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Caring for a Deaf Dog

October 1, 2020

National Deaf Dog Awareness Week starts September 20th! Just like people, dogs can be afflicted by hearing issues. However, Fido is very resilient. Dogs that don’t hear well can be just as cute, loyal, and lovable as any other pooch. Many people are hesitant about adopting dogs with medical issues, in large part because they assume that these pups will need lots of extra care. However, that isn’t necessarily the case. A local Hyattsville, MD vet offers some tips on caring for a deaf dog in this article.

Training

Dogs can learn to respond to hand signals, rather than vocal commands, just like people can.  This may take some time, but will be well worth it in the end. You may find it helpful to teach your canine buddy to come to a visual cue. You can wave a flashlight, or flicker lights on and off.

Piano Key

Sometimes dogs that have suffered hearing loss can still hear certain notes. If you have a piano, try striking some of the keys in the low end range. If Fido reacts, you may be able to train him to come when you hit certain notes.

Sign Up

You may want to get a little sign for your furry friend to wear, to let people know that he is deaf. Fido doesn’t have to keep it on all the time, but it will be helpful if you take him out in public or have guests over.

Safety

Safety is always a priority when it comes to pet care. With dogs that can’t hear well (or at all), one major concern is the fact that Fido won’t be able to hear cars coming. When you walk him on the side of a road, walk facing oncoming traffic. Also, be sure to keep your canine companion on a leash at all times.

Bell

You may want to put a bell on your furry pal’s collar. This will help you–and your other pets–keep tabs on your pup’s whereabouts, as he won’t hear you if you call him.

Barking

Fido may bark louder than other dogs, in part because his volume button doesn’t really work. Training can help correct this issue. Ask your vet or a behavioral specialist for advice.

Please reach out to us, your Hyattsville, MD vet clinic, for all of your dog’s veterinary care needs. We’re here to help!

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Poison Prevention Week starts March 20th. This is a very important topic for anyone with pets. There are over 232,000 cases of pet poisonings in the US every year! Our furry friends don't know what is and isn't safe for them, so you'll need to take some precautions to keep your beloved pet safe. A Washington DC vet lists some ways to prevent pet poisoning in this article. Keep Cabinets Locked Many toxic chemicals and household products are stored in cabinets, often underneath sinks. Keeping these locked is a simple step that can prevent tragedy. Keep in mind that your four-legged friend doesn't have to actually eat or drink these substances. Because most animals lick themselves clean, they only need to walk through it or get it spilled on their fur to ingest it. Choose Non-Toxic Plants Plants are one of the most common culprits when it comes to pet poisoning. While there are many that are dangerous to all pets, others are more toxic to some animals than to others. For instance, lilies are extremely dangerous to cats, while Sago palms are a huge risk for dogs. Check the ASPCA site here for a list of safe and unsafe plants. Know The Warning Signs Although the signs of poison ingestion can vary, depending on the pet and the type and amount of substance involved, there are some common red flags to look for. These include vomiting, drooling, lethargy, agitation, restlessness, trembling, collapse, unusual vocalizations, and diarrhea. Pale gums are also a warning sign, as is a rapid heartbeat or shallow breathing. Cats may withdraw, while dogs may pace or whimper. It’s worth noting that while these things can be indicative of many medical issues, they should always constitute a call to the vet. Understand The Dangers It's also important to know what is and isn't poisonous. Some things, such as household chemicals, antifreeze, and rodenticides, are well-known. Others? Not so much. For instance, many people don’t know that a single grape or raisin can be extremely dangerous to dogs. Medication is also a common source of poisoning. Ask your vet for more information. Training This one applies more to dogs, of course. However, consider teaching Fido to Leave It. This simple command could help prevent tragedy! Do you have questions about your pet's health or safety? Contact us, your Washington DC animal clinic, today!

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