Signs Your Dog is Hearing Something out of Your Frequency
When it comes to doggo listening, its always possible theyre hearing something thats just a touch out of your frequency. For humans, that starts at about 20,000 Hz, depending on personal hearing issues. So, how can you tell when your dog is hearing something that you cant? Luckily, dogs give off plenty of signs when they hear something, so youll likely be able to pinpoint their behavior without being able to hear the thing theyre listening to.
For example, when dogs hear something, theyll use their ears and ear muscles to strategically position their ears toward the sound in order to get a better idea of what theyre listening to. This means that their ears will twitch, cock up, fold down, or position toward the sound theyre hearing. Ears are one of the most obvious signs when it comes to hearing frequencies that you might not be able to hear.
Your dog also might instantly become alert toward the noise and try to hunt it down, they might follow the sound, or they might become defensive, barking, growling, and showing other aggressive behavior. Its also possible that theyll simply show excitement and enthusiasm, running to wherever they hear the sound coming from, bounding along, bouncing up and down, and sniffing excitedly.
See if your dog is exhibiting these body language clues if you suspect that he or she is hearing something you cannot:
Here are a few other signs to look out for if you suspect your dog is hearing at a frequency you cannot:
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Although its common knowledge that dogs noses are super-sniffers used for detecting drugs, medical conditions, and explosives, its easy to overlook their other sensitive senses. A dogs hearing range is hundreds of times better than a humans, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC), and some sounds can hurt their ears.
Create a haven, such as putting them in an interior room with their favorite cushions, toys, and blankets. A den-like space such as a crate or under a table or bed is preferable. For extreme anxiety, consult your veterinarian to see if a medication can be helpful for your pet, advises the University of Illinois.
Theres a good reason why dogs have such acute hearing. While human ears evolved to be able to hear sounds between 64 and 23,000 Hertz (Hz) optimally, a dog can listen to between 67 and 45,000 Hz, according to Louisiana State University. That puts much of their hearing at high frequencies outside the range of human perception.
It might seem that your dog is psychic and knows when your spouse is returning home from work minutes before they pull into the driveway. However, theyre probably hearing a high-pitched engine sound from a few blocks away or the low hum of the engine long before it enters your range of hearing.
Consider the effect on your dog of using ultrasonic devices around your home, including things like electronic rodent repellents, advises Pest Control FAQ. A 1995 study on rodent repellent devices by the University of Nebraska shows that reactions shown by mice to ultrasonic stimuli can include an initial startle, followed by aimless running and sometimes convulsions or death. The study notes that the same response occurs in dogs as well as rabbits, chickens, and goats.
FAQ
What frequency will hurt a dog’s ears?
What frequency do dogs react?
Can dogs hear 528 Hz?
A dog can hear sounds from 67 to 45,000 Hz, and a cat’s range is even greater at 45 to 64,000 Hz.