How your pet hears sound?

The ear is composed of several structures that work together to process sound. When sound waves enter the ear, they travel through the external ear canal and cause the eardrum (tympanic membrane) to vibrate. These vibrations are then transmitted through the middle ear to the inner ear.

The middle ear of a dog or cat contains three small bones called ossicles: the malleus, incus, and stapes. These bones amplify the vibrations received from the eardrum and transmit them to the inner ear. The inner ear contains the cochlea, which is responsible for converting sound vibrations into electrical signals that can be interpreted by the brain.

Sound waves can cause vibrations in the eardrum and subsequent movements of the middle ear bones. Excessive sound intensity, high and low frequencies or sudden loud noises can potentially cause discomfort, temporary hearing loss, or damage to the delicate structures of the ear in pets.

The brain processes the electrical signals received from the auditory nerve and interprets them as sound. This allows your pet to perceive and understand different sounds in their environment.

How we design sound for your pet’s ears.

Our Pet Acoustics® proprietary process innovated by Janet Marlow in 1997, called “species-specific music”, modifies sound waves within designed music to be the most comfortable for the mechanism of pet hearing. Frequencies and volume levels that trigger stress are modified according to each animal’s comfort hearing range.

The results of our Pet Acoustics® music maintains hearing health in animals, elicits behavioral balance and lessens stress in their living environment.

Pet Tunes Canine used at the Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation (video)

Pet Tunes Pro is a multi-sensory speaker that calms dogs and cats with Pet Acoustics® science-based music, light colors, and nature sounds. Proven through biometric studies, Pet Acoustics@ proprietary sound design relieves pet stress for wellness in veterinary, kennel and home environments.

Dogs identify hues of blue-violet and cats hues of yellow-green. Light and colors help reduce stress levels in dogs and cats. Easy Touch tap on the speaker changes color choices. Enhances veterinary and kennel environments.

Pet Parents! Use Pet Tunes Pro to lessen anxiety in the veterinary exam room. Video shows Rigby go from anxiety to calm while seeing soothing colors and listening to the music.

Pet Parent Review -“Mitzi and I got your Pet Tunes Pro in the mail a few days ago. Mitzi and l have been listening to it almost continuously since. She absolutely loves it. The quality of the device and the music is exceptional."

Recently, the subject of arthritis became personal for me and my beautiful English Springer Spaniel, Rigby, who has started to limp daily. He had jumped out of the car, as he always did when we arrived home and screamed in pain. I rushed him to the vet. You know that feeling when your world comes to a stop over the complete concern of your pet. Xrays were taken of his legs which showed arthritis in his elbows. He just turned 9 years old. This was the moment I realized I needed to help Rigby for the rest of his life to help him with his arthritic joints. When he was 4, 5 and 6 years old we did agility training together. At one point, his right leg limped and we stopped the training. We transitioned to a therapy dog team at our local school. Rigby loves people and engaging in activity. All this to say, that it became heartbreaking to see him start to limit himself because he was in pain from arthritis. I started to research answers to my questions about the scope of arthritis in dogs to be able to create a protocol for Rigby medically and holistically, to help him for the rest of his life to have his best life. Rigby is now on a series of methods and is walking well and we are back to play, walks and partnering in our daily adventures, with caring observations to keep him safe and not in pain. The following questions and answers is an brief outline on many of the aspects of arthritis to share with you to be prepared for this common stage of life for our precious dogs. Janet Marlow, Founder and CEO of Pet Acoustics.

How to help dogs with arthritis

Arthritis is a common condition in dogs, particularly in older dogs or those with a genetic predisposition. The condition can cause stiffness, pain, and reduced mobility. However, there are several ways you can help dogs with arthritis:

1. Consult a veterinarian: If you suspect that your dog has arthritis, it's essential to consult a veterinarian. They can diagnose the condition and provide appropriate treatment options.

2. Weight management: Overweight dogs are more susceptible to arthritis, so it's important to manage their weight. Feeding them a balanced diet and providing regular exercise can help them maintain a healthy weight.

