#id love to see something similar but for ASL

[doublyamusing]

My hot take is that ASL should be mandatory from a young age in schools in the USA

[callsignbaphomet]

🖊🖊🖊🖊🖊🖊🖊🖊🖊🖊🖊🖊🖊🖊🖊🖊🖊🖊🖊🖊🖊🖊🖊🖊🖊🖊🖊🖊🖊🖊🖊🖊🖊🖊🖊🖊

Y'think thats enough pens? Either way I don't expect you to do somethin for aaaaaaaaaall of em lol

Gsudkblbzysuv hun, this is so beautifully chaotic!

🖋 Ginger's a vampire but both of her dads (Lee Grimm and Glenn Grimm) are werewolves (Mist Walkers). Both are trans men.

🖋 Jelani uses male, neutral or female pronouns. Has no preference to which ones someone should use.

🖋 Trevor knows ASL. His little brother was deaf and in his memory he learned ASL.

🖋 Angelus sorta, kinda had a daughter. Ok tl;dr back in the late 1800s he ran into this little girl that was living in the street and tried to steal some money off him but she got caught. He gave her everything he had on him and then she ran off and he lost track of her. Much later he found her again but this time she was a bit older, like 11 years old. They recognized each other and they both went to get a bite to eat and she told him she ran away from home because her parents were abusive. Obviously coming from a similar background he heavily sympathized but he didn't know the first thing about kids but he still took her in. She grew up, married and had kids of her own and those kids grew up and eventually his adopted daughter (her name was Alice) grew old and died of old age. He kept in contact with his sort of grandkids obviously but as his great grandkids grew older and had families and kids of their own Angelus distanced himself. How the fuck are ya gonna explain your sort of adoptivr great grandfather looks like a 20 year old twink? He's kept an eye out on them as a "friend of the family".

🖋 AJ introduced Angelus, Mahmud, Tre and Madison to his favorite hobby: parkour. The five of them regularly get together to free run in places they think would be both challenging and fun.

🖋 Madison introduced Mahmud, AJ, Tre and Xiomara to spelunking and scuba diving as a hobby.

🖋 Sanaa loves and collects windchimes. So Ingvarr modified an alarm clock to make any chime she puts on it chime whenever she sets the alarm. So instead of some jarring alarm she wakes up to a windchime.

🖋 Angelus has an abnormally high tolerance for pain to the point where he won't react to most injuries. This was due to years of having to learn to control his cries of pain because the more he cried out the harder he'd get beaten.

🖋 Trevor holds the world record for longest confirmed sniper kill. Can't be found in any public record but it's in Oracle records and that's good enough for him.

🖋 Jelani (Loke and Jela's grandad, not J lol) and Subira made a spell called "Bright Light". Basically a faint little orb of light that when cast makes anyone near it calm down. It works for regular nervousness, anxiety, panic attacks, anger and so on. It's one of those beginner type spells that barely requires any energy and it can either hover over the caster's palm or it can be "attached" to an object.

🖋 Sunniva (she was Ingvarr's first wife and the woman who gave birth to Loke) is still alive. After she became pregnant she heavily regretted it so that's why as soon as Loke was born she ran away without telling anyone anything. Loke was always told that she disappeared but honestly speaking he never knew her so he has no attachment to her. To him Sanaa is HIS mother and only her.

🖋 Latoya was what you would consider a sickly kid. Someone in another country sneezed and she got sick. Her colds and flus lasted longer than usual and she was a super skinny little girl. When puberty hit she took up sports and when she was 18 she started lifting weights, blew up in terms of muscle tone and got laser eye surgery. Now she's like Rambo in his prime but pretty.

🖋 Abigail is constantly coloring her hair different colors but her favorite is any hue of green since that's her favorite color. She'll also help and color anyone else's if they ask her for help.

🖋 Ginger and Abigail got married on October 13th. Yes, the wedding had a Victorian goth theme to it. Even though they couldn't eat it the cake was red velvet with black frosting and everything. It almost looked like a funeral 'cause everyone was wearing black. I hope to doodle Ginger and Abby in their wedding dresses someday.

🖋 Haakon had a habit of collecting leaves from different countries he visited and kept them safe. Ingvarr and Jørgen both keep journals with leaves of different countries they've visited. They write down the tree the leaf came from, country where they got it from and date.

🖋 Anette can't drive until she's 21. When she was 14 she took Jelani's car, drove her and a bunch of her friends super late at night in winter (from what I've read driving in Norway during winter is horrible), crashed into another car after she lost control, totalled both Jelani's car and the other car and severely injured some of her friends and the other driver. The funny/not funny part is Jela was planning on giving her that car when she got her license but she totalled it. It was BMW by the way. Fuckin' teenager driving around in a 2 year old Beemer lol.

🖋 Speaking of cars. Grete (Anette's mother and Loke and Jelani's aunt) is horribly afraid of driving. She can't get behind the wheel of a car without freaking out. Anette crashing made the fear 10x worse. She can be in a car as long as she isn't driving and the car isn't going too fast.

🖋 During a visit Anette convinced both her parents and Jelani to let her stay with him during the summer. She also convinced both Leah and Xolani to stay over as well. So for a whole ass summer Jelani had three teenagers staying over as a kind of sleep over vacation. It actually turned out fun in the end, the kids had fun and Anette and her rebellious attitude kinda softened.

