Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

Can dogs be born deaf, or do they become deaf later in life?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Are dogs that are deaf, born deaf; or is the deafness developed through time.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Mariya Gugel, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 11th, 2017

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! There are definitely dogs that are deaf. Some dogs are born deaf, either due to a genetic mutation or malformation of the hearing apparatus. There are other dogs who can become deaf over time, due to damage to the ear drum, damage to certain cells within the ear, or chronic treatment with certain medications. I hope this answers your question!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Anna M., DVM
Veterinarian
Hello, and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Both of these are possible. Some dogs have congenital deafness, meaning it is a condition they are born with. This is often associated with pigment in the haircoat, and is most common in dogs with white, spotted, or merle haircoats. Dogs can also develop deafness with age, most often due to chronic inflammatory conditions in the ear, such as chronic ear infections. Hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Training & Behavior

Is my dog deaf? How can I check her hearing without a vet test?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It sounds like you’ve done all the usual tests so yes, I wouldn’t be surprised if she were deaf. I will say though that testing during puppyhood is difficult because puppies haven’t learned how to react to things yet. I’d say there is a slim chance she can hear. But for her, I’d recommend hand signals along with your verbal commands when training her. Best wishes to you and your adorable new family member Harley!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Is it true white blue-eyed cats are always deaf? What are the chances?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! No! Not all white blue eyed cats are deaf. It all depends on genes and which is expressed in the kitten. It's hard to give you the odds because it depends on if one or both parents are deaf (fully or partially) but it seems to range from 52-96% are partially or fully deaf depending on what study you read. I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Dog suddenly deaf after loud noise. Should I take him to the vet?

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Bandit. It could be sitting next to your husband while he was shooting has affected his hearing. I would monitor him tonight, and if he's still this way in the morning, have him seen by a vet. I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Could head trauma cause my puppy's deafness and stunted growth?

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. It certainly is possible that head trauma lead to the hearing loss and stunted growth or it is coincidental. If there was enough trauma to the part of the pituitary gland that is responsible for releasing growth hormone (GH), hypopituitarism could develop. Unfortunately, this is impossible to tell for certain though.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

My 5-week-old puppy doesn't hear me. Is he deaf or too young?

HI, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Snow is very very cute!! 5 weeks is very young. In the US we do not recommend puppies be removed from their mothers that young. Snow is to young to learn commands and come when called. I promise you with time and as he grows he will learn his name and come. Just practice a few times per day for only a few minutes. Puppies tire easily. It is very common at 5 weeks to appear deaf and like they can't see. It is just immaturity! I hope this helps and have fun with your new puppy!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog's ear was injured by fireworks. Will she ever hear again?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This sounds like severe trauma and warrants a visit to your local emergency veterinary clinic as soon as possible so that they can see the extent of the injury and proceed with therapy. Hoping for a speedy recovery!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog was born deaf. Are hearing aids a viable option for her?

There are hearing aids for dogs, but they are rarely used. This is likely because dogs do just fine deaf, and can learn sign language to follow commands. You can ask around your area to see if there are vets who may use hearing aids. Best of luck.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share