7 Tips to Help You Take Care of a Deaf Dog, Plus Training Ideas

It’s possible that at some point in your dog’s life, they may experience hearing loss. Many dogs adjust well because they rely on their sense of smell more than their other senses. But that doesn’t mean they don’t need extra care. The fact that they can no longer hear you when you call or be aware of potential dangers such as traffic is cause for concern.

Below you’ll find tips for living with a deaf dog. You’ll also learn some training techniques, the signs of hearing loss, and when you should talk to your vet.

How to care for a deaf dog

To care for your deaf pet, try these seven tips.

1. Keep them safe outside

The outdoors can be a dangerous place for a deaf dog. They can no longer hear traffic or the call of your voice. Take these precautions to keep them safe:

• Keep them on a leash when you head out.

• Provide a fenced area for them to roam.

• Keep them away from the outer edge of sidewalks.

2. Update their dog tags 

Get your pup a new tag for their collar that says they’re deaf and make sure your contact information is updated. You could also get a custom leash or leash cover that says the same. This will help your dog if they get separated from you.

3. Get a bell for their collar or a pet tracker

Does your pup ever go missing in your house or on your property? They may no longer come running when you call them since they can’t hear. A bell can help you find them if they’re roaming around the house. If they like to snooze under beds or in shrubs, a tracker can also tell you where they are.

4. Play with your pup

All dogs need play time for physical and mental stimulation. Don’t stop playing with your pup just because they can’t hear you. Replace squeaky toys with tug, fetch, or chew toys and add food puzzles to your dog’s routine.

5. Provide lots of sniff time

On walks, allow your pooch to smell to their heart’s content. Sniffing is important for their well-being and can make up for their loss of hearing.

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6. Keep a close eye around other dogs 

A deaf dog may not notice other dogs barking at them or running toward them. It can scare your pup into snapping or prevent them from moving out of harm’s way. Be your pet’s eyes and ears and alert them when there are other animals around.

7. Wake them gently

Deaf dogs often sleep more deeply than hearing dogs. To wake them without startling them, try tugging their blanket or waving your hand in front of their nose. Your pup may sense floor vibrations, so you could try tapping or stomping your feet near them. Desensitization training, which is described below, can also be useful.

How to train a deaf dog

Training a deaf dog takes time and patience. You’ll both need to learn new ways to communicate with one another. These training strategies can help. 

Focus training

Getting your dog to pay attention is an important part of the training process. These tips can help:

• Use flashlights or laser pointers to guide your dog back to you. (Do not shine a pointer directly into your dog’s eyes.)

• Hold a treat over their nose and then slowly raise it above their head. As your dog follows the treat with their eyes, they should get into a sit position.

• Give your dog a treat each time they make and maintain eye contact with you to reward the wanted behavior.

• Roll a ball or gently toss a soft toy in their direction. Give them a treat when they look in your direction.

Desensitization

Deaf dogs tend to startle when you wake them up. This can lead to your dog snapping at you out of fear.

Desensitization can help you train your pup to wake up calmly. Follow these steps:

1. Gently touch your dog in the same spot while they’re awake. Immediately give them a treat or reward.

2. Next, move away from your dog’s sight and repeat the first step.

3. When you think your dog has caught on, try it out when they’re asleep.

Hand signals

Hand gestures are a great communication tool for deaf pups. You can either use basic command signals, American Sign Language, or make up your own. Just remember to use the same gesture consistently for a command and immediately reward your pup when they respond the way you want.

Examples of hand signals include:

• Open your hand with your palm down for “sit.”

• Point your index finger toward the floor to indicate “no” or “stop it.”

• Make an upside down “V” with your index and middle fingers for “it’s play time.”

• Clap your hands or use a thumbs up for “good job.”

Should you invest in a vibration collar?

A vibration collar is a training collar that vibrates around your dog’s neck when you press a remote-control button. It’s used to get your animal’s attention and teach them to look at you or come to you.

Not all deaf dogs need a vibration collar. They’re handy in certain situations, like if your dog gets loose or when you let your pup out at night. They may also be useful if your dog has poor vision in addition to hearing loss. 

Talk to your vet or a professional dog trainer to see if a vibration collar is right for your pet.

Signs of deafness in dogs

There are many telltale signs of hearing loss in dogs. The most common ones include:

• Not responding to sounds like an alarm or doorbell

• Not responding when you call their name

• Becoming hyperactive or less active than usual

• Startling when you walk up to them from behind or try to wake them  

• Looking confused when you give them a command

• Not moving their ears like they used to

• Difficulty waking up from sleep 

• Tilting their head and circling

• Gradually responding less to high-frequency sounds like fireworks or thunder

• Barking excessively or less frequently

• Barking louder than usual

When to talk to your vet about your dog’s hearing loss 

Aging is a common reason for deafness in dogs. But other factors like certain cancers or ear infections can also cause hearing loss. If you suspect there’s something more going on, you should take your pet to the vet. They can examine your dog’s ear canals and order tests to see if they have a treatable condition. Ear infections, for example, can be treated with antibiotics. 

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Written by:

Ana Gascon

Ana Gascon has over 15 years of writing and editing experience, with 8 years in health and medical content work. She is a versatile health and medical content creator who writes about acute conditions, chronic diseases, mental health challenges, and health equity.

Edited by:

Renée Fabian, MA

Renée Fabian is the senior pet health editor at GoodRx. She’s worked for nearly 10 years as a journalist and editor across a wide range of health and well-being topics.

Reviewed by:

Ghanasyam Bey, DVM

Ghanasyam Bey, DVM, is from Cleveland, Ohio, and attended Princeton University for undergraduate studies. After a year of biology research at Duke University, he attended Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine.

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