​Deaf Dog Awareness Week

​Deaf Dog Awareness Week - September 15-21, 2024

Animal Dogs Pet Pet Health

Did you know some breeds of dogs have deafness rates of 40 percent or more? Head to a dog park and it’s likely that two or three of the dogs you see will be hearing impaired. While deaf dogs have special needs, they can be loyal companions for their owners. Celebrate these special dogs and learn more about adoption and training during Deaf Dog Awareness Week!

​Deaf Dog Awareness Week timeline

March 2018

​Deaf dog makes Washington state history

Ghost, a deaf dog that was considered "unadoptable" by many, began training to become the first deaf K-9 in Washington state history. He is now a narcotics detection dog.​

2009

The deaf dog liberator

​Gisele Veilleux founded the Dog Liberator, a small no-kill shelter in Central Florida that rescues herding dogs. In 2013 she published Deaf Dogs Hear With Their Hearts, the story of China, a deaf dog who inspired great things.

​1950s

​Buddy the deaf dog inspires kids

In the 1950s Buddy the deaf dog inspired students at Kansas School for the Deaf in Olathe, Kansas. He was half of an entertainment act with his owner, Bob Parker, and showed deaf kids they could succeed.​

​5 Signs Your Dog May Have Hearing Problems

  1. Ignores loud noises

    Your dog may have hearing issues if he doesn't react to loud noises such as fireworks and gunshots.​

  2. ​Barks a lot

    Dogs that bark a lot may have hearing problems since they can't hear their own barking.​

  3. Frequent ear pain or infection

    ​Dogs that have frequent ear infections or ear pain may have hearing challenges.

  4. ​Snaps at you when surprised

    Deaf dogs can't hear you coming, so snapping or biting when approached from behind could be a sign of hearing issues.​

  5. Genetics

    ​Certain breeds have higher rates of deafness than others. For instance, nearly 30 percent of Dalmatians have partial or complete hearing loss.

​Deaf Dog Awareness Week Activities

  1. Adopt a deaf dog

    Inquire with your local pet shelter about opportunities to adopt a deaf dog and what the challenges are in training and keeping a deaf dog. Spend some time getting to know a deaf dog.

  2. Go to the dog park

    Head down to your local dog park and chat up other dog owners. Mention that it's Deaf Dog Awareness Week and learn from deaf dog owners about the challenges and rewards of having a deaf dog.

  3. Make a donation

    Make a donation to your local shelter or humane society. Earmark your donation for the care of deaf dogs waiting to be adopted or to cover feeds involved in adopting a deaf dog.

Why We Love ​Deaf Dog Awareness Week

  1. Deaf dogs have to communicate with fewer senses

    Whether they're born deaf or lose their hearing during their lives, deaf dogs can be more emotionally connected to their owners. They feel love through their heightened senses of sight and smell.

  2. Deaf dogs are very good dogs

    Deaf dogs don't get spooked by fireworks, gunshots, or other loud noises. They'll sit quietly on their owners' lap while other dogs are barking throughout the chaos.

  3. Deaf dogs are excellent support dogs

    Deaf Dogs are less anxious and apprehensive than hearing dogs so they make excellent support or therapy dogs. Since they're unaffected by loud noises they're easier to train and less likely to get frightened while on the job.

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