Q: My husband began taking Winchester, our 5-year-old Labrador retriever, hunting with him this season. Win seems too young to be going deaf, but I’m convinced his hearing isn’t as sharp as it was before hunting season. Could the gunfire have damaged Win’s hearing? Can it be tested?
A: Yes, any loud noise can damage a dog’s hearing. Hunting dogs and those involved in police and military work are most often affected.