Covering The Week-Long Holiday That Raises Awareness About Deaf Dogs And The Struggles They Face
There are around 89.7 million dogs in the U.S. based on surveys done by the World Animal Foundation. Out of these nearly 90 million dogs, roughly 5 to 10 percent of them are deaf. That’s more than 4.5 million deaf dogs in the U.S. alone! Most people aren’t aware of all these deaf dogs or the challenges they face. That’s why the last full week of September is celebrated annually as Deaf Dog Awareness Week. This year, 2023, Deaf Dog Awareness Week will take place from September 24th to September 30th. This article will go over the importance of Deaf Dog Awareness Week, how dogs go deaf, and how you can observe this amazing holiday.
Why Celebrate Deaf Dogs
Dogs are widely revered for their amazing sense of hearing. Because of this, a dog not being able to hear is generally considered a bad thing. However, dogs are very adaptable and can usually get by with their other senses of smell and sight. Deaf dogs are worth celebrating because they are just as sweet, playful, and affectionate as any other dog. While they are considered special needs animals, they are fairly independent and require little more care than your average dog.
The Aim Of The Holiday
The overall aim of Deaf Dog Awareness Week is to raise awareness about deaf dogs. This week-long holiday also aims to promote the adoption of deaf dogs as well. Most special needs dogs are often overlooked when it comes to adoption due to the stigma that they require too much effort or care. However, the truth is that they don’t require much more care than your average dog. Deaf Dog Awareness Week intends to break that stigma and remind people that deaf dogs deserve a good home regardless of their disability.
Why Do Dogs Become Deaf?
The most common reason for dogs becoming deaf is due to old age. Dogs can lose their sense of hearing as they age, just like humans. A dog’s eardrums become less flexible over time. As a result, sounds are not transmitted as effectively. Additionally, some dogs can also lose their hearing from chronic ear infections or traumatic injury to the ears or head, according to the A.K.C. (American Kennel Club).
Also, some breeds of dogs are more likely/susceptible to deafness. Some of these breeds include Australian Cattle Dogs, Boston Terriers, Bull Terriers, Dalmatians, English Cocker Spaniels, English Setters, and Parson Russell Terriers.
Warning Signs Of Deafness In Dogs
Deafness in dogs usually occurs gradually over time as a dog ages. As a result, it can be difficult to notice if your dog is going deaf. A good way to test if your dog is going deaf is to make a distinct noise and gauge their reaction. For example, try shaking a bag of treats, jingling your keys, or clapping your hands together to see if your dog hears the sound. If you get no response from your dog, then there is a good chance that your dog is going deaf. Be sure to make this distinct noise where your dog can’t see you as we are testing their hearing not their vision.
How You Can Observe The Holiday
We encourage you to get involved with Deaf Dog Awareness Week this September 24th through September 30th (2023). When it comes to observing the holiday, one of the best ways to do so is by adopting a deaf dog! Adopting a deaf dog, or any special needs animal, is a truly selfless and humbling experience. Adoption provides the animal with a good home and it gives you the experience of a new furry friend.
If adoption isn’t a good option for you, then consider volunteering at your local animal shelter instead. Most animal shelters operate off mostly volunteers and are always looking for more. Volunteer work is very rewarding as it gives you the opportunity to work with and care for special needs animals such as deaf dogs.
Lastly, you can also observe this wonderful holiday by posting about it on social media. There are so many people that don’t know about Deaf Dog Awareness Week or the struggles that deaf dogs go through. Even just one post on social media can make all the difference in educating pet owners and finding deaf dogs a good home. Additionally, be sure to share this article too!
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