🖋 Anette, Xolani and Leah have one defining thing in common. None of them know what to do with the rest of their lives. Thing is Leah is very nervous about it, Xolani is kind of aloof about it and Anette is kinda of frustrated about it. Anette is frustrated which leads her to act out and cause trouble. Xolani just looks like they don't care but they do. Leah is super nervous about it. Another thing they got in common is the three of them tend to look up to Loke and Jelani 'cause they feel both understand them better than their parents do.

🖋 Ginger is kinda very obsessed with portals. She's fascinated by them but also respects them as they are incredibly dangerous and unpredictable. She is basically the only person in the world that managed to control portals even if it's for a short amount of time.

🖋 Shaine got really into explosives when she was just a kid. After an accident with a dozen cherry bombs she was left partially deaf, now has to wear a hearing aid and is the explosives expert.

🖋 Before joining Oracle Katya financed her transition by making fake IDs and passports. She also doxxed corrupt government officials and ransomed vital information she got off them.

🖋 Loke is allergic to bird dandruff but would love to have a pet pigeon. At least he can have dogs which is his other favorite animal. His favorite dog is the pitbull.

🖋 Until he got together with Jelani all of Angelus's previous relationships were short and ended in kind of disaster because he constantly compared them all to Jelani and to him they didn't measure up. He ultimately said no to relationships around the 1930s and just fucked around. Obviously until he got shit faced once and confessed to Jelani he was in love with him and the rest is history.

🖋 Tre is one of the super rare seers that can see and feel visions. He's so sensitive that merely standing in an area with a lot of energy could affect him.

🖋 In Oracle there is a head of the organization and two leaders. Current head is Aleksey with Jelani and Angelus as leaders. There's always three as kind of a callback let's call it to when Oracle was started. Aleksey and two close friends started it so from then on there's always 3 leads. When Aleksey steps down Jelani will be head, Ginger will be the second lead and Angelus is the third lead, however he plans on making Trevor the third lead. The reason is because Angelus is fully aware of what he can and can't do and he knows damn well that he isn't lead of an organization material. When he steps down he'd be the Trickster team leader, that he can handle, and since Trevor left a vacant spot Loke would take that spot.

🖋 There is a place called Kironia. It's theorized to be a sort of epicenter for portal activities. Angelus and Ginger have been tasked with keeping an eye on it but it's shrouded in so much mystery most people don't think it's real.

🖋 Despite the fact that Trevor personally knows a Maker and a goddess (Jade, Latoya's girlfriend) he's still an athiest.

🖋 Trevor didn't have a name growing up, he chose the name Trevor because it sounded pleasant. He took his surname, Ravencroft, from a woman he'd heard of from other Oracle agents. He eventually got to meet Morgana Ravencroft, she thought it was flattering he took her name.

🖋 Speaking of Morgana Ravencroft, Angelus was first introduced to the concept of magic because of her. He went with Trevor to help him with some supplies and after being completely hypnotized by some illusions she gave him a book on the basics and helped him get started.

🖋 Loke stopped aging and it's something of a weird occurrence that is brought up every so often. When he was 28 years old he and Jelani (who was 15 at the time) were delivering some supplies to another village. They ran into bandits and as usual Loke was trying to protect Jelani and in doing so he was fatally wounded. Of course Jelani freaked the fuck out and his "fail safe" kicked in. Jela doesn't remember but Loke does, he saw Jelani change form and after dealing with the bandits he turned his attention to Loke and stopped him from dying. He was rusty as fuck so he put a little more oomph behind it and a tiny portion of his energy slipped into Loke. Neither of them know but Loke is basically kinda frozen in time when it comes to aging. So because of this Loke can't die unless Jelani dies.

🖋 Loke has a black feather that's warm to the touch and small embers can be seen floating out of it. He's never mentioned it to anyone and keeps it close to him. The feather came from Jelani when he changed form to fight off the bandits. After he blacked out and changed back Loke found the feather on the ground. He knew where it came from that's why he kept it. He's never told Jelani about that day because he doesn't know what it means and he thinks telling him would only serve to confuse him further.

🖋 Continuing with Loke, he's your average run of the mill berserker. That means he cannot use magic while in berserker mode or even with his weapons. The only ones that can do that are arcanist berserkers (the Nyota tribe). Sanaa is an arcanist berserker, she can use magic while in berserker mode. However, through years of practice Sanaa managed to teach Loke one spell that her people are really fond of. Falling Stars is a spell that has the user charge a single arrow. The arrow is shot upwards and as soon as it reaches high enough it splits into hundreds of arrows that rain down on the target. Loke started practicing when he was 8 years old and by the age of 30 he managed to pull it off making him the first berserker to use magic.

🖋 Jelani and Leah are two of the extremely rare and fortunate people that have gone through a portal and have returned. Whether their return was sheer luck or the fact that he's a Maker is something I'll elaborate on later.

🖋 Haakon knew Jelani wasn't a berserker. Haakon himself had a feeling that his grandson was something far more, if that makes sense. The day Jela was born Haakon had a dream but instead of fear he just felt an insurmountable amount of wonder. He's only ever told his wife, Eli, who in turn believed him. Both always made sure Jela didn't feel out of place and Haakon frequently encouraged him.

