According to some estimates, around 5-10 percent of all dogs can be partially or completely deaf. Apparently, dogs with white coats are more prone to deafness. Even though it does not affect only older dogs, it is not a topic that is often discussed. How to talk to a deaf dog?
Unless it is an injury or just old age, deafness in a dog is a genetic disorder. Dogs with a white coat tend to be the most affected.
What has a white coat got to do with hearing?
The ability to hear is possible thanks to a special layer of cells inside the inner ear. This layer shares the source of stem cells with those that determine the colour of the coat. A genetic disorder causes piebaldism on parts or the whole body. The dog's coat does not turn brown or any other colour and due to the lack of pigment (melanin), it stays white.
The fact that the dog does not suffer from this disorder now does not mean that it will not develop in the future. There is a possibility to have your dog examined using the BAER congenital deafness test. The test costs around CZK1,000 and in most cases it is necessary to make an appointment with your vet.
Dogs react better to sign commands
If you find out that your dog is suffering from partial or total deafness, do not panic. Communication with your pet can easily be switched to sign language. According to some sources, sign commands are 17% more effective. A recent study has even revealed a 99% response to sign language in a dog.
Maybe not exactly shocking for cynologists, but for laymen more so. Sign language is a common practice during obedience training. If you make it a part of your dog's training, regardless of his coat colour and the associated level of the risk of deafness, it will make your life much easier and also the life of your dog as he ages.
Dog sign language is not hard to learn. There is a specific hand sign for every basic obedience command (with an option to use only one hand). Possibly the most common dog sign language method is K9Sign. It was developed by the researcher Sean Senechal, who is also the founder of the AnimalSign Centre. K9Sign is based on American Sign Language (ASL). To find out how it is done, go to ndeafdogsrock.com/beginning-sign-training. We also recommend books written by Senechal himself, featuring his German Shepherd, Chal, who he tested his sign language method on.
When we have to spend most of our time at home, we as well as are pets may be easily bored. How can you avoid stereotype and use free time effectively by working with your companion? How can you tire your dog even without long walks outside?
Staying home because of quarantine means a lifestyle change. There is much more time for hobbies, we finish things we didn’t have time for before – however, it all happens in a limited space. We spent a lot of time with our dogs and we get to learn...
 psi imunitu.jpeg/30x20/FIT)
 psi imunitu.jpeg/600x400/FIT)
The spring is here, so it’s also time to support immunity and focus on body detoxification. In winter, most toxins accumulate in our body and the weather change is also a burden. What should you do in order not to burden the dog’s immunity and to...
In the USA and some European countries, you can register a dog, a cat or any other pet as an emotional support animal. A registered pet than has some advantages over regular pets. However, it isn’t an assistance dog.
It doesn’t matter what floor you live on. Windowsills are popular spots for our cat companions. Therefore, an accident might occur wherever you are.
Sometimes you encounter a story of a stray dog that joins people during their greater or smaller adventures. Mera had quite an enviable adventure. Moreover, she has become the first dog that ascended a 7,000 metre high mountain. So, it means she has...
Cats are often said to be very empathetic and some believe they can sense how people feel or if they’re suffering from any pain. It’s clear that living with them improves the quality of our lives as well as our health. However, can our cat companions...
Hoopers is a relatively new canine sport. Therefore, you might have never heard about it. Obstacles are designed with minimum requirements for the musculoskeletal system of both the dog and its handler. So, it’s also good for older four-legged pets as...
Most of us probably know that many houseplants are poisonous for cats. However, have you ever thought about bouquets you bring home?
It’s clear you need to take care of white hair so it doesn’t turn yellow or brown. But have you ever wondered that it might be possible to help the white hair to shine with food and food supplements?
The European Shorthair looks like a common cat and its nature is not as stable as other breeds’. That’s why it’s not extremely famous in the world except for Scandinavia, where it’s still quite popular.
This always active and playful companion is the oldest dog breed in central Europe. Its ancestors include even the dogs from the Stone Age. It is an extraordinary learner and a great watchdog. Its characteristic feature is very rich hair, sticking up...
