Hearing Loss Older Dog

Question
My dog Katie will be 14 on May 1st of this year.  I have noticed subtle changes over the past few weeks that concern me.  She has had diabetes and Cushings for the past five years.  She was just to the vet for her four month check-up and according to him, her diabetes and Cushing readings are "presteen".  She had a little ear infection, but that has been taken care of.  

I mentioned to my vet that she goes into really deep sleeps and when you touch her to wake her up she is extremely startled.  Up until a month ago, she would bark when she heard doorbells on tv or a knocking sound.  However, overnight, I think she has gone deaf.  She does not hear my husband come in the door at night any longer.  She used to go crazy if the fire alarm went off, and last week my Mom's did just that .... not even a flicker of fear or upset!

My vet did ask me if I thought she was going deaf when I told him about the coma like sleeping she was into.  I have squeaked her toys, clapped my hands, etc., and her ears do not move.  My question is, she seems very disoriented, and could this be due to the hearing loss?  She still goes to the door be let out to go to the bathroom, sleeps through the night and is the same adorable, affectionate and loving dog as always. I am hoping that she is not becoming senile also.

Is hearing loss paintful to dogs? Will the disorientation stop once she gets used to be deaf?

I apprecaite any advise you can give me on this.

Thank you,

Pat

Answer

Hi Pat,

It's always hard going through the twilight years with a beloved pet.

Going deaf isn't painful for a dog, hearing loss is a pretty common part of aging in dogs. She may seem less confused once she adapts to the condition. Sleeping more deeply than usual is often a sign that a dog is losing it's hearing. The hearing loss may have been progressing slowly allowing Katie to adjust and act pretty normal. You may not have become aware of the condition until things had really progressed.

Try not to surprise or startle Katie, she may not realize you are nearby if you touch her while she's sleeping or from the rear. Stomp your feet when you're near where she's is sleeping, or to announce your presence if she doesn't see you. This can help her to not get disorientated upon waking.

As long as Katie responds and recognizes familiar people, knows to be let outside when she needs to relieve herself, has normal sleep/wake cycles and is eating well, it doesn't sound like cognitive dysfunction syndrome, which is the canine version of Alzheimer's Disease. Just the same, if you suspect that she's having a problem don't hesitate bringing it up to your vet. There is medication available for cognitive dysfunction syndrome that's most effective when started the early stages of the disease.

As sad as it is to see your dog lose her hearing, she can still have a wonderful quality of life. You can read more about living with a deaf dog here:

http://www.paw-rescue.org/PAW/PETTIPS/DogTip_DeafDogs.html

Best of luck,

Patti