear a car coming, she also can’t hear a bicycle or jogger coming up fast from behind. You need to be in a position to nudge her to safety on the sidewalk or other path.
Teach your pet sign language. Whether the deafness is congenital or newly acquired, it is important that your dog learn hand signals for things you want to communicate to her. She can definitely get the hang of it. In fact, in households where the people are deaf and American Sign Language (ASL) is used regularly, dogs come to understand signing in much the same way as they come to make sense of vocalized speech. They know to look for particular words, spoken or signed, that have meanings they’re interested in, like “go out” and “eat.”
Sign language contains all the emotion of spoken language. Whereas speaking a cue tells a dog your mood — maybe you’re cooing and maybe you’re speaking more matter of factly — a deaf dog learns your mood via your body movements and facial expressions as you sign to her.
You don’t necessarily have to use ASL with your pet. You can even make up your own sign language. But ASL contains all the words a dog needs. Check out the illustrations for some cues to teach your pet.
Walk
No
Come
Eat
Mom
Yes
Ball
Dad
Illustration by Beth Mellor