3. Provide comfortable bedding: Provide your dog with comfortable bedding that supports their joints. An orthopedic bed can help to reduce pressure on their joints and provide a more comfortable sleeping surface.

4. Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help to relieve pain and improve mobility in dogs with arthritis. Your veterinarian can recommend exercises and activities that can help to improve joint mobility and reduce inflammation.

5. Medication: Your veterinarian may prescribe medication to relieve pain and inflammation in your dog. Some commonly used medications include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and pain relievers.

6. Supplements: Certain supplements, such as glucosamine and chondroitin, may help to reduce inflammation and support joint health in dogs with arthritis.

7. Gentle exercise: Gentle exercise, such as short walks or swimming, can help to improve joint mobility and reduce stiffness in dogs with arthritis. However, it's important not to overdo it and to avoid activities that put too much strain on their joints.

8. Relaxed rest: Help your dog release muscle tension from imbalanced physical stresses using Pet Acoustics® science music to regenerate muscle movement.

How many dogs suffer from arthritis?

It is difficult to estimate the exact number of dogs that suffer from arthritis, as it is a common condition that can affect dogs of all ages and breeds. However, it is more commonly seen in older dogs and larger breeds, such as Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Golden Retrievers. According to the Arthritis Foundation, it is estimated that one in five dogs in the United States suffers from arthritis, which equates to approximately 20% of the dog population. However, this number may vary depending on the population studied and the diagnostic criteria used.

What is the cause of arthritis?

Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation and pain in the joints, and it can affect dogs of all ages and breeds. The causes of arthritis in dogs can vary and may include:

1. Age: As dogs age, their joints can become less flexible and more susceptible to wear and tear, which can lead to arthritis.

2. Genetics: Certain breeds are more prone to developing arthritis, such as Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Golden Retrievers. Genetics can play a role in the development of arthritis, as certain genes may increase a dog's susceptibility to the condition.

3. Obesity: Being overweight puts extra stress on a dog's joints, which can lead to inflammation and damage over time, increasing the likelihood of developing arthritis.

4. Joint injuries: Trauma or injury to a joint can cause damage to the cartilage and surrounding tissues, leading to arthritis.

5. Infections: Certain infections, such as Lyme disease, can cause joint inflammation and lead to arthritis.

6. Autoimmune disorders: In some cases, a dog's immune system may attack its own joint tissues, leading to inflammation and damage.

In summary, arthritis can have several causes, and identifying the underlying cause can help in managing the condition and improving the dog's quality of life.

Can you cure arthritis?

Unfortunately, there is no cure for arthritis in dogs or humans. However, there are several treatments and management strategies that can help to reduce pain and inflammation, improve mobility, and slow the progression of the disease. These treatments can help to improve a dog's quality of life and allow them to live comfortably with arthritis.

What causes arthritis in dogs?

Arthritis in dogs is caused by inflammation and damage to the joints, which can lead to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. The causes of arthritis in dogs can vary and may include:

Is this a disease of modern dogs or has this been true of canine life even 10,000 years ago

Arthritis is not a disease of modern dogs, and it has likely been present in canines for thousands of years. In fact, arthritis has been found in the remains of ancient dogs, indicating that it is not a new condition.

Arthritis is a degenerative joint disease that occurs as a result of wear and tear on the joints over time. As dogs age, their joints can become less flexible and more susceptible to damage and inflammation, leading to arthritis. This is true for both modern and ancient dogs.

In addition to age-related changes, other factors such as genetics, injury, and infection can also contribute to the development of arthritis in dogs. It is likely that these factors have been present in canine populations for thousands of years, and the prevalence of arthritis in dogs today may be influenced by a variety of environmental and lifestyle factors.

In conclusion, arthritis is not a new condition in dogs and has likely been present in canine populations for thousands of years.

Can canine arthritis be prevented?

