The everyday noises in your home that could be damaging your dog's hearing - according to an audio expert
Sounds that seem tolerable to us can be painfully loud for our pets 🐶
- Dogs have very sensitive hearing, which means sounds we find tolerable can be painful for them.
- Thunder and lightning, fireworks, or even the vacuum cleaner, can cause dangerous sound levels for dogs.
- James Grifo, Owner and CEO of Audio Visual Nation, outlines the common noises that could be harmful to dogs and how to protect them.
Loud noises can be distressing for dogs, but it’s not just fear; they could actually be causing real damage to their hearing.
Dogs can hear frequencies up to 65,000 Hz, compared to humans who can hear up to around 20,000 Hz. This means sounds that seem tolerable to us can be painfully loud for our pets. From booming home theatre systems to roaring leaf blowers, our dogs are exposed to potentially harmful decibel levels more often than we realise.
James Grifo, Owner and CEO of Audio Visual Nation, said: “We spend a lot of time in the audio industry educating people about safe listening levels for humans, but our pets are in the same environments and they're often completely overlooked. Dogs hear a much wider frequency range than we do, and what we’d consider a comfortable volume can be overwhelming for them.
“When I'm setting up sound systems for major events, we use precise measurements to protect both the audience and our crew. The same principles should apply at home. You don't need professional equipment to be mindful of volume levels. Simple awareness and common sense go a long way in protecting your dog's hearing and overall well-being.”
What noises can damage a dog’s hearing?
Grifo breaks down eight things that can damage your dog’s hearing and the decibel levels dog owners need to watch out for.
Fireworks and Firecrackers (140-150 dB)
Fireworks are among the loudest noises your dog can encounter. At 140 to 150 decibels, they're well above the 85 dB threshold that can cause hearing damage in dogs. The sharp, sudden bangs can be particularly distressing because dogs can't anticipate them.
Thunderstorms (120 dB)
Thunder can reach around 120 decibels, which is the same as attending a rock concert. For dogs with their heightened hearing, the noise is incredibly intense, whilst the low-frequency rumbles can travel through walls, making it nearly impossible for your dog to escape the noise.
Home theatre systems and TVs (100-110 dB)
Enjoying an action-packed movie at home might be fun for you, but it isn’t a good time for your dog, as the noise of an average home theatre system can reach up to 100 to 110 decibels.
Grifo said: “A lot of people don't realise their surround sound systems can produce venue-level volumes in a confined space. Your living room isn't designed with the same acoustic treatment as a cinema.”
Vacuum cleaners and leaf blowers (70-90 dB)
There may be another reason why your dog hates the vacuum cleaner so much. Both vacuums and leaf blowers can reach between 70 and 90 decibels. If you’re hoovering for more than 20 minutes at a time, or cleaning leaves, the loud noise can be distressing for your dog.
Traffic and car horns (80-110 dB)
During daily walks, your dog may have to navigate a loud environment, especially if they pass busy roads. Traffic noise ranges from 80 to 100 decibels, with car horns spiking up to 110 decibels.
Construction and power tools (90-120 dB)
Power tools such as jackhammers, drills, and saws can reach 90 to 120 decibels. If there's construction near your home or you're doing DIY projects, your dog is exposed to sustained high-volume noise that can cause stress and potential hearing damage.
Music played at high volumes (100-110 dB)
Whether you're hosting a party or just enjoying listening to music, speakers playing at their maximum volume can easily reach 100 to 110 decibels. Bass-heavy music is uncomfortable for dogs because those low frequencies can be extra intense.
Outdoor events and concerts (110-120 dB)
While it may be tempting to bring your dog to outdoor festivals, sporting events, or concerts, they could be exposed to sound levels of 110 to 120 decibels or higher. Even brief exposure at these levels can be harmful.
How to Protect Your Dog's Hearing?
There are some practical steps you can take to protect your dog’s hearing. Grifo has outlined seven ways to help reduce household noise that could be distressing to your pet.
Create a safe space
Set up a quiet room in your home where your dog can retreat from loud noises. Choose a room away from the street and add soft furnishings such as blankets and pillows to help absorb sound.
Lower the volume
Keep your TV and music at moderate levels and consider your dog’s comfort. Grifo said: “In professional audio, we use decibel meters to ensure safe listening levels. The same principle applies at home. If it feels loud to you, it's definitely too loud for your dog.”
Use white noise
A white noise machine or fan can help mask sudden noises like car horns or distant fireworks. This creates a consistent audio environment that helps reassure your dog and is kinder to their sensitive ears.
Plan for fireworks
During holidays when you know there will be fireworks, such as Halloween or New Year’s Eve, keep your dog inside with windows closed. Turn on the TV or radio at a moderate volume to help drown out the outdoor noise.
Avoid bringing dogs to loud events
Leave your pet at home during concerts, fireworks displays, or other high-volume events. No matter how well-behaved your dog is, the noise levels at these gatherings can cause distress and potential harm.
Monitor their behaviour
Look out for signs your dog is distressed by noise. Signs can include flattened ears, panting, pacing, hiding, or trying to escape. These are signals that the environment is too loud for their comfort, and it’s time for you to step in.
Consider ear protection
Ear protection for dogs does exist. While ear muffs on your dog might look silly, products designed to reduce noise exposure can be helpful during unavoidable loud situations like moving day or when you’re getting work done in your home.
Loud noises can be scary for dogs. You can find out what you can to help to make things easier for your pup at the Dogs’ Trust.