I have had tinnitus now for 6yrs and it's been mild for the most part. It was caused by a bad cold and everytime I've had a cold since it spikes but always calms down when my cold goes.
Anyway I have wanted a dog since I was like 5yrs old I've just always wanted one as a teenager instead of being out with friends I'd be at home reading dog behavior books or training books as I find dogs fascinating and I love watching them communicate with us as well as each other.
I wasn't allowed a dog though and knew I had to wait till I moved out and I have but now I'm stuck with a dilemma a friend who has tinnitus as well (we met at a tinnitus support group) told me dogs are dangerous for tinnitus their bark is very loud and even one bark is enough to spike our tinnitus. So this has now made me rethink getting a dog and upset me at the same time because my only dream in life is to own a dog before I die that's it just own a dog ( I personally want a golden retriever as their my favorite)
He said dogs can be as loud as 100dbl and Goldens have the loudest bark but I think that's unfair because it's one individual golden who broke the world record surely not every Golden will be that loud?
I am fine with dogs who bark outside if I'm walking past and a dog is barking I've been fine but I also know it will be different inside were the dog would be closer to my ears and properly louder.
I just wanted to ask if any dog owners here and if I am doing the wrong thing getting a dog with tinnitus?
I've been told to get a cat but I'm just not a cat person at all.
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hey there! I am 57 and I have had tinnitus since I was 11. I am about to get my first dog and I did a lot of research before picking a breed called Bergamasco. They are not known to bark unless it’s to alert. Side bonus is they don’t drool or shed so they tipped all my boxes. you should be fine if you just do your research and don’t get a dog that barks a lot or barks loud and hurt your ears. Best of luck!
To me the dog helps, gets me out for walks and is a great distraction for want of a better word.
We currenltly have a Jack Russell, she doesn't bark a lot and also my T is not particularly sensetive to noises but when she does decide to start yapping we deal with that.
As general point and one I know is very personal i think developing T made me to hesitant to do things either exisitng or new, I worried about going to the football, cycling and flying etc. All have been fine with a little planning.
Unfortunately not therapy dogs for tinnitus don't exist in the UK. Their was a women I knew who had an assistant dog who had tinnitus and she said he saved her life but he was a hearing dog for the deaf she got him because her hearing was also going. We're mines fine
I would contact the RNID. They may advise. They may know of trainers who can help too. Get a breed that does not yap. Personally I don't like dogs. They terrify me so would not help me !!!
Greyhounds very rarely ( if ever) bark and like to laze around so they are very calming- yes they do enjoy a run but long walks - forget it! Getting a retired greyhound was the best thing we did.
Please go ahead and get your puppy dog. I have two lovely miniature poodles whom I love to bits, I could not live without them. I take them for lots of varied walks each day and the enjoyment and calmness they bring to me is immense. One poodle is quite loud and it doesn’t bother my tinnitus at all. Let me know what you decide , think you need to change your friends. My poodles are my best friends.
get yourself a dog. I’ve always had dogs and they make no difference whatsoever to my tinnitus (6 years). The amount of joy they bring, their calming effect and also distraction is perfect. It will be the best decision you could make. All the best.
Awww their so beautiful rabbits65 I really want a golden retriever but knowing they have the loudest bark is stopping me picking a Golden even though they tick all my boxes and are perfect for me. My mom told me to get a golden but I was told the bigger the dog the louder the bark. Goldens luckily don't bark often at all their very quiet but it's how loud they bark that worried me. Mom said not all with be that loud as it was only one individual golden who broke the world record so not the entire breed and she said she finds Goldens no louder than other dogs as barking is loud but you'll be fine.
Do you think she's right I'm worrying about the golden who broke the record for loudest bark for nothing as not all will be like that as its only one golden?
l have tinnitus and a 7 year old retriever- one of many things I love about him is the fact that he hardly ever barks. Only occasionally when I’m a little slow getting his dinner! They are such sweet natured dogs and so laid back. I couldn’t stand a yappy small dog. Plenty of walks and lots of love and they are happy and content. Highly recommend- good luck.
from my experience of big dogs , medium size and small toy breeds. The big dogs have a deep wood wood. Whereas the medium breeds have a higher bark. The tiny breeds have a very shrill bark. Occasionally you can get a dog that’s very very quiet. I believe if you give your dog a happy calm life then he won’t bark so much, try not to worry so much keep calm yourself in everything you do. You see tinnitus gets worse with stress. When you take your dog out for walks this should be a pleasant experience for both of you. If you like retrievers then go ahead . How is your mobility ? Some big dogs pull on the lead. Remember the smaller breeds can be easier to handle . I think a Labrador or retriever would be nice and you can take him/her to a training school which helps. Please let me know how you get on. 🐩 🐩 🐕
Thankfully I'm still young (28) so mobility is not an issue. Your right I know to me Golden retrievers are perfect and their my favorite so I'm going to stop letting my tinnitus run my life and take back control.
A dog will bring you a great deal of pleasure - as others say. I had a golden retriever and he didn't affect my T at all. He wasn't a loud dog. My T got worse when he passed away.
Hmm. A dilemma for sure. Why not go to a dog sanctuary - I'm sure a few might bark there - then you'll know for sure. OR investigate getting a basenji.
Hi, We have had dogs since 2002. My tinnitus started in 2017. This latest little bark fest is Spencer. He doesn’t simply bark he goes on full on exorcist spins. He is nervous and reactive.
I won’t lie my tinnitus did spike, but my tinnitus was spiked not because of HIS reaction but because of MY reaction worrying about his forthcoming reaction. 🤷🏻♀️
Once I sussed that I just stood there and said ‘oh he’s a bit reactive, give him space’ everyone chilled and my tinnitus calmed down as did Spence.
Your friend is talking junk. Is she worried you will leave her for your new found dog friend? She must be insecure.
Ask her where she got all this info and possibly invite her to come out on dog walks.
Hi, having a dog will do you the power of good!! sometimes people can get very sensitive hearing with T and so you would need to be cautious but it would depend on your own situation, with T our hearing can ramp up and even the slightest noise could aggravate - however i think this depends as i say on your own situation, for advice you might like to email Julian Cowan Hill he knows everything about T (he has a website)and am sure he would advise, long term pets are good for your health, they can help you relax, increase exercise, help you meet other people etc, personally if i was having sensitive hearing issues due to T i would possibly seek out a less yappy dog, or use ear plugs until my T improved, hope this is helpful.
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