[meet-again]

Srry I'm late 🌠🐹🐾🎁💙✈️⚡🌺💥😊

Dude don't worry you're always the first one here,also you dont have to send much less apologize for it. Thanks a lot i got to ramble about my ideas :D

🌠if you were to rule,what would the world look like?

I honestly dont know because i dont know anything about ruling and it'd be weird cause i cant go about enforcing the same rules everywhere. I'd probably hire a shit ton of advisors in every country but have laws be passed by me because im paranoid and dont trust people not to fuck up. (I have thought about this scenario and similar ones a lot ask me about it if you want,but im gonna move on)

One thing id want to do is make it affordable and safe for everyone to travel,im lucky to have seen many countries and places and i want everyone to be able to do that.

🐹some favorite pokemon

Never played pokemon, bulbosaur is cute,charizard is just cool, magikarp is nice,hes trying very hard, ugh the floating pumpkin is really nice,i live the bat,hes amazing,and that blue one that looked kinda like a ghost. Many more cause they're adorable but i thought of these first.

🐾what are you scared of and how will you overcome it?

Uhm death,not.

The dark,kinda nod at the theoreticly there creatures that live in the darkness to indicate that i respect that this is their time and that im just passing through(this sometimes works and sometimes doesnt) if this doesnt work use the flashlight on my phone.

🎁what never fails to make you happy?

Uhm the mexican flip off presented by Pete Wentz

I just play it on loop whenever im sad and pete wentz's terrible spanish never fails to make me laugh. As well as the rest of the video which is funny as shit.

💙whats something that annoys you about people?

If im moody everything. Cant currently think of anything specific.

✈dream city and why?

Dont know,i like the idea of the us but also i fear the system,maybe london but all London people agree london is terrible. Id like to see a lot of citys and live in lots of different places with friends.

⚡what superpower do you wanna have and why?

Teleportation would be mega useful because id help me enormously in everyday life,a lot of the reason i dont do things is because just the idea of having to bike 30 min labels a task as impossible in my head.also i could go everywhere in the world i cant stress enough how much i love travelling but also i could go see (internet)friends! i could go to famous places,i could eat food in other countries,i could use that one hour of free time to go somewhere with no travel time.

Apart from that shapeshifting because flat chest and its cool.

🌺what languages do you know and which ones do you wanna learn?

I know english,spanish and [redacted]

I always wanted to learn french because both my parents are fluent french speakers and its spoken in lots of countries,i was really enthusiastic about getting to learn it.

I have since discovered tho that i am if not incapable ,severely troubled at learning languages. Im just very grateful for having learned 3 languages at a young age.

If i could tho id like to learn asl i think spanish and English cover me fairly well for at least the western world and i think asl would just be useful. (I realize chinese is very common but the very idea of trying to learn chinese makes me anxious, the amount of signs and dialects and pronunciation)

💥unpopular opinions?

I know i have some but i cant currently remember them.

😊hobbies?

I like drawing,singing,skiing if i can,and playing basketball for fun.

[stiles-wtf]

What to Know About Living With a Deaf Dog

Ever gone snorkeling, or attended a rock concert? In both cases, human ears are at a significant disadvantage. Interpersonal sound cues are muffled, distorted or obliterated altogether. Communication generally takes place via some coordinated combination of hand signals, eye contact, facial expressions and body language. Recalling these types of experiences can help us understand what a deaf dog faces every day.

Deaf dogs — the basics

Should you worry about living with a deaf dog? Photography ©Chalabala | iStock / Getty Images Plus.

It hasn’t always been easy to find educational resources concerning dog deafness. In the past, that presented a problem for owners like Susan Cope Becker. She was inspired to share her personal perspectives by writing Living with a Deaf Dog: A Book of Advice, Facts and Experiences About Canine Deafness. Thanks to these sorts of firsthand observations — plus ongoing research, and improvements in digital information dissemination — insights continue to become more accessible.

Nonetheless, some pet owners remain wary about sharing space with a deaf dog. Dedicated rescue services like Maryland-based Pets With Disabilities regularly take in hearing-deficient canines who have been abandoned or owner-surrendered. But Chris Stirn, executive director at Chicagoland-based A.D.O.P.T. Pet Shelter, is quick to offer reassurance. “Adopting any dog can introduce challenges,” she notes, “and living with a deaf dog simply makes those challenges more specific.” Based upon her own long-term observations, Stirn emphasizes that welcoming a deaf canine into your life can be “a very rewarding experience.”

According to skilled behaviorists like Sara Swan, owner at Narnia Pet Behavior & Training, the same holds true for any hearing-impaired dog you may already own. She explains that deaf canines, if properly socialized, can enjoy a level of functionality similar to their hearing counterparts. “And remember,” she chuckles, “they usually won’t bark at the doorbell.”

Here, we explore the ins and outs of optimizing life for a deaf dog.

Causes of dog deafness

My own dog began losing his hearing around the age of 11. One day I noticed that he wouldn’t respond to the familiar, crinkly sound of his treat bag. Then he gradually lost the ability to hear thunderstorms approaching — a mixed blessing, really, since they’d always terrified him. Eventually, I could walk up behind my beloved pup completely unacknowledged.