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent arthritis in dogs, there are several steps that pet owners can take to reduce their dog's risk of developing the condition or to slow its progression. Some prevention strategies for canine arthritis include:

1. Maintaining a healthy weight: Obesity puts extra stress on a dog's joints and can increase the risk of arthritis. By maintaining a healthy weight through proper diet and exercise, pet owners can help reduce this risk.

2. Providing proper nutrition: Feeding a well-balanced diet that includes joint-supporting nutrients such as glucosamine and chondroitin can help support joint health and reduce the risk of arthritis.

3. Regular exercise: Regular exercise can help keep a dog's joints mobile and reduce the risk of arthritis. However, it is important to avoid high-impact activities that can put too much stress on the joints, especially in dogs that are predisposed to developing arthritis.

4. Providing joint support: Providing joint support in the form of supplements, such as glucosamine and chondroitin, or orthopedic beds or other supportive devices, can help to reduce stress on a dog's joints and support joint health.

5. Early diagnosis and treatment: Early diagnosis and treatment of underlying conditions such as hip dysplasia or other joint injuries can help to prevent or slow the progression of arthritis.

While these strategies can help to reduce a dog's risk of developing arthritis, there is no guaranteed way to prevent the condition entirely. It is important to work closely with a veterinarian to develop a plan to support a dog's joint health and manage arthritis if it does develop.

At what age of a dog do we as pet parents have to pay attention to potential arthritis issues in our young dog?

While arthritis is more commonly seen in older dogs, it can also occur in younger dogs, especially in those with certain risk factors. As such, it is important for pet owners to pay attention to potential arthritis issues in young dogs as well.

Some risk factors that may increase the likelihood of arthritis in young dogs include:

1. Breed: Certain breeds are more prone to developing joint problems and arthritis, such as larger breeds like Great Danes, Rottweilers, and German Shepherds.

2. Obesity: Being overweight puts extra stress on a dog's joints, which can increase the risk of arthritis at any age.

3. Joint injuries: Trauma or injury to a joint can cause damage to the cartilage and surrounding tissues, leading to arthritis.

4. Developmental abnormalities: Conditions such as hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia can increase the risk of arthritis in young dogs.

As a general guideline, pet owners should begin paying attention to potential arthritis issues in their dogs around the age of 5-7 years, depending on the breed and other risk factors. However, it is important to note that arthritis can occur in dogs of any age, and pet owners should always be aware of any signs of joint pain, stiffness, or mobility issues, regardless of their dog's age. If you notice any of these signs in your young dog, it is important to consult with a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Do dogs see colors?

Yes, dogs do see colors, but their color perception is different from that of humans. Dogs have fewer color receptors in their eyes than humans, which means they can only see two primary colors: blue-violet and yellow-green. This is a condition known as dichromatic vision. In contrast, humans have trichromatic vision, which means we can see the full spectrum of colors.

Because of their limited color vision, dogs see the world in shades of blue and yellow. Colors such as red, orange, and green appear as shades of yellow or gray to them. However, dogs have excellent visual acuity and can detect even subtle changes in movement and contrast, which is why they are such great hunters and trackers.

Do cats see colors?

Yes, cats do see colors.  Like dogs, cats also have dichromatic vision, which means they can only see two primary colors: blue and green. They do not have the ability to see reds or oranges, which appear as shades of gray or brown to them.

Despite their limited color vision, cats have excellent night vision and can see well in low light conditions. They also have a wider field of view than humans, with their eyes positioned more toward the sides of their head, giving them a 200-degree field of view compared to the human's 180-degree field of view. This wide field of view helps them to detect movement and avoid predators while hunting.

What is dichromatic vision in animals

Dichromatic vision is a type of color vision in animals that is characterized by the ability to perceive only two primary colors. In dichromatic vision, the eyes have two types of color receptors, also known as cones, that are sensitive to different wavelengths of light. The most common form of dichromatic vision in animals is the ability to see shades of blue and green.

This type of color vision is found in many animals, including dogs, cats, and most other mammals. Dichromatic vision is thought to be an evolutionary adaptation that allows these animals to see important visual cues in their environment, such as the contrast between a predator and its surroundings or the ripeness of fruit.

