Can You Hear Me?
How Dog Hearing Differs From Ours

Dogs hear sounds we can't

Ever wonder how a "silent" dog whistle works? It isn't silent at all. It's just silent to us. Sound is measured by pitch (frequency, in hertz) and by volume (decibels), and dogs out-hear us on both.

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Dogs can hear much higher-pitched sounds than people, well into the ultrasonic range. That means everyday devices like vacuums, power drills and electronics can give off high-pitched noises your dog notices even when you can't hear a thing.

 

How dog hearing is different

Dogs hear much quieter sounds than we can. Loud sounds also land much harder on dog ears, so a noise you find loud can actually be painful for your dog. Dogs hear a wider range of frequencies, and they're remarkably good at pinpointing exactly where a sound is coming from. Their ears move independently, working like two satellite dishes, which is part of why dogs tilt their heads to figure out which pocket the treat bag is rustling in.

 

Ear shape, ear placement and the distance between the ears all affect how well an individual dog hears.

 

When everyday noise becomes too much

The flip book compares common household and outdoor sounds, from a refrigerator hum to a leaf blower, motorcycle, siren or fireworks, alongside how those sounds affect human ears. Now imagine those same sounds through much more sensitive ears. Noise levels that only annoy us can hurt dogs. Shelters are a good example: the constant barking in a kennel can be loud enough to affect the dogs' welfare.

 

What painful and loud sounds can do to dogs

Repeated exposure to loud or unpleasant sounds can lead to chronic stress, fear and anxiety, and more sound sensitivity over time. It can lower a dog's tolerance for other stressors and increase unwanted behavior, including behavior that looks aggressive. You might also see hiding, pacing, trembling or drooling. A dog whose ears hurt is often a grouchy dog.

 

How to help a noise-sensitive dog

• See your veterinarian. Pain, ear problems and medical issues can all play a role, and your vet can help.

• Reduce stressful sounds in your dog's environment where you can.

• Lower other stressors in your dog's life, since stress adds up.

• Try white noise or calming music to soften sudden sounds.

• Consider a snug-fitting anxiety wrap or calming pheromones like Adaptil.

• Be a sound detective. A decibel meter or sound-measuring app on your phone can show you sounds your dog hears but you don't. Walk around your home and notice how the sound profile changes from room to room.

• Get help with desensitization. Our trainers can help your dog build more comfortable feelings about sounds they find scary.

• If you're not sure whether your dog is stressed by sound, our Calming Signals and Fear, Anxiety & Stress flip books can help you read the signs.

 

Need help with a sound-sensitive dog?

Wiggle Butt Academy helps dogs with thunderstorm fear, fireworks fear and noise sensitivity through in-home behavior consults across Dallas, training at our Plano location, and board and train programs for fearful dogs.