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Many senior dogs suffer from hearing impairment as they age and become less responsive to you and the world around them. Your ability to communicate with your dog becomes hampered when they can’t hear what you have to say. This lack of communication can be frustrating for you and stressful for your dog. But luckily there are steps you can take to help your senior dog cope with hearing loss.
Symptoms of Hearing Loss in Senior Dogs
There are many causes of hearing loss in dogs. For elderly dogs, the cause is often degenerative changes in the nerves found inside the ear. This is similar to the hearing loss seen in older people. The changes will likely be gradual. Symptoms will creep up slowly, and you may not notice them right away.
As your dog loses their hearing, you might find them “ignoring” your cues, such as not sitting when asked or failing to come when you call them. They may also seem confused by their surroundings or by your requests. Your dog might become unresponsive to sounds that used to excite them, like the squeak of their favorite toy or the rattle of your car keys. They could also fail to turn to you when you call their name. You might find that they sleep more deeply. Your dog may also not be disturbed by loud noises that they might have responded to in the past. If you see these symptoms, it’s imperative to take your dog to your veterinarian. They can make an accurate diagnosis and to rule out other causes.

Managing Hearing Loss in Senior Dogs
Now that verbal communication with your dog is more challenging, teaching hand signals will allow you to communicate visually instead. If your dog can still partially hear, add hand signals to verbal cues they already know. Simply give the hand gesture before saying the cue. After enough repetitions, your dog will learn to respond to the hand signal alone. To teach new cues, simply teach the hand signal from the beginning. If you currently use a marker to train new behaviors, like a clicker or word like “yes,” you will need to substitute a non-auditory marker such as a hand gesture, for example a thumbs-up.
Be sure to include hand gestures for behaviors related to safety. These will allow you to maintain control of your dog, even if they can’t hear you. Another way to help your dog come when called is using an emergency whistle. Emergency whistles are very loud, and a dog with some hearing loss may still respond. Train your dog to come when they hear the whistle by offering them a super delicious treat every time you blow the whistle. You might want to practice this outside, where the loud sound will be less of an assault on your own ears.
Sometimes the trick with a hearing-impaired dog is simply getting their attention. After all, they can only respond to your hand signals if they can see you. To get your dog to turn toward you, you can make a strong vibration by stamping your foot on the ground. You can also wave your hand in front of their face or train them that a light touch on the back or neck is a cue to turn toward you. Another option is a vibration collar. These are not shock collars, but are designed to gently vibrate when you press a remote control. With proper training, your dog will learn to look at you or come to you when they feel the vibration.

Living With Deaf Senior Dogs
Although deaf dogs can feel vibrations and smell and see their surroundings, they may become frightened by sudden approaches or unexpected petting, particularly when they’re disturbed from sleep. Approach your dog with heavy footsteps, so the vibrations will alert them to your presence. Be sure to help them feel comfortable with unexpected touching by desensitizing them. For example, touch your dog gently on the back and immediately offer them a food reward.
It’s also important to take precautions outside your home. Don’t let your hearing-challenged dog off leash because they may not be able to hear traffic or other dangers. Cyclists and people on the sidewalk may also take them by surprise if they can’t see them coming. Be on the lookout to move them out of the way, if need be. Consider keeping dog-dog interactions limited to familiar dogs and in places where you can supervise.
If your senior dog has suffered some hearing loss, they may be losing their eyesight, as well. Practice patience if they seem to be ignoring your requests. It’s not that they’re being stubborn, he likely can’t hear or see what you’re asking. Maintain a positive attitude and communicate with them in ways they can understand. With these simple and practical alterations, you can be sure your hearing-impaired dog enjoys their senior years in a safe and fulfilled way.
This article is intended solely as general guidance, and does not constitute health or other professional advice. Individual situations and applicable laws vary by jurisdiction, and you are encouraged to obtain appropriate advice from qualified professionals in the applicable jurisdictions. We make no representations or warranties concerning any course of action taken by any person following or otherwise using the information offered or provided in this article, including any such information associated with and provided in connection with third-party products, and we will not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary or other damages that may result, including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness or death.