We ultimately learned that my sweet boy was experiencing geriatric hearing loss. In his book Deafness in Dogs and Cats, veterinary researcher George M. Strain, PhD, explains that causes for this condition can range from drug toxicity to chronic infections to medical issues to head-related injuries —  to yes, even simple old age.

But congenital deafness also occurs — in other words, some dogs are simply deaf from birth. Strain and other researchers have noted a few fairly intriguing connections. Certain statistics, for example, suggest that specific dog breeds seem more predisposed to congenital deafness than others. Interestingly, some studies have found that dogs with white heads can sometimes display a stronger tendency toward inborn hearing loss. It’s thought that lack of pigmentation in the head region may impact nerve cells commonly used to conduct sound.

Is your dog deaf? Initial diagnosis

How do vets diagnose hearing loss in dogs? Photography ©bymuratdeniz | iStock / Getty Images Plus.

Do you suspect that your own canine’s hearing might be compromised? Try shaking a box of treats in the next room to test for any reaction. You can also rattle an empty can filled with pebbles, to see if it elicits a head-turn. But the best way to investigate possible hearing loss is by scheduling a vet visit.

My veterinarian began with a simple observational exam that looked for excess ear wax, fur overgrowth, ear canal blockage, signs of injury or redness that could indicate inflammation. If your own vet suspects some sort of infection, a simple ear swab and culture can help determine the appropriate course of treatment. If sustained hearing loss seems more likely, your vet might conduct something called a brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER) test. This helps evaluate how the brain processes auditory stimuli. Additional imaging tests can provide clues about the possible cause of dog deafness.

Canine hearing loss: potential treatments

If infection is the culprit, your vet may prescribe some combination of topical ointment, oral antibiotics or ear flushing with an enzymatic solution like Zymox. Once successfully treated, this type of hearing impairment can often clear up in a matter of days or weeks. Likewise, ear plucking, wax cleaning or removal of a foreign body can open the ear canal and improve sound conduction.

In the book New Choices in Natural Healing for Dogs and Cats, Tennessee-based holistic veterinarian Sandra Priest, D.V.M., notes that Animal Dermatology Laboratories Foaming Ear Cleanser is great for keeping canine ears free of debris on a regular basis.

But when dog deafness is caused by a medical condition or congenital defect, delicate inner structures or systems may be involved. In some cases, surgery can correct the problem. Canine cochlear implants might be another option, though these devices can be both expensive and tough for dogs to tolerate. Frequently, the best course of action is helping everyone in your hybrid family “pack” learn to live with the hearing loss.

Life with a deaf dog: training tips

How should you train a deaf dog? Photography ©Gemma DiLullo | Getty Images.

It’s natural to worry that dog deafness might interfere with your human-canine bond. But remember, dogs generally don’t sit around feeling horrible for themselves — they simply accept things as they are, adapt and move on. “Owners of deaf dogs may need a jump-start understanding how to communicate,” says Swan, “but once these pets comprehend, they can definitely live great lives as loving family members.”

She recommends that owners start developing modes of communication that can supplement standard audio prompts. In fact, Swan notes that it’s not a bad idea to use a combination of body language, hand signals and auditory cues to communicate with any pet — even those without hearing loss. “Dogs actually learn hand signals faster,” she says, “and they respond more reliably to a combination of signals.” So using this approach with a hearing pet can actually facilitate faster adjustment, should deafness occur down the line.

Should you / can you teach a deaf dog sign language?

Some owners use American Sign Language (ASL), but any hand signal your dog understands should work fine. The important thing is creating unique signals for each key command, then using them consistently. You may also want to teach a special hand signal that represents your dog’s name. Mouth or say the word, and use the hand gesture simultaneously. For actions like “walk” or “car ride,” you can hold out your pet’s leash or display car keys while moving in the appropriate direction.

One command that’s especially fundamental for a deaf dog is “watch.” It asks your dog to focus full attention on your eyes and face. To teach this vital command, try holding a tiny morsel of food near your dog’s snout. Gradually pull this tidbit up next to your own eyes while clearly mouthing and saying the word “watch.” Eventually, your dog will learn to look you in the eye when you need to communicate — even after you stop using the treat.

Getting your dog to watch from a distance is also important. “Owners can use a vibration collar or laser pointer to help capture their canine’s attention,” notes Swan, adding that with both approaches, “you have to TEACH your dog that when he feels that neck vibration or sees the dot, he needs to look toward you.”

Lifestyle tips for deaf dogs

What changes should you make to accommodate a deaf dog? Photography ©Akchamczuk | Thinkstock.

Learning to properly interact with your hearing-impaired pet can help both humans and pets avoid potential issues or injury. Keep the following checklist in mind:

Home Navigation: The idea that deaf dogs never bark is largely a myth, but it’s still smart to keep an eye on your curious canine around the house. Placing a small bell on your pet’s collar can be a great way to quickly determine his whereabouts. You might also place a baby gate in front of any stairs, just in case your deaf canine becomes startled.

Outdoor Hazards: Deaf dogs should always be leashed while outside, or permitted to play within a securely fenced area. “Always keep ID tags on your deaf dog as well,” notes Stirn, “and be sure to microchip your pet, and keep that contact information current.” You can also outfit your canine’s collar with an informational tag that reads, “Toby is deaf. If found, please call …” And remember, deaf dogs can’t hear approaching vehicles — so always watch closely when you’re walking near the street.

