Can Dogs be Sound Sensitive?

 

The short answer is yes!

 

Dogs have a better hearing than we do. They can pick up sounds and vibrations that we can’t. This is how they know that thunder is coming. They feel the energy shift outside. Dogs are very sensitive and it is often forgotten.

When dogs got domesticated and started to live with us, the world wasn’t so full of noises as it is now. They have adjusted over time, but not every dog can cope with that many sounds.

Traffic has increased heavily. We have a lot of electronic devices that make sounds every time they are turned on. We have appliances that are constant noise makers. Mobile phones are constantly letting us know we have a new message or email. We have a shrieking alarm clock going off every morning. We can have loud music playing with surround sound and subwoofers which are an extra added vibration to the sensitive dog. Children can also be very loud when they scream and play. Especially young children with their high-pitched voices. The toys they play with can also produce sounds which can make a dog feel uncomfortable in its own skin.

All this noise can trigger your dog to have a sensory overload on their nervous system.

It is also possible that your dog develops behavioral issues and anxiety because they can’t seem to be able to relax.

These issues can be seen as bad behavior and inconvenient to their guardians. When these behavioral changes in your dog go unnoticed, it can severely damage their overall health. Too much stress is never good for a dog, no matter the situation.

A lot of dogs start barking or howling when they hear sirens or an ice-cream truck. The tones and vibrations they hear, are instinctively a cause for alarm. A threat is coming. This is where the fight or flight response in the brain kicks into action. Certain sounds can trigger a dog to run away. No matter how well trained your dog might be, there can always be that one unexpected noise that causes your dog to get spooked and bolt. We know what sound goes with what, they don’t. To them, it is all unfamiliar. And they do learn along the way, but sporadic noises like a fire alarm, aren’t always explainable.

Sounds can also be amplified by wind or rain, hence why your dog might not want to go out in bad weather.

Dogs who are sound sensitive can have a really hard time living in a city environment but are able to thrive when living in the countryside. It all depends on how well your dog has been brought up and how resilient they are. 

When you decide to bring a dog into your family, do some research on the breed you’re interested in. Some breeds are genetically more sensitive than others. Not every dog is suited for every family. And keep in mind that a dog also loves some quiet time to recuperate.

When your dog sleeps in a specific room, make sure you turn off any unnecessary devices in that room or play some relaxing music suitable for dogs that will help them relax and sleep. The quieter the room, the better. Your dog will thank you for it.