Our precious pets’ delicate ears are often susceptible to problems which, if left untreated, can result in hearing loss. PDSA Vet Nurse, Nina Downing, said: “While most ear problems are easily treated, occasionally they can lead to deafness. Loss of hearing can be a worrying experience but with the right support they can continue to live a happy and healthy life.”
HOW CAN MY PET BECOME DEAF?
Deafness can result from a variety of things, such as a serious ear infection, inherited deafness, foreign bodies or trauma. While ear problems are common in both cats and dogs, some breeds can be really troubled with ear infections due to their heavy, hairy flapped ears, their head shape or the amount of hair inside their ears. Signs that your pet may have ear troubles include shaking, scratching or rubbing their head more frequently, they may suffer from red, swollen and itchy ears, or have a build-up of wax and in extreme cases pus. The root cause of an ear infection can be anything from a bacterial or yeast growth, an allergy, foreign body such as a grass seed, injury or even a parasite such as ear mites. If caught in time, many ear infections can be easily treated by your vet. However, some pets can suffer with chronic ear infections, which can cause long-term problems and may result in surgery in worst cases, which can have the knock-on effect of hearing loss.
CARING FOR YOUR DEAF PET
Some pets may naturally become deaf with old age, but there are many ways we can support them to continue to live a happy, healthy life as their needs change.
Deaf pets won’t hear you approaching as they used to, so take care not to startle them. Always warn friends and family that your pet can’t hear and advise them to approach your pet from the front so they can see them coming. Deaf pets are likely to feel vulnerable as they can’t rely on all of their senses, so make sure that your pet is given the opportunity to approach you and visitors first, not the other way around.
Be careful to never startle your pet and never disturb them when they are sleeping, as this can make them feel anxious and will prevent them from relaxing completely when resting.
Whenever you leave the house, it’s a good idea to make sure your pet can see you leaving whenever possible, so they don’t panic when they can’t find you. Without verbal cues it can be hard to get your pet’s attention but there are training techniques, such as hand signals, that can help build visual communication. These lifestyle changes can take time to get used to, but try to remember that the bond between you and your pet will never change – it will only become stronger.”
In association with PDSA Pet insurance – selected by our vets, loved by pets.
www.pdsa.org.uk/pe?nsurance 0800 980 6000