Is your dog scared of fireworks or claps of thunder? Or perhaps they become overstimulated at the vet’s office or while traveling? Whatever the reason for needing noise-cancelling headphones for dogs, you’ve come to the right place. Many dogs fear loud bangs, unfamiliar sounds, or feeling overwhelmed in busy areas. So, if that sounds familiar, you and your pup are not alone.
I look at why dogs are scared of loud noises, some of the best noise-cancelling headphones for dogs, and other options to help ease your dog’s anxiety. I also share some tips on how to calm your dog, from playlists to other soothing options. So, let’s see if my tips and these dog headphones for fireworks (and other scary scenarios) can make dogs trembling and hiding in the bathroom a thing of the past.
Why Are Dogs Scared Of Loud Noises & Other Sounds: 5 Reasons
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According to various studies and research, one in three dogs has an aversion to noise that ranges from mild fear to extreme phobia. That’s a lot of dogs. A recent study of nearly 14,000 pet dogs showed that noise sensitivity was the most common trait that caused anxiety in dogs. Anxiety in dogs can develop into other problematic and undesirable behaviors. Here are some common reasons your dog might fear loud noises.
- Dogs Are More Sensitive. Just as dog noses are much more sensitive to smell than human noses, their ears are also much more sensitive. They can hear much more than we can, which means the sound can be scarier than we think. Humans can hear sound frequencies between 20Hz and 20,000Hz, whereas dogs can hear frequencies between 15Hz and 50,000Hz.
- Lack Of Noise Exposure As A Puppy. Dogs are much more likely to fear noises they don’t hear until adulthood. This is one example of why dog socialization is crucial and helps to create a confident adult.
- A Bad Experience. If your dog has had a bad experience with a loud noise, they are likely to be more sensitive to loud noises in the future. Sometimes, it only takes one bad experience.
- Old Age. Dogs can develop fears at any age. My dog Bonkers is 10 years old, and last year, he began displaying anxious behaviors during the fireworks season. Our vet said it has a lot to do with old age and loss of hearing, and it’s common among senior dogs.
- Pain. Being in discomfort can cause some dogs to become more sensitive to noise. So, if your dog suddenly develops a noise aversion, you should take them to your vet for an examination.
5 Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones For Dogs
I have chosen the following dog ear protection gear based on various factors, including product effectiveness, design, customer ratings, brand reputation, pricing, and more.
Note: It’s crucial to condition your dog to be comfortable with noise-cancelling headphones before using them in a noisy or scary scenario. Otherwise, you risk that they’ll associate the headphones with the scary noise. Do this by using the headphones for short periods in a calm space and rewarding them with high-reward treats. If you need additional help training your pup, check out our guide on the best online training courses.
Best Overall: Famikako Dog Ear Muffs Review
Famikako is my top choice for noise-cancelling headphones for dogs. They are one of the most popular and highly-rated options; after researching them, it’s easy to see why. The headphones fit the shape of a dog’s head without any awkwardness or gaps. Their larger design covers the side of your dog’s head from above the ear to the jawline, making them a much better shape than many cheaper options. Inside the headphones, a thick, polymer cotton material insulates and prevents echoes, helping to reduce outside noises. They also have a soft leather pad, so they are comfortable.
I also like that these dog headphones for fireworks come in five sizes: extra-small, small, medium, larger, and extra-large. If your dog weighs over six pounds, they should find a comfortable fit. It is also the best noise-cancelling option for small breeds and larger dogs, thanks to the range of sizes, and they come in two color choices. The durable elastic band holds the ear covers in place with a strong clip without losing shape. They are adjustable to help you find the right size for your dog. Although this option is slightly pricier than the others, many customers felt the better design and shape of these dog-ear muffs were worth the money.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Ergonomically shaped | Pricier than some other options |
| It uses a thick polymer cotton material | |
| Wide range of sizes | |
| Have a soft leather pad | |
| Adjustable elastic bands | |
| Features a clip for a secure fit |
Price
Runner-Up: WoofWorks Dog Ear Muffs Review
This option didn’t make my top spot for noise-cancelling headphones for dogs because they only come in two sizes, medium and large, compared to Famikako’s more expansive range of sizes. The medium size is suited for dogs weighing 20 to 45 pounds, and the larger size is for dogs weighing more than 45 pounds. They are ergonomically shaped for your dog’s head, ensuring there are no gaps to reduce external noise.
