Dog Hearing Protection Hunting Essentials for Hunters and Dogs

As a hunter, you want to ensure your furry companion is protected from the loud noises of hunting. Dogs can suffer permanent hearing damage from gunshots, which can lead to behavioral changes and even hearing loss.

The American Kennel Club recommends using dog hearing protection specifically designed for hunting. These devices can be earplugs or earmuffs that reduce sound levels to a safe range for your dog.

Hearing protection is especially crucial for dogs under a year old, as their ears are still developing and more susceptible to damage.

Dog hearing protection is crucial for hunting dogs, as loud noises can cause permanent damage.

Dogs can lose their hearing from gunshots, and once it's gone, there's no way to get it back.

Noises over 120 to 140 decibels can cause deafness in most dogs, so keeping gunfire below that range is essential.

You can keep your hunting companion safe by using ear muffs or ear plugs, which can dull surrounding sounds and minimize how much the dog hears.

Ear plugs are typically more effective for hunting dogs because they are less clunky and less likely to fall off.

However, ear protection can also block out other noises, making it harder for your dog to hear your instructions or their surroundings.

Shooting while your dog is far from you can help protect their hearing, but not every hunter can afford to distance themselves from their dog before shooting.

Hunting with a suppressor can protect both your hearing and your dog's, as it reduces the noise of the gun and makes it easier to hunt with your dog by your side.

You can find the perfect suppressor for your firearm at a store like Silencer Central, which offers top-of-the-line silencers for various firearms, calibers, and budgets.

Sounds over 140 decibels can cause long-term damage to human ears, and since dogs have more sensitive ears than humans, it's safe to assume sounds above 140 decibels can hurt a dog's hearing.

Some popular hunting guns are louder than 150 decibels, which is higher than what the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association considers safe.

Dogs can lose their hearing from gunshots, and once it's gone, there's no way to get it back.

A dog's hearing is perishable, and exposure to loud noises can cause irreversible hearing impairment over time.

Noises over 120 to 140 decibels are enough to cause deafness in most dogs, and some dog breeds have more sensitive ears than others.

You can keep your hunting companion safe by keeping your gunfire below 120 decibels, but this might not always be possible.

Shooting around your dog is more likely to cause deafness if you fire while your dog is within a couple of feet of you.

Hunting with your dog can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it's essential to take steps to protect their hearing. Your hunting style with your dog can increase or decrease the likelihood of canine hearing injury.

Hunting techniques that involve your dog scouting ahead of you and scaring prey out of hiding are less likely to hurt your best friend's ears. This is because the dog is further away from you when you fire, reducing the intensity and damaging noise of your gunfire.

The further away your dog is from you when you fire, the less intense and damaging the noise of your gunfire will be to the dog's hearing. Sound pressure reduces by 6 decibels at 10 to 20 meters and drops another 6 decibels at double the distance.

Let your dog stand behind and away from you before firing. Taking this precaution will ensure most of your gunfire noise travels away from your canine, reducing the amount of sound that reaches the dog's ears.

Solo shooting is also a good way to preserve your dog's hearing and minimize exposing them to numerous gunshot blasts. This approach is best when the primary hunter has excellent accuracy.

Related reading: How Do I Know If My Dog Will Protect Me?

Ear protection is a must-have for any hunting dog. There are several options available, each with its own benefits and drawbacks.

Ear muffs are a popular choice for dog hearing protection. They go over the dog's ears to dull surrounding sounds, but can be clunky and may fall off.

Ear plugs, on the other hand, go inside the ear to minimize how much the dog hears. They are typically more effective for hunting dogs because they are less likely to fall off, but can block out not just gunfire but also other noises.

If you're looking for a more permanent solution, consider using a suppressor. It's a great way to protect both you and your dog's hearing while hunting. Silencer Central is a great resource for finding the perfect suppressor for your firearm.

If you do choose to use ear muffs, look for ones that are specifically designed for dogs, such as Mutt Muffs. They're designed to fit comfortably on your dog's head and provide effective hearing protection.

Take a look at this: Great Pyrenees Hunting Dog

In-ear dog hearing protection is also an option, but it requires a custom-fit design to work effectively. CrittEar products have a patented design that fits a dog's unique L-shaped ear canal.

Here are some key considerations to keep in mind when choosing ear protection for your dog:

Some popular ear protection options for dogs include:

Remember, ear protection is an important part of keeping your dog safe while hunting. By choosing the right ear protection for your dog, you can help protect their hearing and ensure a successful and enjoyable hunting experience.