Our animals are as important as our family. Please read through this mini article to help you be more aware of your pet dealing with deafness.
What signs should you be aware of?
Deafness in cats are mainly caused by:
Some cats tend to be born deaf or genetically predisposed to deafness. Many things can cause deafness. These are some factors that contribute to deafness:
- Infection
- Toxic drugs to the nerves
- Age related (most common)
- Ear mites
- Born deaf
Deafness can be developed quickly or gradually. Cats have tiny bones in the middle ear and it can lose its flexibility to transmit sound.
What ways do deaf cats interact more than normal cats?
Deaf cats would usually watch people and other pets more closely and take cues from peoples behavior. Deaf cats tend to rely more on other senses.
What can i do to communicate with my deaf cat?
You can communicate with your deaf cat in many different ways without sound being involved.
- Hand gestures are a good way or clap as pets can sense vibration in the air
- Switching the light on and off to get your pets attention
- Pointing a flashlight or a pen light around the pet can be on the floor (not directly in the pets face can can be very dangerous if flashes in eyes)
- Throw a ball or soft toy to gain attention
- Feeding time you can flick an overhead light on and off a few times and tap your toes on the floor to call your cat as this can get your pets attention as the can feel the vibrations, please be aware the pet will be need to close to you It may not be necessary to alert your cat at meal time because many cats have an “internal clock” that tells them it’s time to eat
- If you cat is sleeping you can gently pat the surface where your cat is sleeping rather than directly touching your cat as it can startle them and can encourage your pet to scratch or bite you through fear
- Blink your eyes to show affection and touch your pet gently at the same time this can promote affection and non verbal communication
Can my deaf can be trained?
Yes they can be trained to respond to events by using a flashlight or even learn to respond to hand signals.
A tip to keep your cat safe:
Ensure your cat has a identification microchip or an ID tag with contact detail.
What causes deafness in dogs?
Can be very similar to a cat. Here are some factors:
- Infection
- Toxic drugs to the nerves
- Age related (most common)
- Born deaf
- Related to certain pigmentation patterns
How can i communicate with a deaf dog?
- Hand signals is a good way they must be very clear and used consistently (sign language)
- Dogs easily adapt to hand signals, body language and face expressions
- Soft toys with lights is also a good way to communicate with your dog and to get their attention
- Dogs can also sense vibration
How do I get my dog’s attention?
- A laser pen can do the trick by turning it on and off (Be careful not to flash in your pets eyes) it should be around the pet on the floor or wall
- Create vibration with foot or hand and wave your hands in front of the dog
- If you want your dog to look at you when its time for walkies jiggle the leash
- To awaken your dog, gently touch your pet can be the shoulder area or try to put your hand in front of your pets nose and letting your smell wake your dog up
- Treat your pet to a treat when they wake up and show them some love such as a hug or a stroke
- Optional purchase a vibrating collar (not a shock collar) some pets respond perfectly well to these type of collars but some unfortunately don't. You may need to trail the response as your pet can be frightened
How safe is a deaf dog off-leash?
The answer is NO. Please do not allow your dog off the leash in busy areas such as roads that is close to traffic. It is safe to allow your dog to roam around your private garden with high fences.
Tips for deaf dogs owners:
To keep your deaf dog safe and happy:
- Ensure your dog has a identification microchip or an ID tag with “deaf dog” noted on it with contact detail
- You can use a GPS tracker collar on your dog, especially if you’re traveling
- You should always keep your dog on a leash when you’re out taking your dog for a walk. It is a very good idea write “I am deaf” on the dog’s collar or harness alert people when they are approaching him
- You can attach a bell to your dog’s collar for easy tracking if your pet escapes or becomes lost
- Only allow your dog off-leash when you’re in an enclosed area not open spaces
- Always approach a deaf dog in a gentle way to avoid startling your pet
- As with any dog, a deaf dog needs socialization, so take your dog for walks in a variety of environments: parks, city streets, the country
- Get your pet familiar with family and friends with their voice and body language before touching your pet as this can avoid any discomfort to them
- You can do a “watch me” signal or physical cue, this can be a light tap on their shoulder, is a great way to teach the dog to focus on you. Also its important to treat your dog frequently and at random times to promote trust and love to your pet
Here are some product suggestions that can assist your deaf pet. All products illuminate in the dark and entertainment to grab your pets attention. Try our fountain drinking bowl that lights up in the dark or a pen laser to get the attention of your pet or even better for play time and we have the illuminating ball that lights up in different colors (for dogs).
This super ball toy glows in the dark
Reference:
Best Friends Animal Society. (2019). Deaf Dog and Cat FAQs. [online] Available at: https://resources.bestfriends.org/article/deaf-dog-and-cat-faqs [Accessed 15 Oct. 2019].