WoofWork’s dog headphones for fireworks feature a chin strap for additional comfort and adjustable straps for a better fit. They are also lightweight, which many dogs prefer. Their lower price might make them a better choice for some owners, and they also come with a travel case. Although many owners found these useful, they are less highly rated than my overall winner.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Ergonomically shaped for your dog’s head | They only come in two sizes |
| Features a padded chin strap | |
| Adjustable straps | |
| Lightweight | |
| They come with a travel case |
Price
Best Headphone Snood Combo: Safe Dog Ears Noise Cancelling Headphones Review
The Safe Dog Ears Store offers a dog snood with headphones rolled into one product. So, if you’re unsure your dog would keep headphones on or need a calming band with additional noise-cancelling protection, this could be a better option. Slip the snood over your dog’s head and ensure the headphones cover their ears. The ear covers are wide for comfort and cover, and they use soft foam to reduce external noises. There are two adjustable drawstring points to help you find the best fit for your dog.
This option is lightweight, and many owners found their dog accepted this band better than standalone headphones. You can also take the headphones out and use the snood like you would a calming band, which makes cleaning the band much easier. This snood comes in four sizes and two colors, and the company offers a money-back guarantee should you not like the product for whatever reason. Only a handful of customers said the sizing was small. However, it needs to be tight enough not to slip off.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Snood & headphone combo | Some customers state the bands come up small |
| Features 2 drawstrings for a better fit | |
| You can remove the headphones | |
| It is available in multiple sizes | |
| Comes with a money-back guarantee |
Price
Premium Dog Headphones: Pawnix Noise Cancelling Headset Review
Pawnix began when the CEO, Kirsten, gave her dog, Emma, her human noise-cancelling headphones during a flight. What would typically be an anxiety-ridden plane ride for them both resulted in Emma falling asleep, which gave Kirsten the idea of creating noise-cancelling headphones for dogs. Now, Pawnix creates the most premium and highly rated noise-cancelling headgear for pups.
These headphones reduce the volume of loud noises to just 30 decibels. According to the website, loud fireworks shows become the loudness level of a vacuum or a running dishwasher. In addition, you can play music through the headphone speakers, which you can connect to your devices using BlueTooth 5.0 pairing. You can control the volume and music through your device, and the sound is capped at 50 decibels to protect their hearing. The headphones have a 30-hour battery life, and there is a velcro loop so you can attach it to their collar for additional security.
Pawnix’s headphones look more like a soft-sided helmet than a pair of headphones. They come in five sizes and four colors: gray, blue, pink, and red. Pawnix headphones are assembled in the U.S., offer a 60-day money-back guarantee, and every headset comes with a one-year warranty (conditions apply.) Plus, they give $5 from every sale to one of two dog charities. Although this is a pricey product, many owners rave about it and state it has been life-changing for their anxious pup. Watch this quick video about Pawnix and its technology.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Premium, high-quality headphones | An expensive product |
| Blocks noise | |
| You can also play music via the speakers | |
| It comes in a wide range of sizes & colors | |
| Pawnix offers a 60-day money-back guarantee | |
| Comes with a 1-year guarantee | |
| Pawnix has a calming Spotify playlist |
Price
Budget Dog Headphones: Happy Hoodie The Original Calming Band Review
Groomers initially created the Happy Hoodie to help pups who feel anxious during the grooming process. It’s also found success in reducing loud noises and helping pets during fireworks season. This dog snood wraps around their head and ears, and the gentle compression is described as a “head hug.” A snugger fit is best if you want to use this as a noise-reducing band.
