Loss of sense of hearing can be attributed to a variety of causes, but the most common one that is diagnosed in dogs is related to aging. It can affect almost all dogs as they enter their senior years. The onset is gradual so most pet owners are unaware of their pet’s problem until they notice changes in behavior that make them conclude that their pet is having a behavior problem.

While there is nothing that can be done with age-related hearing loss (ARHL), there are things that you can do to create a positive difference in your dog’s quality of life.

• Take your pet to your vet

Make sure that your pet’s hearing loss is age-related and not caused by infection, growth or foreign body in the ear canal.

• Train your dog to respond to hand gestures

You can also train your dog to respond to certain actions that create vibrations, such as the clapping of the hands or stomping of the feet; some pet owners have success using a storm whistle.

Senior dogs are more prone to age-related problems so make sure to take your pet to your Greensboro, NC vet clinic for regular wellness checks. Learn more here.