Proximity Awareness: “Deaf dogs can startle more easily, particularly while sleeping,” notes Swan. To help prevent this, she suggests, “try flicking a light off and on when you approach — or, walk more heavily on the floor.” Scent is also a powerful informational tool for your canine, she says, “so, even pausing near your pet for a moment can help your dog catch your scent and recognize your presence.” Similarly, if you’re concerned your snoozing dog might become disoriented and nip, you can try touching him very lightly on the back with a long, fluffy dust mop. And don’t forget, always let your deaf dog know you’re leaving the house. Don’t simply sneak away while he’s dozing.

The bottom line on deafness in dogs

Bottom line, approach dog deafness as a unique chance to maximize your human-pet connection. Need personalized help mastering a few strategic lifestyle changes? Never hesitate to touch base with a certified trainer. Stirn notes that a little bit of empathy, commitment and patience can go a long way. With some extra practice and TLC, you can make every day fun and safe for your hearing-impaired pup.

Thumbnail: Photography ©HAYKIRDI | E+ / Getty Images Plus.

Additional resources for deaf dog parents:

American Sign Language Video Dictionary

A Deaf Dog Joins the Family: Training, Education, and Communication for a Smooth Transition, by Terrie Hayward

Deaf Dog Education Action Fund

Dogs Can Sign, Too: A Breakthrough Method for Teaching Your Dog to Communicate, by Sean Senechal

Living with a Deaf Dog: A Book of Advice, Facts and Experiences About Canine Deafness, by Susan Cope Becker

Read more about dog health and care on Dogster.com:

Using Coconut Oil for a Dog’s Itchy Skin

Let’s Talk Dogs With Different-Colored Eyes, or Heterochromia in Dogs

Can a Litter of Dogs Have Different Fathers? Let’s Talk Dogs and Superfecundation

The post What to Know About Living With a Deaf Dog appeared first on Dogster.

[jeffreyrwelch]

What to Know About Living With a Deaf Dog

Ever gone snorkeling, or attended a rock concert? In both cases, human ears are at a significant disadvantage. Interpersonal sound cues are muffled, distorted or obliterated altogether. Communication generally takes place via some coordinated combination of hand signals, eye contact, facial expressions and body language. Recalling these types of experiences can help us understand what a deaf dog faces every day.

Deaf dogs — the basics

Should you worry about living with a deaf dog? Photography ©Chalabala | iStock / Getty Images Plus.

It hasn’t always been easy to find educational resources concerning dog deafness. In the past, that presented a problem for owners like Susan Cope Becker. She was inspired to share her personal perspectives by writing Living with a Deaf Dog: A Book of Advice, Facts and Experiences About Canine Deafness. Thanks to these sorts of firsthand observations — plus ongoing research, and improvements in digital information dissemination — insights continue to become more accessible.

Nonetheless, some pet owners remain wary about sharing space with a deaf dog. Dedicated rescue services like Maryland-based Pets With Disabilities regularly take in hearing-deficient canines who have been abandoned or owner-surrendered. But Chris Stirn, executive director at Chicagoland-based A.D.O.P.T. Pet Shelter, is quick to offer reassurance. “Adopting any dog can introduce challenges,” she notes, “and living with a deaf dog simply makes those challenges more specific.” Based upon her own long-term observations, Stirn emphasizes that welcoming a deaf canine into your life can be “a very rewarding experience.”

According to skilled behaviorists like Sara Swan, owner at Narnia Pet Behavior & Training, the same holds true for any hearing-impaired dog you may already own. She explains that deaf canines, if properly socialized, can enjoy a level of functionality similar to their hearing counterparts. “And remember,” she chuckles, “they usually won’t bark at the doorbell.”

Here, we explore the ins and outs of optimizing life for a deaf dog.

Causes of dog deafness

My own dog began losing his hearing around the age of 11. One day I noticed that he wouldn’t respond to the familiar, crinkly sound of his treat bag. Then he gradually lost the ability to hear thunderstorms approaching — a mixed blessing, really, since they’d always terrified him. Eventually, I could walk up behind my beloved pup completely unacknowledged.

We ultimately learned that my sweet boy was experiencing geriatric hearing loss. In his book Deafness in Dogs and Cats, veterinary researcher George M. Strain, PhD, explains that causes for this condition can range from drug toxicity to chronic infections to medical issues to head-related injuries —  to yes, even simple old age.

But congenital deafness also occurs — in other words, some dogs are simply deaf from birth. Strain and other researchers have noted a few fairly intriguing connections. Certain statistics, for example, suggest that specific dog breeds seem more predisposed to congenital deafness than others. Interestingly, some studies have found that dogs with white heads can sometimes display a stronger tendency toward inborn hearing loss. It’s thought that lack of pigmentation in the head region may impact nerve cells commonly used to conduct sound.

Is your dog deaf? Initial diagnosis

How do vets diagnose hearing loss in dogs? Photography ©bymuratdeniz | iStock / Getty Images Plus.