In contrast, humans have trichromatic vision, which means we have three types of color receptors in our eyes, allowing us to see a full range of colors. This is due to a gene mutation that occurred in early primates, which gave us an advantage in finding ripe fruit and detecting subtle changes in skin color that can indicate emotion or illness in other people.

Do birds see colors?

Yes, most birds have excellent color vision and can see a wider range of colors than humans. Birds have four types of color receptors, or cones, in their eyes compared to the three types found in humans. This means that they can see ultraviolet light and a wider range of colors, including colors that are invisible to humans.

Birds use their color vision to find food, attract mates, and navigate their environment. For example, some species of birds can see the ultraviolet patterns on flowers that guide them to nectar. Other birds use their color vision to recognize the bright colors of other birds and to distinguish between different species.

In addition to their excellent color vision, many birds also have sharp visual acuity and depth perception, which helps them to accurately judge the distance and speed of objects while flying. The combination of these visual abilities allows birds to thrive in their natural environments and play important roles in pollination, seed dispersal, and insect control.

Do horses see colors?

Yes, horses see colors.  Like dogs and cats, horses have dichromatic vision, which means they can only see two primary colors: blue and green. They do not have the ability to see reds or oranges, which appear as shades of gray to them.

Despite their limited color vision, horses have excellent night vision and can see well in low light conditions. They also have a wider field of view than humans, with their eyes positioned on the sides of their head, giving them a 350-degree field of view compared to the human's 180-degree field of view. This wide field of view helps them to detect predators and avoid obstacles while running.

Horses also have a special ability to see motion better than humans, which is thought to be an adaptation for detecting predators in their natural environment. This ability allows them to detect even subtle movements in their environment, such as the flicker of a predator's tail or the movement of a fly on their skin.

Can you keep a light on to calm a dog?

Keeping a light on can be helpful in calming some dogs, especially those who are afraid of the dark or have separation anxiety. Dogs are social animals and often feel comforted by the presence of their human family or other dogs. Keeping a light on can help them feel less isolated and anxious, especially if they are left alone for long periods of time.

However, it is important to keep in mind that dogs are diurnal animals, meaning they are most active during the day and sleep at night. Keeping a bright light on in the room where your dog sleeps can disrupt their natural sleep patterns and may cause them to have difficulty sleeping or resting properly. To avoid this, it is recommended to use a low-level night light or a dimmer switch to create a calm and soothing environment for your dog without disturbing their sleep.

Is light useful for separation anxiety for a dog?

Light can be used as part of an overall strategy to help manage the condition. Separation anxiety is a common behavior disorder in dogs that can cause them to exhibit a range of destructive or anxious behaviors, such as barking, chewing, or trying to escape when left alone.

To help manage separation anxiety in dogs, it is important to create a calm and predictable environment for them. This can include providing them with a comfortable and secure place to sleep, such as a crate or a designated area of the house, and leaving familiar toys, blankets, or other items that have your scent on them.

In some cases, leaving a low-level light on in the room where your dog sleeps can also help reduce their anxiety and make them feel less isolated when you are not there. 

Can light be soothing to cats?

Yes, light can be soothing to cats, especially natural sunlight. Cats are crepuscular animals, which means they are most active during the dawn and dusk hours and often rest during the day. Exposure to sunlight during these times can help regulate their natural sleep-wake cycle and promote relaxation

Changing lights 

If you are considering using changing lights to entertain or stimulate your pet, it is important to monitor their behavior and response to the lights. If your cat seems to enjoy the changing lights and is not showing any signs of stress or discomfort, then it may be a harmless way to provide them with some visual stimulation. However, if your pet is showing signs of stress, such as hiding or becoming agitated, it may be best to discontinue the use of changing lights.

In general, colored soothing lights can be helpful in calming pets, including dogs and cats. Soft, muted colors such as blue, green, and purple can create a relaxing and calming atmosphere, especially when used in conjunction with other calming strategies such as music or aromatherapy.

