Last Updated: 12/08/2026
Sensory Loss in Dogs: A Vet's Guide
Is your dog losing their hearing or sight? A vet explains the causes, key signs to spot, and when to act - for both hearing and vision loss.
Author: Dr Samantha Wycherley BVSc
Reading Time: 3 minutes - short read
Watching your best friend navigate the world differently as their sight or hearing begins to fade is a lot to take in. The good news is that most dogs adapt remarkably well with the right support - and some causes of sensory loss are treatable if caught early, which makes a vet check the right first step. This guide covers what causes sensory loss, the signs to look out for, and where to find help.
Sensory changes are one of the most common challenges of the senior years. For a full overview of caring for an ageing dog, see our guide: How to Care for a Senior Dog.
What is sensory loss in dogs?
Sensory loss occurs when a dog loses their ability to hear or see. It most commonly affects one sense, though older dogs can lose both. Gradual changes due to age are the most common cause - but sudden sensory loss can signal a treatable condition, so it's always worth a vet check.
In clinic, we find that sensory loss is often more advanced by the time owners notice it than they realise - dogs compensate remarkably well in familiar environments. It's common for owners to look back and realise the changes had been happening for months before the penny dropped.
What causes hearing loss in dogs?
Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) is by far the most common cause in older dogs, caused by gradual degeneration of the hair cells and nerve endings in the inner ear. Unfortunately this type isn't reversible, but most dogs adapt well over time.
Other causes include:
- Ear canal blockages (wax build-up, foreign bodies, polyps)
- Chronic or severe ear infections
- Ototoxic medications (certain drugs that can damage the inner ear)
- Neurological conditions
Sudden hearing loss always warrants prompt veterinary attention. A BAER (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response) test can confirm the degree of hearing loss if needed.
What causes vision loss in dogs?
- Cataracts - a cloudy lens; often treatable surgically by a veterinary ophthalmologist
- Glaucoma - increased pressure in the eye; always an emergency - the sooner it's treated, the better the chance of saving vision
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) - gradual retinal degeneration, common in certain breeds; not reversible
- Age-related nuclear sclerosis - a harmless bluish haze that doesn't significantly affect vision (often confused for cataracts)
How can I tell if my dog is losing their hearing?
- Not responding to their name or verbal cues they previously knew
- No longer reacting to familiar sounds - doorbell, food prep, the car pulling up
- Sleeping much more deeply and harder to rouse
- Startling easily when touched, especially from behind
- Barking more loudly than usual
How can I tell if my dog is losing their vision?
- Bumping into furniture or doorways, particularly in low light
- Hesitating on stairs or misjudging jumps
- Eyes that appear cloudy, bluish, or have an unusual shine
- Pupils that look large, uneven, or slow to respond to light
- Increased clinginess or anxiety in unfamiliar environments
A simple home check: for hearing, stand behind your dog and clap sharply - a dog with normal hearing should flick an ear or turn around. For vision, drop a cotton wool ball in front of their field of view from about half a metre away - an undistracted dog with normal vision should track it with their eyes. Neither replaces a vet assessment, but both can help you gauge how urgently to book one.
When should I see a vet?
Any sudden change in your dog's sight or hearing needs prompt veterinary attention - same-day if there's eye redness, squinting, or obvious pain. Gradual changes are less urgent but still worth investigating. Some causes are treatable, and the earlier they're caught, the better the outcome.
What happens after a diagnosis?
The way forward depends on which sense is affected. For practical day-to-day guidance, see:
- Caring for a Blind Dog - environment modifications, training adaptations, enrichment, and more
- Caring for a Deaf Dog - hand signal training, safety tips, enrichment, and anxiety support
Most dogs with sensory loss go on to live happy, full lives. With consistency, patience, and the right adaptations, your dog can continue to thrive.
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History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Wed 12 Aug 2026
Edited by Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)Dr Samantha Wycherley BVSc
Contributing Author, BVSc
Dr Samantha works as a companion animal veterinarian in Melbourne. Graduated from Massey University in New Zealand in 2015. I have worked in NZ, across the UK and in Australia. Special interests include wildlife and senior pet medicine.