Do you suspect that your own canine’s hearing might be compromised? Try shaking a box of treats in the next room to test for any reaction. You can also rattle an empty can filled with pebbles, to see if it elicits a head-turn. But the best way to investigate possible hearing loss is by scheduling a vet visit.

My veterinarian began with a simple observational exam that looked for excess ear wax, fur overgrowth, ear canal blockage, signs of injury or redness that could indicate inflammation. If your own vet suspects some sort of infection, a simple ear swab and culture can help determine the appropriate course of treatment. If sustained hearing loss seems more likely, your vet might conduct something called a brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER) test. This helps evaluate how the brain processes auditory stimuli. Additional imaging tests can provide clues about the possible cause of dog deafness.

Canine hearing loss: potential treatments

If infection is the culprit, your vet may prescribe some combination of topical ointment, oral antibiotics or ear flushing with an enzymatic solution like Zymox. Once successfully treated, this type of hearing impairment can often clear up in a matter of days or weeks. Likewise, ear plucking, wax cleaning or removal of a foreign body can open the ear canal and improve sound conduction.

In the book New Choices in Natural Healing for Dogs and Cats, Tennessee-based holistic veterinarian Sandra Priest, D.V.M., notes that Animal Dermatology Laboratories Foaming Ear Cleanser is great for keeping canine ears free of debris on a regular basis.

But when dog deafness is caused by a medical condition or congenital defect, delicate inner structures or systems may be involved. In some cases, surgery can correct the problem. Canine cochlear implants might be another option, though these devices can be both expensive and tough for dogs to tolerate. Frequently, the best course of action is helping everyone in your hybrid family “pack” learn to live with the hearing loss.

Life with a deaf dog: training tips

How should you train a deaf dog? Photography ©Gemma DiLullo | Getty Images.

It’s natural to worry that dog deafness might interfere with your human-canine bond. But remember, dogs generally don’t sit around feeling horrible for themselves — they simply accept things as they are, adapt and move on. “Owners of deaf dogs may need a jump-start understanding how to communicate,” says Swan, “but once these pets comprehend, they can definitely live great lives as loving family members.”

She recommends that owners start developing modes of communication that can supplement standard audio prompts. In fact, Swan notes that it’s not a bad idea to use a combination of body language, hand signals and auditory cues to communicate with any pet — even those without hearing loss. “Dogs actually learn hand signals faster,” she says, “and they respond more reliably to a combination of signals.” So using this approach with a hearing pet can actually facilitate faster adjustment, should deafness occur down the line.

Should you / can you teach a deaf dog sign language?

Some owners use American Sign Language (ASL), but any hand signal your dog understands should work fine. The important thing is creating unique signals for each key command, then using them consistently. You may also want to teach a special hand signal that represents your dog’s name. Mouth or say the word, and use the hand gesture simultaneously. For actions like “walk” or “car ride,” you can hold out your pet’s leash or display car keys while moving in the appropriate direction.

One command that’s especially fundamental for a deaf dog is “watch.” It asks your dog to focus full attention on your eyes and face. To teach this vital command, try holding a tiny morsel of food near your dog’s snout. Gradually pull this tidbit up next to your own eyes while clearly mouthing and saying the word “watch.” Eventually, your dog will learn to look you in the eye when you need to communicate — even after you stop using the treat.

Getting your dog to watch from a distance is also important. “Owners can use a vibration collar or laser pointer to help capture their canine’s attention,” notes Swan, adding that with both approaches, “you have to TEACH your dog that when he feels that neck vibration or sees the dot, he needs to look toward you.”

Lifestyle tips for deaf dogs

What changes should you make to accommodate a deaf dog? Photography ©Akchamczuk | Thinkstock.

Learning to properly interact with your hearing-impaired pet can help both humans and pets avoid potential issues or injury. Keep the following checklist in mind:

Home Navigation: The idea that deaf dogs never bark is largely a myth, but it’s still smart to keep an eye on your curious canine around the house. Placing a small bell on your pet’s collar can be a great way to quickly determine his whereabouts. You might also place a baby gate in front of any stairs, just in case your deaf canine becomes startled.

Outdoor Hazards: Deaf dogs should always be leashed while outside, or permitted to play within a securely fenced area. “Always keep ID tags on your deaf dog as well,” notes Stirn, “and be sure to microchip your pet, and keep that contact information current.” You can also outfit your canine’s collar with an informational tag that reads, “Toby is deaf. If found, please call …” And remember, deaf dogs can’t hear approaching vehicles — so always watch closely when you’re walking near the street.

Proximity Awareness: “Deaf dogs can startle more easily, particularly while sleeping,” notes Swan. To help prevent this, she suggests, “try flicking a light off and on when you approach — or, walk more heavily on the floor.” Scent is also a powerful informational tool for your canine, she says, “so, even pausing near your pet for a moment can help your dog catch your scent and recognize your presence.” Similarly, if you’re concerned your snoozing dog might become disoriented and nip, you can try touching him very lightly on the back with a long, fluffy dust mop. And don’t forget, always let your deaf dog know you’re leaving the house. Don’t simply sneak away while he’s dozing.

The bottom line on deafness in dogs

Bottom line, approach dog deafness as a unique chance to maximize your human-pet connection. Need personalized help mastering a few strategic lifestyle changes? Never hesitate to touch base with a certified trainer. Stirn notes that a little bit of empathy, commitment and patience can go a long way. With some extra practice and TLC, you can make every day fun and safe for your hearing-impaired pup.

