Have you ever been sitting with your pup and noticed them reacting to something you can’t hear? Their ears perk up and they start barking, but you have no idea what they’re hearing.
Our dogs have an incredible sense of hearing. They can hear things about four times further than we can! Not only that, but they can also pick up sounds at much higher frequencies than we can. However, a dog’s hearing ability can vary depending on their breed and age. There are signs you can look for to determine if your dog’s hearing is declining. Keep reading to learn more!
Signs Your Dog Is Having Hearing Problems
We all want to keep our dogs safe and healthy, so it’s important to pay attention to any changes in their behavior. Just like humans, dogs can experience hearing loss as they get older. Here are some signs to watch out for:
1. Your dog no longer gets startled by loud noises that used to bother them.
2. They stop responding to your vocal cues.
3. They rub their ears and appear to be in pain, sometimes shaking their head.
4. They engage in excessive barking.
5. You notice smelly discharge coming from their ear canal.
If your dog is showing any of these signs, it’s best to take them to the vet for a checkup.
Body Language
If you suspect that your dog is experiencing hearing loss, look out for the following body language cues:
1. Barking
2. Shaking
3. Scratching
4. Head turning
Other Signs
Additional signs to be aware of include:
1. Discharge from the ear
2. Ignoring your commands
3. Only being startled by touch
4. Looking confused
Science of Your Dog’s Hearing Abilities
Sound is created when air vibrates, and the frequency of these vibrations determines the pitch of the sound. Dogs have a wider range of hearing because their ears contain 18 muscles, compared to our 6. This allows them to hear sounds up to 50,000Hz, while humans can only hear up to 20,000Hz.
Training Your Dog Using Sound Range
To improve your dog’s ability to concentrate on distant sounds, you can use a whistle. Dog whistles emit frequencies above 20,000Hz, making them easily detectable for dogs. However, training is necessary to ensure your dog pays attention to the sound.
Start by establishing whistle commands and pairing them with verbal commands, such as “sit” or “stay.” Different whistles with varying ranges can be used to train dogs with hearing difficulties.
“Unlock the secrets of your dog’s extraordinary hearing abilities and train them to tune into a whole new world of sounds.”
Tips & Things to Know
1️⃣ Pay attention to signs of hearing loss in your dog: If your dog is no longer responding to loud noises, vocal cues, or is rubbing their ears and shaking their head, it may be a sign of hearing problems. Excessive barking and smelly discharge from the ear can also indicate an issue.
2️⃣ Watch for changes in your dog’s body language: Dogs with hearing difficulties may exhibit behaviors such as excessive barking, shaking, scratching, and head turning. They may also appear confused or ignore your commands.
3️⃣ Consider using whistle training to improve your dog’s hearing range: Dog whistles, which emit sounds above the human hearing range, can be used to train your dog to pay attention to faraway sounds. Pair whistle commands with verbal commands and gradually train your dog to respond to different ranges of whistles.
Frequently Asked Questions, Answered ✅
1. What are some signs that my dog may be experiencing hearing problems?
– Some signs to look out for include not being startled by loud noises anymore, not responding to vocal cues, rubbing their ears and appearing to be in pain, engaging in excessive barking, and smelly discharge oozing from their ear canal.
2. How does a dog’s sense of hearing compare to humans?
– Dogs can hear something about four times further than humans and can pick up sounds at a much higher frequency. Humans can hear sounds up to 20,000Hz, while dogs can hear sounds up to 50,000Hz.
3. Why do dogs have a better sense of hearing than humans?
– Dogs have 18 muscles in their ears compared to humans’ 6 ear muscles. This allows dogs to have more control and mobility with their ears, helping them to hear sounds more effectively and from further away.
4. How can I train my dog to improve their sound range?
– Using a whistle that sits above 20,000Hz, which is out of the human hearing range, can help train your dog to concentrate on faraway sounds. Pairing whistle commands with verbal commands, such as “sit” and “stay,” can help train your dog to hear and respond to these commands even if their hearing is impaired.
5. When should I bring my dog to the vet if I suspect hearing problems?
– If your dog is exhibiting any signs of hearing problems, such as those mentioned above, it is recommended to bring them to their vet for a checkup to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.
