21/09/2025
𝐕𝐞𝐭𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐬: 𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐕𝐞𝐭 𝐃𝐚𝐲𝐬
𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟏–𝟐𝟕 | 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐟 𝐃𝐨𝐠 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤
On September 21–27, the IVSA Philippines celebrates Deaf Dog Awareness Week — a time to raise awareness about deafness in dogs, educate the public on their unique needs, and celebrate their incredible capabilities as loving companions.
Some dogs are born deaf (congenital deafness), often linked to a lack of pigment cells called melanocytes, which affect both fur color and hearing. This is why many deaf dogs are white. Breeds more prone to deafness include Dalmatians, Cattle Dogs, English Setters, Australian Shepherds, Collies, and other breeds with a merle (marble) coat pattern.
Other dogs may lose hearing later in life due to old age, injuries, or chronic ear infections. Deaf dogs are generally just as healthy as hearing dogs — their hearing loss doesn’t affect their overall well-being.
How to tell if your dog is deaf:
🚩 Doesn’t respond when called
🚩 Ignores loud noises
🚩 Disobeys verbal commands
Veterinarians can confirm deafness using the BAER (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response) test, a painless way to measure how the brain responds to sound.
Life with a deaf dog:
🐾 Never let them off-leash in unsafe areas — they can’t hear approaching cars or other dangers.
🐾 Use visual cues, gentle touches, or foot taps to get their attention.
🐾 Approach carefully to avoid startling them.
🐾 Deaf dogs do bark — sometimes in situations hearing dogs wouldn’t.
🐾 They are not naturally more aggressive; each dog’s temperament is unique.
Caring for a deaf dog means being their ears — keeping them safe, communicating with love, and understanding their world. With the right care, deaf dogs can live joyful, healthy, and fulfilling lives.
This week, let’s break the myths and celebrate deaf dogs for what they truly are: loyal, smart, and amazing companions. 🤍
𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐟 𝐃𝐨𝐠 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐈𝐕𝐒𝐀 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬! 🐶
🔗 Learn more about deaf dogs: https://www.smalldoorvet.com/learning-center/medical/deaf-dogs
