The hearing loss generally can not be reversed, but some changes in interaction with the dog can help reduce the effects. One of the reasons to teach dogs hand signals for various commands while they are young, is that these hand signals are very useful if the dog develops hearing loss. Dogs with hearing loss can still sense vibration, so clapping hands or stomping on the floor may alert the dog you are trying to communicate with him. Changes in the eye and vision loss Many dogs develop a condition of the eye called nuclear sclerosis . In this condition, the lens of the eye appears cloudy, however the dog can usually see quite well.
Cataracts are commmon in older dogs of certain breeds, though, as is glaucoma .
Ophthalmic exams should be part of the physical exam in older dogs. Summary Older dogs can experience many changes in the functions of their bodies. Some dogs may have more pronounced changes than others, and in some dogs the changes may start to occur at a younger age. Knowing what changes to expect can help you and your dog adjust to them when and if they do come. There are many ways we can help the older dog adapt to these changes.