Pepper Jack

Question
Dear Charlotte,                                     
   My 9 yr.old male miniature pommeranian (Pepper Jack)has been acting withdrawn for the past 3 days.He doesn't respond when he's called except at mealtimes.He's been hiding out in the closet or behind the bed.At first I thought he was just upset about his bath( I used Tea Tree-Melaleuca)but he's usually over that by now.He doesn't seem to have any other symptoms-his appetite is good,his nose is cold and wet his BM's appear to be normal.My roommate suggested getting his hearing tested.Can dogs lose their hearing over night?If so what can be done about it,if anything?Could it be something more serious?His vet check up is in the first week of August (she's on vacation right now).Should I wait or take him to the emergency clinic?
  Thank you for taking the time to read this. Any advice you can offer is very much appreciated.
                 
                       Sincerely,
                          Larry M.
                          Coquille,Oregon

Answer
I suppose in some cases hearing could go overnight,  but I don't think this is your problem,  as you say he is hiding.  Has anything changed in his enviroment?  Anything at all, no matter how insignificant to us humans may be buggin your dog. If his hearing is gone, this is not a problem.  Our dog is stone deaf, and has been all her life.  We have taught her sign language and she is just as attentive and switched on as a hearing dog. He could be going through some kind of doggy depression.  Why dont you teach him a new trick or take him somewhere nice as a treat.  The fact that his health is otherwise good makes me think its probably not medical.

Tell me what you think and get back.