My dog has gone completely deaf over the course of 3 weeks. Was it the benzalkonium chloride?

Hello there,



I'm so sorry to hear about your dog's sudden hearing loss—this must be quite concerning for you. Benzalkonium chloride, often found in cleaning products and disinfectants, is generally not associated with causing deafness. It’s more common to see skin irritations or toxic reactions in pets that have ingested it.



There are several reasons why your dog might lose their hearing over a short period. Age-related hearing loss is common in older dogs, but since this occurred swiftly, there could be underlying issues such as ear infections, wax buildup, or even nerve damage. Sometimes, certain medications can have ototoxic effects, damaging the structures of the inner ear, leading to hearing loss.



At home, you can check your dog’s ears for any signs of discharge, swelling, or an unusual smell, which might suggest an infection. It’s important to keep your pet’s ears clean, but avoid inserting anything deep into the ear canal as this might cause harm.



Watch for any signs of pain, itching, head shaking, or balance issues, as these could indicate more serious conditions that require immediate attention.



I recommend scheduling a video consult with a veterinarian at Dial A Vet, who can help you determine the next best steps for your pet’s health and well-being.