Humans hear sounds that range from 0 decibels (near total silence) to 130-140 decibels. A decibel (dB) is the term used to measure sound volume and intensity. It is a logarithmic scale. So, every increase of dB represents a doubling of sound intensity. Every increase of 10dB represents a 10-fold increase in intensity!

Common environmental decibel levels:

• 10 to 20 dBs: rustling leaves, quiet whisper, or breathing.
• 30 to 40 dBs: quiet library, rainfall, or soft music.
• 55 to 70 dBs: normal conversation, or vacuum cleaners
• 80 to 90 dBs: noisy restaurants, power tools, or blenders.
• 90 to 105 dBs: lawn mower or leaf blower.
• 100 to 110 dBs: motorcycles, jackhammers, nightclubs.
• 120 to 130 dBs: jets taking off, ambulance sirens, or rock concerts (pain threshold for people).
• 140+ decibels: a gunshot, fireworks (instant damage/pain).
• Prolonged exposure to sounds above 70 to 85 decibels may cause damage to people.

When it comes to sensitivity, distance, and volume, dogs can hear sounds that are well beyond the ability of humans. Dogs with pointed upright ears have better hearing than those with long floppy ears which can block sound from entering the ear canal.

• Dogs hear a much broader range of frequencies. Human frequency range is 20Hz. to 20,000 Hertz. Dogs can hear from 40Hz. to 65,000 Hertz. This allows them to hear ultrasonic sounds such as dog whistles that are completely inaudible to humans.
• They can detect sounds at a distance four to five times greater than people. Meaning a dog can hear a sound 80-100 feet away that humans will not hear until it is 20 feet away.
• Dogs have a significantly greater ability to hear low frequency vibrations or faint, high-frequency noises even over long distances. Because of this, dogs can detect sounds like thunder up to 40 miles away.
• More sensory cells in their inner ears provide enhanced sound detection and greater ability to locate specific sounds. They have 18 muscles that allow them to tilt and rotate their ears to act like radar dishes, helping them precisely identify the source of a sound in 6/100 of a second.

Since dogs can hear a broader range of decibels and frequencies than humans, keeping their environment tranquil is crucial for their health. If the sound is uncomfortable for you, it is definitely too loud for your dog.

Because of their sensitivity, experts recommend keeping noise levels below 45 to 55 decibels. I use a free app called Spectroid, to measure frequency and decibel levels. There are similar free apps available (NIOSH Sound Meter, Decibel X).

• Sounds above 70 to 80 decibels can be potentially annoying or painful. Sounds like vacuums, loud engines or loud music can CAUSE anxiety and trigger alert behaviors.
• Sounds consistently above 85 decibels are considered dangerous to a dog’s hearing causing hearing loss and other damage.
• Noises over 100 decibels can cause significant stress, pain, and damage.
• 120 to 140+ decibels are highly painful and damaging.

Dogs in concrete and metal environments may need noise levels in the 30-decibel range! Sounds seem significantly louder and much harsher in those environments. Concrete is dense and rigid, reflecting 98% of sound. That creates a substantial level of echoes and reverberation which allows sound energy to persist, making noises feel louder. Being both extremely reflective and highly resonant, solid metal roofs and doors reverberate even more intensely than concrete because solid metal reflects 99%+ of sound.

Normal household sounds are around 60 to 75 decibels and are considered safe. It is important to keep the volume low on TV’s or music if your dog is nearby, especially bass music.

Playing calm music for dogs may reduce stress and anxiety and help mask outside noises and disturbances. Classical music is the best choice. Audiobooks or recorded human voices can also be very comforting and welcoming for dogs, especially when they are left alone. But dogs’ personal preferences vary and some dogs may prefer silence.

Loud, chaotic sounds (thunderstorms or fireworks) or music like hard rock or heavy metal should be avoided as it can increase anxiety and cause agitation and pain. Provide a safe, quiet space where the dog can go if they prefer silence or want to avoid noise. A room with professional-grade sound dampening curtains or blankets can be effective at blocking noise and relieving stress.

FOR SAFETY, if a professional grade sound dampening blanket is used on a crate, leave the front of the crate uncovered for proper ventilation and to prevent the dog from overheating. Ensure the dog cannot pull the blanket through the crate and chew it. Check on the dog often and remove the blanket immediately when the noise subsides. DO NOT LEAVE IT ON THE CRATE! Moving blankets ARE NOT THE SAME AND DO NOT work.

I offer soothing sound healing sessions for pets to reduce anxiety and stress. Book a session today tailored to your pet’s unique needs at wholeharmonichealing@gmail.com.