Colored lights can be used in a variety of ways to create a calming environment for pets. For example, a soft blue or green light can be left on in a quiet room or sleeping area to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety. Similarly, a color-changing lamp or LED strip can be used to create a calming and visually stimulating environment for pets.

It is important to note, however, that some pets may be sensitive to bright or flashing lights, and exposure to these types of lights can cause overstimulation and stress. If you are using colored lights to calm your pet, it is important to monitor their behavior and response to the lights. If your pet seems to enjoy the lights and is not showing any signs of stress or discomfort, then it may be a harmless way to provide them with some visual stimulation. However, if your pet is showing signs of stress or agitation, it may be best to discontinue the use of colored lights.

Overall, colored soothing lights can be a helpful tool in promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety in pets, but it is important to use them carefully and in conjunction with other calming strategies to ensure the best possible results.

Introducing an advancement in pet care!

PET TUNES PRO

A multisensory speaker to balance behaviors in dogs and cats

PET TUNES PRO - Veterinary, Kennel, Home

Pet Tunes Pro is a multi-sensory speaker that calms dogs and cats with Pet Acoustics® music, light, colors, and nature sounds. Proven through biometric studies, Pet Acoustics® proprietary sound design relieves pet stress for wellness in veterinary, kennel and home environments.

Pet Tunes Pro by Pet Acoustics- New!

Dogs identify hues of blue-violet and cats hues of yellow-green. Light colors can help reduce stress levels in dogs and cats. Easy Touch tap on the speaker changes color choices. Useful for veterinary and kennel settings.

Dogs hear twice as much as humans and cats three times more. Our Pet Tunes Pro's 360° omni directional speaker helps to balance canine and feline behaviors in their listening environment with volume capacity from small to large spaces.

PET TUNES PRO INCLUDES:

• Pet Acoustics® preloaded Micro TF Card with calming music for dogs and cats

• Pet Acoustics® Nature Calm TF Card for dogs and cats

• Pet Acoustics® White Noise TF Card

• Nature Sound Built-in Mode (8 Choices)

• Multicolor Touch Light Choices

• Home Pet Hearing Test

• USB Charging cord

• AUX IN cable

Bluetooth® compatible - plays any music from device

Multiple RGB color choices to soothe pet environments 

Digital LED alarm clock timer for scheduling prompts

Why the word PRO after Pet Tunes?

From Latin pro (“in favor of, on behalf of”) Pet Acoustics’ products are in favor of pet wellness and on behalf of providing the best products for your pet.

* Shop additional SD cards for dogs, puppy, cats, horses or birds available

Over the past 14 years, Pet Acoustics has set out to show on a biometric basis how our products affect the state of dogs, cats and horses. These studies prove that in their listening environment of Pet Acoustics species-specific music the physical response results in lower cortisol levels, lower pulse rate, higher heart rate variability (HRV) and calmer activity level. The following Pet Acoustics’ biometric study was published and peer reviewed in the International Animal Health Journal. For all of our Pet Acoustics biometric publications, please visit: https://www.researchgate.net/search.Search.html?query=pet+acoustics&type=publication

Dog Walks

“Dogs teach us to observe the path along the way. It is one of their greatest gifts to us as pet parents.”

Walking with your dog is one of the most beautiful and valued parts of your relationship because it is a time that balances you and your dog’s partnership. A walk activates both human and canine senses while you share the fresh air, the exercise and nature. If a dog's life span is an average of fourteen years, you will walk your dog over 10,000 times! 

Dogs look forward to walks with you whether on the road, on the city street, or on the nature trail. This is where your dog enjoys your company while happily activating his senses.  When dogs walk, their most active senses are their noses and ears. When we walk, we are usually in our thoughts. A human has twelve thousand  to sixty thousand thoughts a day. Dogs help us get out of our inner monologue of thoughts by perking up to a sound, catching a whiff of an interesting scent, or stopping to analyze a foreign object. Taking a walk is an agreement between you and your dog and deepens companionship.  