Thumbnail: Photography ©HAYKIRDI | E+ / Getty Images Plus.

Additional resources for deaf dog parents:

American Sign Language Video Dictionary

A Deaf Dog Joins the Family: Training, Education, and Communication for a Smooth Transition, by Terrie Hayward

Deaf Dog Education Action Fund

Dogs Can Sign, Too: A Breakthrough Method for Teaching Your Dog to Communicate, by Sean Senechal

Living with a Deaf Dog: A Book of Advice, Facts and Experiences About Canine Deafness, by Susan Cope Becker

Read more about dog health and care on Dogster.com:

Using Coconut Oil for a Dog’s Itchy Skin

Let’s Talk Dogs With Different-Colored Eyes, or Heterochromia in Dogs

Can a Litter of Dogs Have Different Fathers? Let’s Talk Dogs and Superfecundation

The post What to Know About Living With a Deaf Dog appeared first on Dogster.

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What to Know About Living With a Deaf Dog

Ever gone snorkeling, or attended a rock concert? In both cases, human ears are at a significant disadvantage. Interpersonal sound cues are muffled, distorted or obliterated altogether. Communication generally takes place via some coordinated combination of hand signals, eye contact, facial expressions and body language. Recalling these types of experiences can help us understand what a deaf dog faces every day.

Deaf dogs — the basics

Should you worry about living with a deaf dog? Photography ©Chalabala | iStock / Getty Images Plus.

It hasn’t always been easy to find educational resources concerning dog deafness. In the past, that presented a problem for owners like Susan Cope Becker. She was inspired to share her personal perspectives by writing Living with a Deaf Dog: A Book of Advice, Facts and Experiences About Canine Deafness. Thanks to these sorts of firsthand observations — plus ongoing research, and improvements in digital information dissemination — insights continue to become more accessible.

Nonetheless, some pet owners remain wary about sharing space with a deaf dog. Dedicated rescue services like Maryland-based Pets With Disabilities regularly take in hearing-deficient canines who have been abandoned or owner-surrendered. But Chris Stirn, executive director at Chicagoland-based A.D.O.P.T. Pet Shelter, is quick to offer reassurance. “Adopting any dog can introduce challenges,” she notes, “and living with a deaf dog simply makes those challenges more specific.” Based upon her own long-term observations, Stirn emphasizes that welcoming a deaf canine into your life can be “a very rewarding experience.”

According to skilled behaviorists like Sara Swan, owner at Narnia Pet Behavior & Training, the same holds true for any hearing-impaired dog you may already own. She explains that deaf canines, if properly socialized, can enjoy a level of functionality similar to their hearing counterparts. “And remember,” she chuckles, “they usually won’t bark at the doorbell.”

Here, we explore the ins and outs of optimizing life for a deaf dog.

Causes of dog deafness

My own dog began losing his hearing around the age of 11. One day I noticed that he wouldn’t respond to the familiar, crinkly sound of his treat bag. Then he gradually lost the ability to hear thunderstorms approaching — a mixed blessing, really, since they’d always terrified him. Eventually, I could walk up behind my beloved pup completely unacknowledged.

We ultimately learned that my sweet boy was experiencing geriatric hearing loss. In his book Deafness in Dogs and Cats, veterinary researcher George M. Strain, PhD, explains that causes for this condition can range from drug toxicity to chronic infections to medical issues to head-related injuries —  to yes, even simple old age.

But congenital deafness also occurs — in other words, some dogs are simply deaf from birth. Strain and other researchers have noted a few fairly intriguing connections. Certain statistics, for example, suggest that specific dog breeds seem more predisposed to congenital deafness than others. Interestingly, some studies have found that dogs with white heads can sometimes display a stronger tendency toward inborn hearing loss. It’s thought that lack of pigmentation in the head region may impact nerve cells commonly used to conduct sound.

Is your dog deaf? Initial diagnosis

How do vets diagnose hearing loss in dogs? Photography ©bymuratdeniz | iStock / Getty Images Plus.

Do you suspect that your own canine’s hearing might be compromised? Try shaking a box of treats in the next room to test for any reaction. You can also rattle an empty can filled with pebbles, to see if it elicits a head-turn. But the best way to investigate possible hearing loss is by scheduling a vet visit.

My veterinarian began with a simple observational exam that looked for excess ear wax, fur overgrowth, ear canal blockage, signs of injury or redness that could indicate inflammation. If your own vet suspects some sort of infection, a simple ear swab and culture can help determine the appropriate course of treatment. If sustained hearing loss seems more likely, your vet might conduct something called a brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER) test. This helps evaluate how the brain processes auditory stimuli. Additional imaging tests can provide clues about the possible cause of dog deafness.

Canine hearing loss: potential treatments

If infection is the culprit, your vet may prescribe some combination of topical ointment, oral antibiotics or ear flushing with an enzymatic solution like Zymox. Once successfully treated, this type of hearing impairment can often clear up in a matter of days or weeks. Likewise, ear plucking, wax cleaning or removal of a foreign body can open the ear canal and improve sound conduction.

