AllDogsWorld

Hearing is measured in cycles per second(c.p.s) or hertz. The human range is from a base tone of 20 c.p.s. to a high-pitched sound of approximately 20,000 c.p.s. Any sound over 20,000 c.p.s is referred to as ultrasonic.

Dogs can hear noises ranging from 20 c.p.s. to an amazing level of at least 35,000 c.p.s. Dogs learn to locate the source of a sound with great accuracy, using their large mobile ear flaps. Experiments have shown that they are able to pinpoint a sound within five degrees when it is placed anywhere in a circle of 360 degrees.

Dogs hearing problem

Dogs often react to ultrasonic sound which are too high for us human to hear. Dogs may become excited and start running around or barking. Elderly dogs sometimes become deaf which can make it appear as if they are ignoring your voice signals.

If your ageing dog is becoming deaf, increase the use of hand signal. Dogs will quickly react to noises which signify enjoyment such as the sound of the family car engine, the sound of food being prepared, or the owner’s footsteps.

Dogs hearing and their behavior

Dogs react quickly to high, sharp sound such as a key in a lock, or the sound of scissors cutting up silvers of meat. This suggests that dogs will be interested in similar voice signals and will be more likely to respond to them.

Dogs will always react to a hissing sound made through the teeth. Saying ’sit’ or ’stand’ in a similar way will elicit extreme interest. It is always better to use high-pitched voice signals rather than low, commanding ones.

When calling a young puppy from a distance, it is better to move away from it while you say ‘come’, so that your movement will help the puppy to find the source of the sound.

Dogs are able to find people buried under many feet of snow and dogs can be trained to detect gas leaks underground, to sniff out drugs and even to discover when a cow is in season.

A dog nose is very moist when they are scenting. Many people asked, if dogs scent is so good, why dogs who stray become lost and unable to find their way home? The answer is because dog smell was not developed to cope with the numerous odours created by human beings and their urban lifestyle.

Nevertheless, dog smell is remarkable when it comes to finding food. The dog smell can be affected by a number of illnesses such as distemper, hepatitis, diabetes hypothyroidism and tumours or by irritation, infection or obstruction of the nose and ageing.

Dog scent or dog’s sense of smell problem

Dogs are often attracted to smells which we find abhorrent. Golden retrievers love to roll in fresh horse manure and other nasty odours. The smell of food from the kitchen may be a great temptation to some dogs.

Dogs may end up stealing food. Rubbish bins are frequent drawcard for both domestic and feral dogs. Eating rubbish can be extremely dangerous due to the possibility of injury, poisoning or eating sharp bones which can puncture the intestine.