In a 2022 article published in Companion Animal, researcher C. Hargrave explores the increasing concern of sound sensitivity in dogs and its implications for emotional welfare and the human–pet bond. While sensitivity to loud noises like fireworks and thunder has been widely recognized, this study suggests that dogs are now increasingly vulnerable to everyday soundscapes—such as household appliances, traffic, and unpredictable urban noises.
The canine auditory system is highly attuned to sudden or unusual sounds, a trait that originally served adaptive survival functions. However, the modern home and outdoor environment now present a barrage of sounds that many dogs were not exposed to during their critical early developmental period. This mismatch between early learning and adult sensory experience can lead to heightened emotional reactivity, including anxiety, fear, and frustration.
Hargrave notes that up to half of domestic dogs may suffer a decline in emotional welfare when exposed to intense or unfamiliar noises. These sound sensitivities not only undermine canine wellbeing but can also challenge the human–animal bond, particularly when behavioral issues emerge from chronic overstimulation or distress.
The article calls for greater awareness among veterinarians, trainers, and pet owners to proactively manage the acoustic environments dogs are exposed to. Preventive strategies, such as gradual noise desensitization during early development and environmental modifications to reduce exposure to intrusive sounds, are essential for long-term emotional health and quality of life.
Source: C. Hargrave, Companion Animal, July 2, 2022.