The Happy Hoodie comes in four sizes and five colors. It is made with thick, soft, and breathable fabric that can stretch up to twice its width. The small option is typically for toy breeds and most cats, and the extra large option is suitable for most large-breed dogs. Some customers found their pets worked out how to slip the comfort band off. However, most dogs found this choice comforting when headphones were not an option.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| A simple calming band | Some customers mention their dog can scratch it off |
| Gently compresses the ears | It is not as effective at reducing noise compared to headphones |
| It comes in 4 sizes & 5 colors | |
| Made with soft, thick & breathable fabric | |
| Low price |
Price
9 Tips On How To Calm Your Dog
My sister’s dog, Babs, is extremely fearful of fireworks. Not only does she hide, but she also experiences trembling, foaming at the mouth, losing her appetite, and becoming withdrawn for several days afterward. Here is a mix of my tips and other popular ways to calm a dog down regarding noise. Implementing these tips could also increase the success of using these noise-cancelling headphones.
- Exercise Your Dog. If you know there will be noise at a particular time, such as a scheduled fireworks event, it’s essential to exercise your dog beforehand. Exercise is a great way to reduce stress and release pent-up energy. Please do not take them out during this time, as loud noises are a leading factor in missing pets.
- Stay Calm. Dogs feed off our energy, so it’s vital for you to stay calm. If you’re nervous that they’ll be nervous, you can only guarantee that you’ll both be nervous!
- Create A Safe Space. Make your home a safe haven for them by closing the windows and curtains and playing calming music, such as classical or brown noise. Sheltering them, such as a crate with a blanket over it or allowing them in your bed, can also be comforting.
- Offer Them A Stimulating Toy. Giving your dog a toy to play with, either their favorite chew toy or an interactive brain game, can help distract them from external stimuli.
- Feed Them Calming Treats. Many calming treats are available, and you should offer them a few hours before the noise starts or as soon as you notice it. We have a guide dedicated to the best calming treats for dogs.
- Use Essential Oils. Some owners use essential oils and other oils for dogs to help calm their pups. Lavender, coconut, and neem oils are best for dogs with anxiety.
- Try CBD. Whether you use CBD oil or CBD-infused dog treats, they can reduce the effects of anxiety in dogs.
- Try A Calming Vest. A Thundershirt applies pressure to the dog by swaddling them, providing a sense of security. You should never leave your pup unattended while wearing it.
- Speak To Your Vet. If your dog has an extreme phobia of noise or none of the above tips work, consider speaking to your vet about giving your pup a calming or anti-anxiety medication. Learn whether pet insurance covers anti-anxiety medication.
How Pet Insurance Can Help
Are you wondering which pet insurance provider may best suit your dog? Want to know what medication, holistic treatments, or behavioral training they cover? Get a free quote from our top insurance companies and contact them to find out before signing up.
A Happy Dog Is A Healthy Dog
There are so many ways to improve your dog’s health and happiness. If you want to improve their diet, check out our reviews of the best fresh dog foods. We also look at the best dog vitamins to help your dog’s digestive system or immunity. Consider a dog toy subscription box to prevent them from becoming bored with the same dog toys.
Have you used any of these noise-cancelling headphones? Perhaps you use other dog ear protection that helps with loud noises that you think I should consider? Let us know in the comments below.
Why Trust Canine Journal?
Emma is a dog mom to two rescue dogs, Bonkers and Chips. Although they have never shown noise aversion, her sister’s dog, Babs, whom she looks after regularly, is petrified of fireworks and loud noises. Before joining the Canine Journal team, Emma was a full-time professional dog walker and met many nervous dogs with different ways of dealing with anxiety. She is passionate about sharing her knowledge and experience with other dog parents to help them and their beloved pups live their best lives.