Why are dogs scared of fireworks? Simply put: They’re loud.
Dogs have a much stronger sense of hearing than humans. Here are some quick numbers from the AKC:
- The average adult cannot hear high-pitched sounds above 20,000 Hertz (Hz). Dogs can hear sounds from 47,000 to 65,000 Hz.
- Dogs can hear normal-pitched sounds (Between 3,000 and 12,000 Hz) that are -5 to -15 decibels (dB). A sound that is 0 dB is just barely audible to people.
- Dogs’ hearing is so precise that they can distinguish the musical note C from a note that’s only one-eighth of the distance between C and C sharp.
Fireworks can produce between 150 and 175 dB in sound. Any noise above 120 dB has the potential to immediately damage human ears. It’s no wonder why dogs try to escape the sound (even if the show is happening miles away).
The Fourth of July is a high-risk day for dogs to run away from home. We asked Margaret MacEwen, dog trainer and founder of Super Fine K9, for tips on how you can keep your dog safe and secure when the fireworks start.
Basic precautions
Be considerate of your canine companion and don’t set off fireworks at your home. The same goes for taking your dog to a fireworks show with your family. If it’s in your control, keep your dog as far away from fireworks as you can.
Make sure your dog’s collar or harness is slip-proof if you can’t avoid fireworks easily,. If your dog gets…
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