If your dog has not asked for anything, it is the existence of loud noises. Thunderstorms, fireworks, honking cars, a bus that accelerates too fanatically, or the vacuum cleaner that suddenly decides to sound like a Boeing taking off… For many dogs loud noises are pure horror. And as an owner, you sit beside them, watching helplessly as your dog shakily crawls under the table as if aurally besieged by an invisible monster.
Fortunately, you can help your dog though. One of the most effective tools for this are ear muffs for dogs. They lower noise levels, make your dog feel safer and help significantly reduce stress during thunderstorms, travel and fireworks. In this blog, we dive deep into why dogs experience so much stress with loud noises, how ear muffs work and when it’s best to use them.
Why are dogs so sensitive to loud noises?
Dogs hear better than we do. Much better. Where we are already startled by a bang, to a dog that same sound sounds like an explosion of epic proportions. Add to that an overactive imagination – because dogs don’t understand the cause of sounds like we do – and you have a recipe for stress, panic and flight behavior.
With stressful noises, dogs often exhibit:
- Trembling or shivering
- Hiding behind furniture
- Panting or drooling
- Restlessly pacing back and forth
- Not wanting to eat anymore
- Excessive barking
- Escape attempts (yes, even through closed doors…)
They are not posers. Their hearing is simply much more sensitive, and that makes loud noises overwhelming.
How ear muffs help your dog relax
Ear muffs for dogs are designed to muffle sound, not block it out completely. And that’s exactly the point: your dog should still be able to hear what’s going on, but without everything coming in like an auditory brick.
Softening the sound creates calm, literally. Your dog’s nervous system calms down faster, reducing stress symptoms. Many dogs react after putting on ear muffs as if someone has finally turned back the volume knob of the world to an acceptable level.
The Horend Goed ear muffs for dogs fit gently around the ears. They are comfortable, light, and designed for dogs that move, jump, roll, and unintentionally tap a wall-without the ear muffs shifting immediately.
Thunderstorms: a nightmare for sensitive dogs
Some dogs can sense thunderstorms coming even before you look at your weather app. The air pressure, the electrical charge in the air, dark clouds … it can all contribute to stress. But in the end, it’s the thunder that really triggers the panic.
Ear muffs sufficiently muffle the loud bangs of thunderstorms so your dog can relax better. Combine it with a safe place-for example, a crate with a rug over it-and you have an effective resting recipe.
Pro tip: Practice wearing the ear muffs even before the thunderstorm season. That way your dog associates them with comfort, not panic.
Travel: stimuli, engine noise and lots of restlessness
For some dogs, being in the car is like being locked in a noisy, vibrating capsule full of strange smells and movements. Engines, sirens, trucks … it can be quite overwhelming.
Ear muffs then provide a fine buffer. Not only do they muffle noise, but they help your dog feel safer. Many owners find that their dogs lie down more quietly, squeak less and sometimes even fall asleep during rides. Think of it as noise-cancelling headphones, but for four-legged friends without a Spotify account.
Even on public transportation – where every sound seems random, loud and unexpected – ear muffs are a huge godsend.
Fireworks: the ultimate test of dog stress
Every year the same song: as soon as the first bangs sound, many dogs are immediately stressed to the max. Fireworks contain three ingredients that make dogs lousy:
- Loud bangs
- Vibrations
- Flashes of light
With ear muffs, you get at least one of those three factors down significantly. That makes a real difference. It allows many dogs to continue eating, sleeping or relaxing instead of completely blocking or fleeing.
Use the ear muffs not only on New Year’s Eve, but also in the weeks before. Because let’s face it: some people start banging as early as November as if they were training for the Olympics.
Which ear muffs are suitable?
At Horend Goed, we have special ear muffs for dogs that are designed to:
- mute sound,
- soft to connect,
- stay comfortable,
- and fit different dog breeds and sizes.
They are light, safe and easy to put on. They allow your dog to move freely, play, walk and even take a nap. And you get back a calmer, happier and much less anxious four-legged friend. Win-win.
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Horend Goed – Earmuffs for Dogs – Fireworks – Thunderstorms – Travel – Stress – Anxiety – Large€42,99 -
Horend Goed – Earmuffs for Dogs – Fireworks – Thunderstorms – Travel – Stress – Anxiety – Small€42,99
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Horend Goed – Ear muffs for Dogs – Fireworks – Thunderstorms – Travel – Stress – Anxiety – Medium€42,99
How do you introduce ear muffs to your dog?
Of course, your dog must first learn to trust the ear muffs. Fortunately, you can build that up very easily.
Here’s how you do it:
- Let your dog examine, smell and explore the ear muffs first.
- Reward curiosity with something sweet (a dog cookie, not Christmas candy).
- Put the ear muffs on very briefly: a few seconds.
- Build up the time slowly.
- Link it to something fun: playing, walking, or cuddling.
- Do this several times a week, especially prior to situations with loud noises.
Your dog then learns, “Earmuffs = relaxation.” And that makes all the difference.
What other situations are ear muffs useful for?
Besides thunderstorms, travel and fireworks, there are many times when ear muffs are a boon for sensitive dogs:
- Busy events
- Home or neighbor renovations
- Parties
- When you have a baby testing its lung capacity
- Temporarily stressful stimuli, such as loud music in the neighborhood
Ear muffs are an approachable way to help your dog better cope with situations over which he has no control.
Comfort begins with peace in the ears
If your dog is experiencing stress from loud noises, it’s not pleasant for either of you. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to help him. Ear muffs muffle sound, provide peace of mind, and make your dog feel safer during thunderstorms, travel and fireworks.
With the right preparation, some patience and a comfortable pair of ear muffs, your dog can sniffle through life again in a relaxed manner, without being startled every time as if a meteor strike is in progress.
Want to know which size or type is best for your dog? At Horend Goed, we’re happy to help you get started-so that your four-legged friend, too, is a little less bothered by the noise of the world.
