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156 results for “Dog hearing”
8 Common Health Issues in Senior Dogs
Aging brings: (1) hearing/vision loss—train hand signals, leash outdoors, pad the home; (2) arthritis (osteoarthritis) in weight-bearing joints causing pain on walks/stairs—vet care; (3) kidney disease, often chronic, with thirst, more urine, nausea, lethargy—manage, not cure; (4) incontinence from organ/muscle/nerve decline—vet check, more walks; (5) obesity raising arthritis/heart/diabetes risk—cut food, keep gentle exercise (walks, swim); (6) dementia (disorientation, anxiety, poor sleep)—meds for quality; (7) lumps/tumors, mostly benign—let the vet judge; (8) cancer, common and varied—regular checkups catch it early. Older dogs need closer diet and exercise management, and more patience.
Ear Mites in Dogs: Why the Smell Means Trouble
Ear mites (Otodectes) are ear-canal parasites that feed on lymph and fluid; females are 0.35–0.45 mm, males 0.275–0.36 mm—barely visible white dots. Left untreated they cause inflammation and crusting within about two weeks and can progress to middle or inner ear infection, even hearing loss and loss of balance. Signs: foul-smelling dark ear discharge, head-shaking and scratching, and sometimes worsened tear stains (the ear and facial nerves connect). Treat by isolating the dog and disinfecting its space, cleaning the canal, and applying a miticide as directed until gone; prevent with routine ear care. If it won't clear, see a vet. (Mites rarely infect people.)
Which Dogs Are Most Prone to Ear Infections?
A dog's L-shaped, narrow ear canal traps debris and invites infection. Small long-haired breeds, large floppy-eared dogs like Cocker Spaniels, Beagles, and Dachshunds, and some prick-eared breeds with tight canals such as Bulldogs are most at risk. Causes span primary (mites, allergies, tumors), predisposition (canal shape, systemic disease), and perpetuating (bacteria, fungi). Watch for head-shaking, foul discharge, and hearing loss, and keep the outer ear clean to protect the inner ear and nervous system.
Dog Ear Odor: Could It Be Ear Inflammation?
A dog's L-shaped ear canal makes infection easy, and odor often signals otitis. Inflammation ranges from outer (otitis externa) to middle and inner ear; left untreated, outer infection can progress to the middle ear and even cause hearing loss, loss of balance, or meningitis. Prevention is straightforward: keep ears dry after baths, pluck ear hair in floppy long-haired breeds, and clean weekly with a pet ear solution, never alcohol or peroxide. Regular parasite control also helps, since mites trigger ear infections.
Common Old-Age Diseases in Dogs
Dogs are seniors from about seven years, showing grey fur, clouded eyes, weaker hearing, slower movement and lost teeth, all normal aging. But the risk of heart disease, joint trouble and mouth disease also climbs. Aging hearts can cause fluid buildup and breathlessness, a fading pancreas can bring obesity and diabetes, joints stiffen, eyes cloud with cataracts, coats thin, and tartar and gum disease appear. Adjust diet to avoid excess calories and keep weight down to protect joints and metabolism.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Dogs and Cats
Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs when pets breathe gas from faulty heaters, car exhaust, or confined smoke. It binds to blood and starves tissues of oxygen, causing vomiting, weakness, bright-red gums, seizures, and coma. Move the pet to fresh air and get veterinary help at once.
Aminoglycoside Antibiotic Poisoning in Dogs and Cats
Overuse of aminoglycoside antibiotics such as gentamicin damages the kidneys and the ear nerve and can block nerve-to-muscle signalling. There is no antidote, so stopping the drug and supporting kidney and nerve function are essential.
Hydrocephalus in Dogs and Cats: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Hydrocephalus is accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid within or around the brain, from birth defects or later causes such as vitamin A deficiency, meningitis, or chronic disease. It causes dullness, poor vision, and aimless wandering, and has no specific cure beyond supportive care.
What happens if you pull a dog’s ears?
Pulling a dog's ears causes pain, fear and can damage hearing. Here is why you should not.
Why Your Dog Barks at Empty Space
A dog barking at an empty space is usually reading scents or sounds we cannot. Boredom, anxiety, play, demands, and territory also drive barking, and ignoring the noise while rewarding quiet retrains it.