6 Best Dog Earmuffs to Protect Your Pup From Loud Noises
Dogs’ hearing is way more sensitive than ours. These top-rated earmuffs can help drown out scary sounds such as loud fireworks
share article
Whilst heading into darker and darker nights for the winter can be a depressing thought, the only advantage (for humans, anyway) is that the early evenings and dark night’s provide the perfect backdrop for fireworks. However, your pets might not be as keen on the celebrations.
With Guy Fawkes night hitting soon after the clocks go back, followed by Diwali celebrations and New Year’s Eve just around the corner, it’s a tough few months for our furry friends.
Unfortunately, all the things humans love about watching fireworks – the people and parties, celebrations, loud bangs and exciting flashes – can be quite anxiety-inducing for pups. In worst case scenarios, this perfect storm can lead to them high tailing it out of there. Literally.
There’s tons of advice out there about what you can do to mitigate your pup’s apprehension over loud events such as fireworks. Most of which boils down to keeping pets indoors, giving them lots of treats and love and, for the more anxious pups, talking to your vet about as-needed anti-anxiety medication. However, if you’re looking for a tool that addresses the root of the issue, you might want to consider investing in a pair of earmuffs for your dog.
Why Are Dogs Scared of Fireworks?opens in a new tab
How to keep your dog mentally and physically safe this Bonfire Night
See, dogs can hear a lot moreopens in a new tab than we can (a lot more). Not only can they hear sounds that we can’t, those sounds are also far more intense. So while medication and a licky mat might keep them calmeropens in a new tab, it won’t stop loud noises from sounding like fireworks are actually going off inside their head, times a million.
However, the earmuffs on this list can do something to combat this problem, so read on to find the right pair for your pup.
Btw, our editors (and their pets) picked out these products. They’re always in stock at the time we publish, but there’s a chance they’ll sell out. If you do buy through our links, we may earn a commission. (We’ve got a lot of toys to buy over here, you know?)
These Famikako Dog Ear Muffs are by far the closest thing on this list to ear plugs for your dogs. With a reported noise reduction of 25 decibels, these muffs are often used for service animals at concerts and on airplanes. Of the ear muffs on this list, they are the most heavy duty, meaning if your dog can tolerate wearing them, they will provide maximum relief.
These super-soft and adjustable ear protectors for dogs from Bollsen are not only comfortable for your pup, fitting small to large sizes, but also reduce loud noises by up to 35 decibels, so your pet can sit through fireworks and thunderstorms worry free.
Not only is it very cute to see your pet in a mini hoodie all of their own, but the close fabric feeling of the Original Happy Hoodie also calms nerves during any potential stressful situation, as well as blocking out loud noises.
Similar to the Happy Hoodie, this adorable knitted hood will provide cosy and lightweight protection against loud noises. It fits a little looser than the Happy Hoodie, so it might be a good option for dogs who have a particularly low tolerance for clothes (or earmuffs).
Originally designed as protective gear for dogs in the military, RexSpecs provide protection for both ears and eyes. So, while you should try to keep your pup far away from all types of fireworks, the added eye protection might be a good idea if your pup will be somewhere around so-called silent fireworks (cracklers, sparklers, etc).
Built like a fleeced neck gaiter for their human counterparts, this cosy and warm ear muff not only keeps your pup protected from winter chills, but also gently presses their ears down to help curb anxiety in high stress and high noise environments.
Rebecca Caplan
Rebecca Caplan is a writer based in Brooklyn whose work has been featured in The New Yorker, Reductress, and Vulture. She lives in Brooklyn with her perfect, toothless dog Moose.
Related articles
![Dog with martingale collar and girl with blonde hair]()
opens in a new tabWhy Your Dog Needs a Martingale Collar
It prevents escape, works as a training tool and is recommended by dog rescue workers
![Woman with neck-length black hair wearing all black leather and black converse walking her brown dog on a black and white harness against a yellow tin background]()
opens in a new tab7 Best Dog Harnesses For When Collars Don’t Cut It
Experts pick the best harnesses for every kind of dog – from flat-faced breeds to escape artists
![Man laying on floor playing with dog]()
opens in a new tabHow to Puppy-Proof Your Home
Is your home a danger-zone for a new dog? Follow these pro tips
