Hearing, cognitive function, and quality of life in aging companion dogs

Researchers evaluated the relationship between cognitive function, quality of life, and hearing loss in thirty-nine elderly companion dogs.

Hearing of the dogs was first evaluated using brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER) testing. Dogs were grouped by hearing ability.

Pet owners evaluated their dogs on a canine dementia scale (CADES) and quality of life (CORQ) questionnaire.

The results showed that vitality and companionship CORQ scores were significantly lower as hearing deteriorated. Researchers suggest that hearing loss negatively alters owner-pet interactions and is associated with poor executive performance and owner-assessed dementia severity.

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Relationship between hearing, cognitive function, and quality of life in aging companion dogs