Sounds that Drive Dogs Crazy

Dogs have super hearing when compared to humans. In fact, they can hear a human heartbeat from fifteen feet away. That's means that if your dog is in the same room, they more than likely can hear your heartbeat. Pretty impressive.

However, while your pup may hear everything that is going on around them, there are some sounds that dogs are just more responsive to.

Related: How Much Does it Cost to Own A Dog?

The Sound Frequency that Drives Dogs Nuts

Because dogs are so sensitive to sound, loud noises, in general, can cause dogs to become uncomfortable. However, frequencies that are about 25,000 hertz are when dogs become annoyed by the sound.

The louder that these sounds become, the more uncomfortable your dog will be. The sound waves at this frequency are more difficult for dogs to hear than their human companions.

These high pitch noises are often associated with appliances that often will make your dog wine, shake, or just leave the room.

Noise Phobias in Dogs

Furthermore, many dogs aren't just sensitive to these types of noise. They often have a phobia of these sounds. Because puppies are very imprintable, sometimes a loud noise from their first few weeks will be enough to give them a fear of the thing forever.

For instance, a family dog might panic when you use the blender because one fell near them when they were young.

If your dog is sensitive to certain noises, it's important for you to make sure they are never exposed to these sounds without having a positive outcome. For example, if your dog panics at the sound of the doorbell, then one day have a friend come over, ring the bell and then offer your pup a treat.

Pro Tip: If you will be getting a young pup, it's best to expose them to everything possible when they are between twelve and fourteen weeks old. Puppies are the most impressional during this time.

Signs That Your Dog Has a Noise Phobia

Understanding why your dog reacts to specific sounds can help you, and your dog both cope with these stressful behaviors. Here are a few signs that indicate that your dog is struggling with noise phobia.

• Trembling or shaking
• Pacing
• Drooling
• Panting 
• Hyperalertness 
• Whining 
• Barking
• Destructive behaviors
• Hiding 
• Attempting to escape 
• Urinating or defecating indoors

Related: Dog Barking at Nothing?

Furthermore, look for subtle signs that your dog's body language will tell you. Pinned ears, lip licking, or dilated pupils can all tell you that your dog is in distress.

If this is a severe problem, your dog may even harm themselves or you in the process of escaping the noise.

10 Common Noises That Drive Dogs Crazy

Thunderstorms

Thunderstorms are one of the most common sounds that bother dogs. With about one-third of dogs suffer from anxiety from thunderstorms. However, it's not only the booming of thunder.

Thunderstorms offer a variety of sensory overload for most pets. The smell of rain, changes in barometric pressure, and lighting change can upset your pup.

Fireworks

Fireworks offer a lot of challenges for dogs. Similar to war vets with PTSD, dogs often struggle when fireworks are going off. They don't see lights the same way we do and the random burst of light, loud sound, and unpredictability.

Dogs may break their crates with anxiety and easily hurt themselves from the stress and disorientation.

Vacuum cleaners

However, it is also about the movement of the machine that bothers dogs. Most dogs can't stand vacuum cleaners, with good reason: they sound like a tornado! They're constantly moving in unpredictable ways with the addition of loud sounds.

Vacuum cleaners are also something that is not a part of their natural environment, and some dogs take these cleaning machines as a home invasion threat.

Want to help your dog deal with the vacuum? Runball is the perfect exercise toy that can help them burn off excess energy.

Buses and Trash Trucks 

These loud vehicles can be a struggle for dogs to deal with. The screeching of metal on metal and the beeping these vehicles produce can drive a dog crazy. They also create a high-pitched noise that humans can't hear. Because dogs can hear much better than humans, these trucks can stress out your pup.

Crying Babies 

Everyone cringes when a baby starts to cry. However, dogs can often pick up on the high-pitched sounds that babies make when they cry. Many dogs hate these sounds. They also don't like that their best human friend is upset.

Construction Noises 

Construction zones have a lot of different noises. From drills to saws to beeping from heavy machinery, all of these sounds can be especially scary for dogs. Even dogs who don't have noise sensitivity often don't like being near a construction zone.

Related: Should My Dog Wear Shoes? 

Car Alarms

Car alarms are loud, annoying and can cause your dog to go crazy. The high-pitched noise is within the painful hertz range of sound for dogs.

Sirens

Often dogs react to the high-pitched noises from things like fire trucks, emergency vehicles, and police cars can all be scary to dogs. Often dogs will also howl or bark when they hear these noises. While cute, this is commonly a sign of anxiety.

Jet Airplanes

Because dogs rely on their eyesight as well as their hearing, they are often fascinated with airplanes. However, this can often be loud and scary, depending on how close you are to an airport. Or, if you are traveling with your dog, you may need to offer them a sedative for the duration of the trip.

Air Conditioners or Furnaces 

If your dog is very sensitive, this might be something that causes them anxiety. These units offer comfort, but they can cause your dog some distress if they are sensitive to noise or if your unit is particularly loud.

Conclusion

Dogs are very sensitive creatures with superior hearing. Their sense of hearing is better than that of humans. Dogs are often inquisitive about all the new sounds they hear around them, which can cause them to be scared or anxious. It's essential to have a pet who is well socialized, so they don't feel afraid or nervous in new situations.

If you notice your dog exhibits any distress when there are loud noises, be sure to talk with your vet about ways to help your dog cope.

Try Runball to work out your dogs extra energy and keep them calm.