Canine Hearing Tests available at the NW Working Dogs Expo

May 11, 2009 - PRLog -- NW Working Dogs announced today that Canine Hearing Testing will be offered at the 2009 NW Working Dogs Expo.

“We are very pleased that CARE will be at the Expo this year,” says Virginia Dunn of NW Working Dogs.  “CARE is offering this unique testing opportunity specifically for dogs at our event.”  CARE, which stands for Canine Auditory Response Evaluation, is an Oregon company that utilizes the BAER Hearing Tests.

What is BAER testing?

BAER stands for "Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response".  The test utilizes specialized computer equipment to record the electrical activity of the dog’s brain in response to sound stimulation in it’s ears.  According to “Deaf Dog”, the BAER test is the only 100% reliable method for measuring a dog’s hearing.

“BAER testing is a simple test in which the dog’s nerve response is measured in relation to click sounds played in the ear.” says Kim McKay, Veterinary Technician for CARE. “It is performed without any sedation in about 15-20 min.” The test is not painful, can be performed on any dog that is over six weeks of age, and is designed to accurately determine hearing capability.  According to McKay, BAER testing is the only method of hearing testing accepted by the OFA.

What causes a dog to be born deaf or lose its hearing?  

Genetic defects, damage due to ear infection, injury to the ear, or the dog may succumb to hearing loss due to old age. Other causes include exposure to loud noises, which may result in temporary or permanent hearing loss.  Finally, certain drugs can detract from the dogs hearing.

Since congenital deafness affects dogs in the first few weeks of life, testing can be done on puppies at a very young age.  Hearing testing is useful for breeders, allowing them to avoid breeding dogs that are deaf in one or both ears and who might pass the gene onto their offspring.

Traditionally, BAER testing has only been available at select veterinary clinics, and can be quite expensive.  However CARE has changed that by creating a mobile testing facility, to make the test available and more affordable.

Says McKay, “Canine Auditory Response Evaluation is the ONLY mobile BAER testing group in Oregon.”

Attendees at the NW Working Dogs Expo can take advantage of this testing on site, and at a very special price of only $65 dollars.  Visit the CARE booth at the Expo Saturday or Sunday to get signed up.  Or visit the CARE website at: www.CAREhearing.com


The NW Working Dogs Expo is being held on June 13th & 14th at the Columbia County Fairgrounds in St. Helens, OR.  It is open to the public as well as all breeds.  Activities include the Protection Dogs International (PDI) NW Regional Trials, IABCA Conformation Show, ATTS Temperament Testing, Canine Good Citizen Testing, Bitework & Decoy Clinics, and a Raffle For Rescue.  The complete list of activities can be found at http://www.nwworkingdogs.com

Vending and sponsorship opportunities are available for this exciting event.

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NW Working Dogs is a group of breeders, trainers, and dog enthusiasts dedicated to helping dogs become well trained effective family guardians and protectors. We train in obedience and personal protection, compete in Protection Dogs International (PDI), and hold the annual NW Working Dogs Expo, a comprehensive dog event that brings together working / protection trials, conformation, and temperament testing. Find out more about NW Working Dogs or ask about joining us by visiting our website at:
www.nwworkingdogs.com