By Dogs Tutor 
Did you know there are some sounds only dogs can hear that humans can’t even detect? Yes, it’s true. Dogs hearing is 300 times better than humans.
If you’ve ever noticed your dog reacting to sounds that you can’t hear, it’s because their hearing is finely tuned to pick up noises beyond human perception.
Whether it’s a distant whistle or the subtle hum of electronics, understanding these sounds can help you better communicate with your pet and enhance their well-being.
Keep reading this Guide by Dogs Tutor to discover the 6 sounds which only dogs can hear. Understanding these unique sounds can help you better understand your dog needs more effectively.
How Dogs Hear Differently from Humans
Dogs possess a much broader hearing range than humans, capable of detecting frequencies between 40 Hz to 60,000 Hz, whereas humans can only hear between 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. This heightened sensitivity allows dogs to pick up on sounds that humans can’t even detect.
Their ear structure, which includes mobile ear muscles, enables them to pinpoint sound sources with great accuracy. This ability is crucial for their survival instincts and communication, especially since dogs rely heavily on auditory cues in their environment.
The Science behind Dog Hearing Abilities
The key to a dogs exceptional hearing lies in their Ear Muscle anatomy. This mobility helps them capture and amplify sounds. Moreover, their ear canal is shaped like an “L,” which serves to capture sound waves more effectively. With such advanced auditory capabilities, it’s no wonder dogs can hear sounds that are inaudible to humans.
6 Sounds Only Dogs Can Hear
Ultrasonic Noises
Dogs are able to hear ultrasonic sounds, which are noises with frequencies above 20,000 Hz. These are often emitted by small electronic devices, such as televisions, fluorescent lights, and some household appliances. While humans can’t detect these high-pitched frequencies, dogs are quite sensitive to them. This explains why your dog might react to a device turning on or off even if you don’t hear a thing.
Ultrasonic sounds are used in dog whistles and certain training devices because dogs can hear them clearly while humans cannot. This sensitivity can be beneficial for training, but it also means that some high-frequency sounds from electronic gadgets can cause discomfort or anxiety in dogs. Understanding this can help pet owners minimize unnecessary stress for their pets.
Examples of Ultrasonic Sounds Dogs Can Hear:
- Dog whistles
- Electronic pest repellers
- Certain mobile phone applications
High-Frequency Noises From Appliances
Modern homes are filled with appliances that emit sounds inaudible to humans but can be detected by dogs. For instance, refrigerators, air purifiers, and even laptop chargers can produce high-frequency noises that may disturb your pet. Dogs may react by barking, whining, or becoming restless, especially if these sounds are persistent.
Pet owners may notice that their dogs avoid certain rooms or seem uncomfortable around specific appliances. If your dog displays anxiety, it might be due to the constant high-pitched hum of these devices. To minimize this, try switching off unused electronics or placing them in areas where your dog doesn’t spend much time.
Common Appliances That Emit High-Frequency Sounds:
| Appliance | Potential Impact on Dogs |
| Refrigerator | Can cause mild agitation |
| Air purifier | May lead to restlessness |
| Phone chargers | Dogs may react by whining |
| Fluorescent lights | High-pitched buzzing |
Dog Whistles
Dog whistles are specifically designed to emit sounds at frequencies between 23,000 Hz to 54,000 Hz, which dogs can hear but are inaudible to humans. This makes them a popular tool for dog training, especially for recall commands over long distances. The high-pitched sound grabs the dog’s attention without disturbing people around them.
The reason dog whistles work so well is that they tap into a dog’s natural sensitivity to high-frequency sounds. Since these frequencies are beyond human hearing, using a dog whistle is an effective way to communicate with your pet without creating noise pollution.
Advantages of Using a Dog Whistle:
- Effective for recall training
- Helps correct unwanted behavior
- Can be used over long distances
Rodent and Insect Sounds
Dogs can hear the tiny, high-frequency sounds made by rodents and insects, which is why they often become fixated on walls or areas where these pests are hiding. The scurrying of mice, the buzzing of insects, or even the faint clicking of cockroaches is easily detected by dogs.
If your dog seems to be focused on a particular spot in your home or barking at seemingly nothing, it might actually be reacting to pests you can’t see or hear. This behavior can be a helpful indicator if you suspect an infestation.
Signs Your Dog May Be Hearing Pests:
- Barking at walls or floors
- Scratching at baseboards
- Intense sniffing in one area
Distant Thunder and Earthquakes
Dogs are known for their ability to sense approaching storms or natural disasters. Dogs can detect the high-frequency vibrations associated with earthquakes. This heightened sense of hearing, combined with their sensitivity to barometric pressure changes, allows them to react early to these phenomena.
Dog owners have reported to us that their dogs acting anxious before a storm or earthquake. This is likely due to their ability to pick up on vibrations and sounds that humans cannot perceive.
Behavioral Signs Before Storms or Earthquakes:
- Pacing or restlessness
- Whimpering or hiding
- Clinginess to their owners
Dog-Specific Toys
Dog-specific squeaky toys are uniquely designed to take advantage of a dog’s superior hearing abilities, creating sounds that engage and entertain them on a level that humans can’t perceive. While humans can hear sounds between 20 Hz and 20,000 Hz, dogs have a much broader range, reaching up to 60,000 Hz or more.
This means that high-frequency sounds produced by certain toys can capture a dog’s attention without being noticeable to their owners. These squeakers are specifically engineered to produce frequencies above 23,000 Hz, ensuring they are both enticing for dogs and silent for humans.
Conclusion:
Dogs possess an extraordinary sense of hearing that allows them to detect sounds far beyond the range of human perception. From ultrasonic noises to distant thunderstorms, the 6 sounds only dogs can hear offer insight into their unique world. By recognizing these sounds and their effects, pet owners can ensure a more comfortable and enriched environment for their furry friends.
Incorporating this knowledge into daily routines can lead to better communication and a deeper bond with dogs, ultimately ensuring their well-being and happiness. Understanding the sounds dogs hear but humans cannot is a fascinating way to connect with these loyal companions on a whole new level.