Since we take thousands of walks with our dogs, I’d like to offer a musical perspective while you walk together. Walks are truly like a musical composition.  Walking together has phrasing, tempo, dynamics and form.  Phrasing has a beginning, a hi-point and an end. There is always one interesting point in the middle of a walk, like meeting a friend and their dog for a conversation. 

Tempo is the pace at which you and your dog walk. Some days are energetic, and some days require a slower pace. Whatever your pace, your dog is aware of your energy level and will adjust to your tempo. You are partners in harmony.

Dynamics are the volume levels experienced along the way. You may encounter a noisy construction zone or have a chance to pause for a quiet moment in a park, with an offered dog treat of course

Form is the route that you take. In Native American folklore, it is said to complete a journey, instead of returning the same way, find a different route home to complete the circle.

Puppy Walks

When you teach your puppy to walk on leash make sure to use your voice along the way. Your puppy is imprinting the inflection of your voice to learn and understand your training communication.  Keep your voice in a high pitch which is best for their high frequency hearing.

Establish a rhythm to your walk and keep your dog at that pace. As a simple training exercise, count a certain number of steps in a pattern and then stop to request a sit-stay. Repeat the counting pattern and then release into free-form walking, then go back to the pattern.  Use puppy walks for training, socializing and confidence in creative ways.

Listening Walks

When we walk alongside our dogs, they are not only sniffing and seeing where they are going but they are also hearing our footsteps. Tune in to hearing your own footsteps and then walk a little faster and watch your dog pick up the pace. Spend the walk listening to you and your dog’s immediate surroundings.

Imagine your dog and cat who lives about 2 to 4 feet off the floor of your house. They have a sense of safety in your normal day with the comings and goings of the family, daily scents, sounds, treats mealtime, walks and communications. Now it’s the holidays and their home is filled with family and friends. Dogs and cats feel calm when they have their routines. It’s wonderful to have a merry household for the holidays but just being aware your pet’s world of acute sensory perceptions on a different level will help you help them feel less stressed. So Pet Acoustics has produced holiday music with a dual purpose. Pet Tunes Holiday will provide a festive mood to your home while helping your pets remain calm with music sounds that elicit calm behavior. Want to know what this sounds like listen to this video presentation of Pet Tunes Holiday. Now add some toys of a squeaky Santa and feathery mouse for fun and frolic.

How many times have you seen a dog left in a car while waiting for their person to return? You can see this in parking lots and in front of store parking. It always tugs at the heart string especially seeing the dog in freeze behavior mode, staring intensely for the first glimpse of his person or family. Pet parents know to leave windows open, not to leave them in a car on a hot day at all and to keep the time short. Whether one or several dogs, the look and behavior is the same…a frozen stance. If a dog is feeling the need to freeze or be still, it means that they are experiencing a high level of unease. In some instances when a dog is still, the situation may not escalate further; the freeze may mean the dog is so uncomfortable or stressed with the situation that he feels he has no option but to shut down. Since you are the person away from your dog even if it’s to pop into a store or post office for a short period of time, it’s important to address what your dog is feeling during these moments.

We may think these short moments of anxiety dissipate as soon as your dog sees you return with a waggy tail and settles down, however please note that the physical response of pulse rate and cortisol levels takes some time to lower to your dog’s baseline or normal levels.

Perhaps your dog barks excessively until you return? Some dogs may jump back and forth from the back seat to the front seat as a stress anxiety behavior. These short time periods in the car are signs of stress. Stress behavior in dogs is the focus of Pet Tunes Canine calming music which we hope you already have for your dog. We wanted to underline the portability and stress-modifying tool of Pet Tunes music that it is not just for separation anxiety at home but to be used also for these moments of anxiety and stress while in the car or other places you take your dog.

