Sounds Only Dogs Can Hear
Although humans have become the masters of pets thanks to superior intelligence, our sensory abilities—such as hearing and smell—are far inferior to theirs. Dogs can hear five types of sounds that humans are completely unaware of. Let's explore these sounds that only dogs can perceive!
Human vs. Dog Hearing Range
The typical human hearing range spans approximately from 64 to 23,000 Hertz (Hz). Sounds above 20,000 Hz are classified as ultrasound, which are high-frequency sounds inaudible to the human ear. In contrast, dogs have a hearing range that extends from about 67 Hz up to an impressive 45,000 Hz. This remarkable ability allows them to detect the following five types of sounds that are difficult or impossible for us to perceive:
- Ultrasonic Dog Whistles: These emit high-frequency sounds beyond human hearing but are clear to dogs, often used for training.
- Small Rodent Movements: Tiny noises made by mice or other small animals rustling in the environment.
- Electronic Device Signals: High-pitched beeps or frequencies from devices like smoke detectors or remote controls.
- Insect Buzzing: The rapid wing beats of insects such as mosquitoes or flies.
- Subtle Environmental Sounds: Faint noises like distant footsteps or rustling leaves that humans might miss.
This extraordinary hearing capability not only helps dogs stay alert to their surroundings but also strengthens their role as loyal companions and protectors.
The Sounds of Electrical Appliances
Everyday electronic devices in our homes—such as refrigerators, computers, and smartphones—actually emit faint high-frequency sounds. While some people may be more sensitive to these noises, dogs can hear them even more clearly.
When the volume of these high-frequency sounds becomes too loud, it can potentially damage human hearing. For this reason, electronic products are subject to strict international regulations on sound levels to ensure safety.
Ultrasonic Dog Whistle: An Effective Training Tool
The ultrasonic dog whistle is a popular tool used in dog training. It emits sound frequencies that are right at the edge of human hearing range, making it inaudible or barely noticeable to people. Despite this, the sound can travel over long distances—up to one mile (approximately 1.6 kilometers) away.
Because of these unique characteristics, many dog trainers prefer using ultrasonic whistles to give commands to dogs without disturbing the surrounding people. This makes the ultrasonic dog whistle an efficient and discreet way to communicate with dogs during training sessions.
Ultrasonic Pest Repellers: What You Need to Know About Their Effects on Pets
Many small electronic pest repellers, such as mosquito repellents, emit sound waves in the range of approximately 15 to 75 kilohertz. Although dogs can hear these sounds, the volume emitted by these devices is generally low, so they typically do not disturb household pets. However, if you keep special pets such as reptiles or rodents, you should exercise extra caution when using these devices.
Ultrasonic pest repellers work by emitting high-frequency sounds that are inaudible to humans but can be unpleasant or disruptive to pests like insects and rodents. The frequencies used usually range between 15 kHz and 75 kHz, which overlaps with the hearing range of some pets. For example, dogs can hear up to about 40 kHz, and cats up to 60 kHz, meaning they may perceive some of these ultrasonic signals, although the low volume often prevents significant disturbance.
Special pets such as reptiles and rodents, which are often more sensitive to these frequencies, may be affected more noticeably by ultrasonic devices. Therefore, pet owners with such animals should be particularly careful when deploying ultrasonic pest control devices to avoid unintended stress or discomfort to their pets.
In summary, ultrasonic pest repellers can be a chemical-free option for deterring pests without greatly disturbing common household pets like dogs. Nonetheless, caution is advised if you have sensitive or exotic pets, as these devices might impact them differently.
Subtle Sounds: How Small Animals and Children Perceive the World Differently
Small animals typically have the ability to hear much fainter sounds than humans. This heightened sensitivity explains why young children are often more attuned to subtle noises compared to adults. Their ears can pick up on delicate sounds that might go unnoticed by grown-ups.
Dogs share this remarkable auditory ability. They can hear the distinct click of a refrigerator door opening downstairs or detect the distant sound of your car approaching from afar. This keen sense of hearing allows them to be alert to their surroundings in ways we might not always realize.
Why Dogs Hear Distant Sounds Better
Sounds from afar: The higher the frequency of a sound, the farther it can travel. This remarkable characteristic allows dogs to clearly hear sounds coming from a distance. No wonder that whenever we take our dogs for a walk, they always notice the surrounding movements and noises before we do.
Dogs possess an extraordinary auditory system that is finely tuned to detect high-frequency sounds. These frequencies, which often go unnoticed by human ears, carry over longer distances, enabling dogs to be alert to distant events or approaching footsteps. This heightened sense of hearing not only helps them stay aware of their environment but also strengthens their bond with us by acting as early warning systems during our outdoor activities.
The Super Hearing Ability of Dogs
This extraordinary sense of hearing originally served as an essential tool for the ancestors of dogs in hunting and communication. Although modern domestic dogs no longer need to rely on their hearing to hunt, this superpower enables them to constantly monitor changes in their surroundings.
Especially when we quietly open a snack bag, dogs are always able to detect it immediately!
Dogs can hear sounds at frequencies ranging from about 47,000 to 65,000 Hertz, far beyond the human hearing limit of approximately 20,000 Hertz. This high-frequency sensitivity likely evolved to help their wild ancestors locate prey such as small rodents, which produce high-pitched squeaks and rustling noises. The ability to detect these subtle sounds was crucial for survival and hunting success.
Additionally, dogs have 18 muscles in their ears (compared to six in humans), allowing them to move and angle their ears to better capture sound waves. Their longer ear canals and more effective inner ear cochlea further enhance their hearing capabilities. This combination of anatomical and physiological adaptations makes dogs exceptionally skilled at perceiving sounds that humans cannot hear or barely notice.
