Dogs have much more sensitive hearing than humans, so loud noises can be painful and cause damage.
Does loud music hurt dogs’ ears?
Dogs are able to hear sounds at frequencies that we cannot hear.
This means they can hear high-frequency sounds like the buzzing of a mosquito or the siren of an ambulance long before we can hear them ourselves.
High-frequency sounds will reach the eardrum faster than low-frequency ones, which explains why high-frequency sounds are often louder than low-frequency ones.
Unfortunately, this also means that high-frequency sounds are much more damaging to a dog’s ears.
When you play loud music, it has a higher frequency than normal conversation because your voice is not as loud.
When the sound reaches your dog’s ear, the bones in his skull vibrate, causing him pain.
The pain is caused by the impact the vibration has on nerve endings in the skin around the ear.
A low-frequency sound will cause less vibration in the bone, but a high-frequency noise will cause more vibration.
If the vibrations are strong enough, they can actually break the bones in the inner ear, causing permanent damage.
This is what happens when you play loud music for your dog.
But how loud is too loud?
How loud is too loud for a dog?
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the average human ear hears sounds in the range of 20-20,000 hertz, while dogs hear sounds up to 30,000 Hz.
So, if you were to play music at a volume of 75 decibels, it would sound like a jet flying overhead or like someone yelling at your door.
This chart from the AVMA shows how loud different musical instruments sound when played at various volumes.
As you can see, playing music at a volume of 80 dB will make the violin sound like a lawn mower running by, while playing music at 100 dB will make the cello sound like an ambulance siren.
Playing music at 105 dB will make the trumpet sound like a fire engine siren.
And finally, playing music at 120 dB will make the bass drum sound like thunder.
When it comes to loud music, there isn’t a safe level of volume that won’t hurt your dog’s ears.
The only way to know for sure whether your dog is experiencing pain from loud music is to listen to them.
You should always first consult a veterinarian if you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, such as:
Vomiting or diarrhea
Eating or drinking excessively
Seizures
Loss of coordination
Head shaking
Wandering off
If you suspect that your dog has an ear infection, see a vet immediately.
You should also keep your dog away from loud music for at least 24 hours after exposure, but ideally up to 72 hours.
If possible, avoid playing loud music when your dog is around.
For most dogs, it is best to reduce exposure by keeping them out of the room where the music is playing.
However, if there isn’t another way to get your dog into the room, then you will need to use protective gear like earplugs.
Ear plugs come in different shapes and sizes.
For example, you may find foam ear plugs that fit inside your dog’s ear canal.
These are designed to block any sound from reaching the eardrum, which is why they’re called “ear protection.” It is important to note that not all ear plugs will work perfectly on every dog.
Some dogs’ ears may require special earplugs that are custom-made to fit their particular ear shape and size.
Alternatively, you could go with a soft rubber plug that sits outside of your dog’s ear canal.
This type of earplug is less likely to interfere with your dog’s hearing, although it won’t stop all noise from getting to his ear.
As for the length of time that your dog needs to stay away from the loud music, it depends on how badly he was affected.
Your dog may only need to leave for a few minutes to recover, or he may need to take the whole day off.
What are some other ways to protect my dog’s ears?
There are a few things you can do to help protect your dog’s ears from loud music.
Here are a few of the most effective methods to reduce noise exposure for your pet.
1. Keep Your Dog Away From Loud Speakers
If your dog is accustomed to listening to loud music at home, it may not seem like a problem when he or she hears it outside.
But even if you’re careful about what music you play in the house, there are still many situations where your dog could hear loud music outdoors that could hurt their ears.
For example, if you let your dog stay outside while you listen to loud music on an MP3 player, they will likely hear and be affected by the sound as well.
To prevent this from happening, keep your dog indoors whenever possible.
If you must take them out, limit their time outdoors to a minimum, and keep them away from any sources of loud noise (like speakers).
2. Use Earplugs
Another option is to use earplugs to protect your dog’s ears from loud music.
They come in different styles, shapes, sizes, and materials.
Some types are designed specifically for pets, and others aren’t.
It’s best to choose ones with flanges around the top to hold them securely in place, but you can also buy disposable foam ear plugs that fit over your dog’s ears.
3. Buy Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Noise-cancelling headphones are another way to protect your dog’s ears from loud music.
The headphones amplify only certain frequencies, which reduces the amount of volume that reaches your dog’s ears.
This makes them less susceptible to damage from loud sounds.
You can purchase these headphones for your dog online, but there are plenty of stores that sell them too.
4. Teach Your Dog Not To Bark At Loud Music
If you don’t want your dog to bark at loud music, it’s important to train them to ignore the noise.
Start off slowly, playing music in low volumes so your dog doesn’t get used to the sound.
Then gradually increase the volume until your dog starts barking at loud music.
Once your dog has been trained, you won’t need to worry about him or her barking at loud music anymore.
What should I do if I think my dog’s ears are hurt?
When your dog shows signs of pain from loud noise, it’s best to take them to the vet immediately.
If you see any sign of physical injury such as bleeding or swelling, contact a veterinarian right away.
They will be able to determine whether your dog has sustained an ear infection, which may need treatment with antibiotics.
If your dog does not show any physical signs of discomfort, but they still appear distressed, it’s important to reduce their exposure to loud sounds.
You can help by reducing the volume on your stereo system, keeping your doors closed when listening to music, and making sure your pets don’t jump up on high surfaces while listening to loud music.
Hi, my name is Megan Turner and I have worked in a dog’s shelter for four years now. It is truly my dream job, and I see hundreds of dogs every month being united with new owners to give them a loving forever home.
Unfortunately, handicapped dogs are much more likely to be ignored when a family is picking out their new pet. Handicapped pets need more care than non-handicapped pets, so it is understandable why they are often harder to rehome.