OTHER PLACES WHERE DOGS FEEL STRESS

CAR TRAVEL, VET VISITS, GROOMING SESSIONS, KENNEL STAYOVERS, POST SURGERY RECUPERATION

We love our dogs and cats. We love everything about them, the feel, their touch, their funny personality, the calm and active times we share daily. There are many levels of relationship that we cherish throughout their lives as we care for their well being. The last week in September is Pet Acoustics’ spotlight on pet hearing health. National Pet Hearing Health Week goes from September 26 to 30th. Each day we are asking you to observe your pet’s hearing ability as part of their health at any age. In our research over the past twenty five years, we’ve learned many aspects of what entails pet hearing health. Pet Acoustics now offers the first FREE Home Pet Hearing Test for dogs or cats to know for sure if your pet has full or partial hearing range. Learn more.

One pet parent said “ I just whisper “treat” and if my dog comes running I know they have hearing”. We’ve learned that knowing if your pet has hearing health requires more care and attention and that pet hearing has three levels of responses, high, medium and low ear/brain triggers. Each of these mean different triggering responses to animals. Simply put, human and animal health parallel. Human babies start with extraordinary hearing, the best the human ear can do, from the lowest vibrations to the highest sounds. As we age, our hearing diminishes in capacity and in old age, we lose more and more ability to hear. This, of course, varies form person to person but generally this is the case. In dogs and cats, the same range from birth to senior applies to our animal friends. This is why it’s important to acknowledge that your pet will be losing some hearing ability as they age. Most of the time, we recognize that our dog or cat is not hearing after the fact of hearing loss, when they no longer respond to our call, or have a new level of anxiety as this sense diminishes. So keeping track of your pet’s hearing ability throughout their life is a new and important awareness. which is what our Pet Acoustics National Pet Hearing Health Week is all about. Take time once a year to know the status of your pet’s hearing as a check-up.

Senior to geriatric dogs, who fall in the age range of seven to fourteen years or older, experience hearing loss as they age. The physical cause is due to degenerative changes in the nerves inside the ear. Loss of hearing is very gradual, so as a pet parent you may not notice the change right away. The common form of deafness in pets is age-related hearing loss, referred to as ARHL. Most experience some degree of ARHL, beginning in the third trimester of life. ARHL begins by affecting the middle to high frequency range of sounds but eventually encompasses the entire range of frequency hearing ability by the geriatric stage. 

For seniors, acknowledging their hearing loss is an important step to helping them navigate a new life stage. When our pets have pain or have an illness, pets often become stoic, not showing feelings of pain. Fortunately, when they’re in our care, we can be on the lookout for signs of hearing loss. Perhaps your pet no longer comes when you whistle, shows changes in daily behaviors, has an increased startle reflex specifically to touch, creates a louder than usual bark to get your attention, increases sleep time or has general apathy. When you have suspicions that there is something wrong with your pet’s hearing, take her to the veterinarian for evaluation and possible treatment.

Veterinary check up

Your veterinarian will observe your pet’s hearing ability. They’ll likely check to see if your pet responds to sounds outside their field of vision and take note if your pet has involuntary flicking or twitching of the ears, called-Pryor’s reflex-in response to sound.  

BAER Hearing Test- A veterinary procedure is an electro-diagnostic test used to evaluate the hearing of dogs, cats and other. domestic animals. It evaluates the components of the external ear canal, middle/inner ear cavities, cranial nerve and selected areas of the brainstem.

Pet Acoustics Home Pet Hearing Test is an easy, hands-on way to observe and record if your pet has full hearing or may have partial hearing or hearing loss. We’ve simplified the science of pet hearing into key ranges; high, mid, and low frequency hearing. This natural method includes animal vocalizations that are familiar to your pet. After conducting the test, you will know better if your pet hears all three levels or may have hearing loss.  

How it works

• Sign up on PetAcoustics.com to start the free Pet Acoustics Home Pet Hearing Test 

• Click on each audio test 

• Mark your pet’s observable reaction after playing each sound. 

• The survey test takes one minute to complete.

You’ll be emailed the test results which you can share with your veterinarian.