It’s Deaf Dog Awareness Week!

This amazing event is held during the last week of September, and this year Deaf Dog Awareness began last Sunday and wraps up this coming weekend.

The event is sponsored by Petfinder and the Deaf Dog Education Action Fund, and its sole purpose is to generate awareness of our furry friends who are deaf. It is also a great opportunity for these pups to be recognized as fully loveable, trainable and trustworthy pets. They may have special needs due to their inability to hear, however they are still so worthy of our love and care, making outstanding pets. SO many deaf dogs are killed each and every year simply because of this impairment.

There are a variety of ways in which a dog may end up deaf:

-Genetics
-Untreated ear infections
-Age
-Drugs
-Illness/Injury

Some of the above causes can be treated if you work with your vet to avoid hearing loss. Some dogs are just born this way. If you work with your deaf pet and have patience you can have a wonderful friend! A deaf pet is just as easily trained as their hearing litter mates but only as long as humans let go of the myths and stereotypes associated with deaf dogs.

All dogs are amazing at learning visual commands. In fact, most dog trainers say that we use TOO many words when talking to our dogs. Most deaf dogs can learn to be desensitized to being startled due to not being able to hear people, pets and cars etc., and approach them. Most dogs will never act aggressively due to their hearing loss – in fact, it’s quite unheard of. When selecting a deaf pet that will be around children, the selection process is no different then when choosing a hearing pet.

There are several ways you can help during this week long event as well as long after:

-Promote Deaf Dog Awareness week.
-Help raise awareness during the rest of the year.
-Donate!
-All pet rescues are always in need of food, bedding, and other supplies!
-Adopt a friend in need as there are so many rescues who are dedicated to homing these pups.
-Learn sign language and use your skills with all dogs.

We’d love to hear your stories of deaf dogs that have entered your life, and help spread the positives about adoption of hearing impaired pets. There are so many things you can do to show your support. There is no reason why these pups cannot know love and kindness and find a “furever” home.

photo credits: via photopin (license); Bentley Thinking via photopin (license)