In the book New Choices in Natural Healing for Dogs and Cats, Tennessee-based holistic veterinarian Sandra Priest, D.V.M., notes that Animal Dermatology Laboratories Foaming Ear Cleanser is great for keeping canine ears free of debris on a regular basis.

But when dog deafness is caused by a medical condition or congenital defect, delicate inner structures or systems may be involved. In some cases, surgery can correct the problem. Canine cochlear implants might be another option, though these devices can be both expensive and tough for dogs to tolerate. Frequently, the best course of action is helping everyone in your hybrid family “pack” learn to live with the hearing loss.

Life with a deaf dog: training tips

How should you train a deaf dog? Photography ©Gemma DiLullo | Getty Images.

It’s natural to worry that dog deafness might interfere with your human-canine bond. But remember, dogs generally don’t sit around feeling horrible for themselves — they simply accept things as they are, adapt and move on. “Owners of deaf dogs may need a jump-start understanding how to communicate,” says Swan, “but once these pets comprehend, they can definitely live great lives as loving family members.”

She recommends that owners start developing modes of communication that can supplement standard audio prompts. In fact, Swan notes that it’s not a bad idea to use a combination of body language, hand signals and auditory cues to communicate with any pet — even those without hearing loss. “Dogs actually learn hand signals faster,” she says, “and they respond more reliably to a combination of signals.” So using this approach with a hearing pet can actually facilitate faster adjustment, should deafness occur down the line.

Should you / can you teach a deaf dog sign language?

Some owners use American Sign Language (ASL), but any hand signal your dog understands should work fine. The important thing is creating unique signals for each key command, then using them consistently. You may also want to teach a special hand signal that represents your dog’s name. Mouth or say the word, and use the hand gesture simultaneously. For actions like “walk” or “car ride,” you can hold out your pet’s leash or display car keys while moving in the appropriate direction.

One command that’s especially fundamental for a deaf dog is “watch.” It asks your dog to focus full attention on your eyes and face. To teach this vital command, try holding a tiny morsel of food near your dog’s snout. Gradually pull this tidbit up next to your own eyes while clearly mouthing and saying the word “watch.” Eventually, your dog will learn to look you in the eye when you need to communicate — even after you stop using the treat.

Getting your dog to watch from a distance is also important. “Owners can use a vibration collar or laser pointer to help capture their canine’s attention,” notes Swan, adding that with both approaches, “you have to TEACH your dog that when he feels that neck vibration or sees the dot, he needs to look toward you.”

Lifestyle tips for deaf dogs

What changes should you make to accommodate a deaf dog? Photography ©Akchamczuk | Thinkstock.

Learning to properly interact with your hearing-impaired pet can help both humans and pets avoid potential issues or injury. Keep the following checklist in mind:

Home Navigation: The idea that deaf dogs never bark is largely a myth, but it’s still smart to keep an eye on your curious canine around the house. Placing a small bell on your pet’s collar can be a great way to quickly determine his whereabouts. You might also place a baby gate in front of any stairs, just in case your deaf canine becomes startled.

Outdoor Hazards: Deaf dogs should always be leashed while outside, or permitted to play within a securely fenced area. “Always keep ID tags on your deaf dog as well,” notes Stirn, “and be sure to microchip your pet, and keep that contact information current.” You can also outfit your canine’s collar with an informational tag that reads, “Toby is deaf. If found, please call …” And remember, deaf dogs can’t hear approaching vehicles — so always watch closely when you’re walking near the street.

Proximity Awareness: “Deaf dogs can startle more easily, particularly while sleeping,” notes Swan. To help prevent this, she suggests, “try flicking a light off and on when you approach — or, walk more heavily on the floor.” Scent is also a powerful informational tool for your canine, she says, “so, even pausing near your pet for a moment can help your dog catch your scent and recognize your presence.” Similarly, if you’re concerned your snoozing dog might become disoriented and nip, you can try touching him very lightly on the back with a long, fluffy dust mop. And don’t forget, always let your deaf dog know you’re leaving the house. Don’t simply sneak away while he’s dozing.

The bottom line on deafness in dogs

Bottom line, approach dog deafness as a unique chance to maximize your human-pet connection. Need personalized help mastering a few strategic lifestyle changes? Never hesitate to touch base with a certified trainer. Stirn notes that a little bit of empathy, commitment and patience can go a long way. With some extra practice and TLC, you can make every day fun and safe for your hearing-impaired pup.

Thumbnail: Photography ©HAYKIRDI | E+ / Getty Images Plus.

Additional resources for deaf dog parents:

American Sign Language Video Dictionary

A Deaf Dog Joins the Family: Training, Education, and Communication for a Smooth Transition, by Terrie Hayward

Deaf Dog Education Action Fund

Dogs Can Sign, Too: A Breakthrough Method for Teaching Your Dog to Communicate, by Sean Senechal

Living with a Deaf Dog: A Book of Advice, Facts and Experiences About Canine Deafness, by Susan Cope Becker

Read more about dog health and care on Dogster.com:

Using Coconut Oil for a Dog’s Itchy Skin

Let’s Talk Dogs With Different-Colored Eyes, or Heterochromia in Dogs

Can a Litter of Dogs Have Different Fathers? Let’s Talk Dogs and Superfecundation

The post What to Know About Living With a Deaf Dog appeared first on Dogster.