Does your pet have hearing loss?

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Largo Veterinary Hospital

Your July 2017 Newsletter from Largo Veterinary Hospital

July 11th: All American Pet Photo Day

Make sure you camera is fully charged and ready as you are encouraged to take photos of your pets. Although you take pictures of your pets all year long, July 11th has been set aside to get special pictures of your pets.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Dress them up, take them to the park, set them in a chair, put them on a fancy pillow or whatever your imagination creates for a special photograph of your loved ones. Post on social media using #AllAmericanPetPhotoDay.

July 31st: National Mutt Day

This special day was created to be celebrated on two dates per year, to raise awareness of the plight of mixed breed dogs in shelters around the nation, as approximately 80% of dogs in shelters are mixed breeds. Most pure breeds that end up in the shelter are generally rescued quickly by either the public wanting a “less expensive” pure bred dog or by a pure breed rescue. The day’s mission is to educate the public about the sea of mixed breed dogs that desperately await new homes and to celebrate the amazing characteristics that the mix of breeds creates in each individual dog.

July 21st: National Craft for your Local Pet Shelter

What is National Craft for your Local Shelters Day? It is a day set aside to recognize that we can give back to our local shelters in a crafty way. This includes making beds, toys, vests and bandanas that say "adopt me," leashes, and sew much more. What better way to give back to a shelter than the best way you know how - and for us, it's crafting.

July 15th: Pet Fire Safety Day

Help Firefighters Help Your Pets

Keep pets near entrances when away from home. Keep collars on pets and leashes at the ready in case firefighters need to rescue your pet. When leaving pets home alone, keep them in areas or rooms near entrances where firefighters can easily find them.

Affix a pet alert window cling and write down the number of pets inside your house and attach the static cling to a front window. This critical information saves rescuers time when locating your pets. Click below for a free sticker:

Does Your Pet Have Hearing Loss?

Many of the same health problems that affect us, including hearing loss, also affect our pets. Fortunately, most pets adapt very well to the disability with a little help from their owners.

What Causes Hearing Loss in Pets?
Some pets are born deaf or hard of hearing, while others develop hearing loss at some point in their lives. Hearing loss can be caused by exposure to heavy metals, such as mercury or lead, or may occur after your pet takes certain medications, including chemotherapy drugs, diuretics or antibiotics.
Tumors in the ear canal or brain may be responsible for hearing loss or deafness. Other potential causes include untreated ear infections, hypothyroidism, distemper, injuries or exposure to toxic household products.
Hearing loss may also occur as part of aging. Deterioration of the nerves used in hearing or thickening of the ear canal can gradually reduce your older pet's ability to hear.

Are Some Pets More Likely Than Others to Experience Hearing Loss?
Hearing loss is linked to genetics, in some cases. The problem is more likely to occur if the pet has white pigments in its fur. In fact, approximately 80 percent of white cats with two blue eyes will show signs of deafness as early as four days after birth, according to Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. The problem occurs due to degeneration in the cochlea in the inner ear. The cochlea turns vibrations into nerve impulses and sends them to the brain, which interprets the nerve impulses as sounds.

What Are the Signs of Hearing Loss in Pets?
If your pet suffers from hearing loss, you may notice one or more of these signs:

Your pet no longer comes when called or exhibits other changes in behavior.
Your dog or cat doesn't react to loud noises.
Your pet can suddenly sleep through anything, even loud thunderstorms.
Your cat meows constantly, or your dog barks more than normal.
Your pet tilts its head to one side.
Your dog or cat doesn't show up the minute you open a can of pet food.

How Can I Help My Pet?
Bring your pet in to see Dr. Daniels as soon as you notice any signs of deafness. Although treatment is not possible in all cases, if the hearing loss is caused by an inflammation, infection or tumor, medications or surgery may help restore some or all of your pet's hearing. If the hearing loss is permanent, it will take a little while for you and your pet to adjust to the new situation.

Getting your pet's attention can be a little difficult. Pointing a flashlight or laser near your dog or cat (but away from his or her eyes) can be helpful. In the past, your furry friend may have known that a slamming door meant that you had left the house. If your pet doesn't see you leave and can't find you, he or she may become upset. You can prevent confusion by starting a goodbye ritual that you'll use every time you leave the house.
Are you worried that your pet may be suffering from hearing loss? Call us today to schedule an appointment.

3 Hand Signals Your Pet Can Learn

Hand signals can be a very effective way to communicate with your pet, whether your furry friend is hard of hearing or you're simply in a noisy place. Spend a few minutes each day teaching your pet these three signals. Don't forget to encourage your pet during the training process with treats.

Sit: Keep your hand flat with your palm facing down. Moving your hand downward slightly to indicate that your pet should sit. Gently pressing on your pet's hindquarters as you give the command may make it easier for your pet to understand what the signal means.

Come: Hold your hand in front of you with your palm facing toward you. Bring your hand toward your body to indicate that you want your pet to come to you.

Good Dog or Cat: Your pet may no longer be able to hear you tell him what a good boy he is, but you can show him with a hand signal. Any signal that you use consistently, such as thumbs up or the okay sign, can help get your point across.