| Many dogs experience hearing loss over their lifetime | | | | Senile deafness is also known as old age deafness |
| and the causes of deafness vary greatly. They could | | | | usually doesn't occur until the dog reaches at least 10 |
| be related to some congenital disease or could be a | | | | to 12 years of age and this type of deafness usually |
| simple result of old age. Also any type of middle or | | | | is not a total loss of hearing because the dog usually |
| inner ear infections, head injuries, and even certain | | | | retains some ability to hear some high-pitched sounds |
| drugs and poisoning can cause deafness. | | | | like a dog whistle. |
| Antibiotics like Gentamicin and Neomycin are notorious | | | | Some signs that your dog might be losing its hearing |
| for causing deafness. hypothyroidism is another | | | | include being less active, and moving more slowly. |
| possible cause of deafness as well. | | | | Also the dog is much slower to respond to certain |
| Puppies are usually not old enough to respond to | | | | commands. |
| sound until day 11, so you cannot tell if a puppy has | | | | You can test your dogs hearing by going behind |
| been born deaf until that time. Dogs that have a | | | | them and clapping your hands or stomping your foot |
| predominantly white coat are at increased risk for | | | | to see if they respond. But remember just because |
| congenital deafness. The highest incidence seems to | | | | they're deaf doesn't mean that they can't still feel |
| occur in Dalmatians but there are at least 30 other | | | | vibrations through the floor as well so stopping your |
| breeds affected. | | | | foot might not be the best test for them. |