How to stop startling a deaf piggy

[pelicano]

I've got an elderly sow, who is on her own (on vet advice - it's a long and complicated story), inside the house. She really isn't long for this world, and one of the things that has gradually crept up is her deafness. I keep coming in to see her, chatting and singing away (")")) as usual, and she doesn't know I'm there. Then I'll make to do something inside the cage and she leaps about a foot in the air, as she'd been totally oblivious to me being there!

I've not had this with any previous piggies, so just wondered if anyone had any tips as to how I can gently show I'm there/communicate with her better.

Thanks.

 

[Stewybus]

We have the same problem with our dog, Ozzy who's nearly 14. He's partially deaf & blind & it's very easy to startle him.

With your piggie I suppose it might be best to wait till she's looking in your direction before doing anything.

 

[Sharon.Mackay]

I have an elderly rat who is almost blind. I tend to walk slowly towards him or the cage then sit nearby, I wait until he notices me before I try to pick him up or do anything. It's horrible when they do that mad panic dash!

 

[Toffeewoffee]

I think i have heard somewhere about a clicker - similar to those used for training dogs, it makes a high pitched sound that only animals can hear, basically if you get in a habit and use that each time you are near the cage she will recognise the noise and associate it with you being there.....?

 

[pelicano]

Just to update on this, I'm finding the best thing I can do is ensure that I put my hand quite near her (but not directly in front)and wave it about a lot! This is working really well.

 

[Sarah from Chucklebunnies]

Thank you for the update, interesting advice. Sing to a blind piggie and wave your hands around to a deaf one as you approach! It does make sense!