How to look after a deaf animal

Last week marked World Hearing Day. The PDSA recognises that our precious pets’ delicate ears are often susceptible to problems which, if left untreated, can result in hearing loss.
PDSA Vet Nurse, Nina Downing, said: “While most ear problems are easily treated, occasionally, they can lead to deafness. Loss of hearing can be a worrying experience for pets (and their owners), but fortunately, with the right support they can continue to live a happy and healthy life.

How can my pet become deaf?
“Deafness can result from a variety of things, such as a serious ear infections, inherited deafness, foreign bodies or trauma.

While ear problems are common in both cats and dogs, some breeds can be really troubled with ear infections due to their heavy, hairy flapped ears, their head shape or the amount of hair inside their ears.

“There are signs that your pet could be having ear troubles – they may shake, scratch or rub their head more frequently, suffer from red, swollen and itchy ears, or have a build-up of wax and in extreme cases pus.

The root cause of an ear infection can be anything from a bacterial or yeast growth, an allergy, foreign body such as a grass seed, injury or even a parasite such as ear mites.

“If caught in time, many ear infections can be easily treated by your vet.

While less common, some pets can suffer with chronic ear infections, which can cause long-term problems and may result in surgery in worst cases, which can have the knock-on effect of hearing loss.

Caring for your deaf pet
“Some pets may naturally become deaf with old age, but there are many ways we can support them continue to live a happy, healthy life as their needs change.

“Deaf pets won’t hear you approaching as they used to, so take care not to startle them.

Always warn friends and family that your pet can’t hear, advise them to always approach your pet from the front so they can see them coming.

Deaf pets are likely to feel vulnerable, as they can’t rely on all of their senses, so make sure that your pet is given the opportunity to approach you and visitors first, rather than the other way around.

Never startle your pet and never disturb them when they are sleeping, as this can make them feel anxious and will prevent them from relaxing completely when resting.

“Whenever you leave the house, it’s a good idea to make sure your pet can see you leaving whenever possible, so they don’t panic when they can’t find you.

Without verbal cues it can be hard to get your pet’s attention but there are training techniques, such as hand signals, that can help build visual communication.

These lifestyle changes can take time to get used to, but try to remember that the bond between you and your pet will never change – it will only become stronger.”