Introduction
The frequency of the device's sound waves will determine whether your dog can hear it or not, so be sure and check the specific machine you are looking at before bringing it home. If the frequency is too high, it could not only annoy your dog, but cause harm to their ears.
Signs Your Dog Can Hear an Ultrasonic Humidifier
Based on what we've discussed thus far, it's safe to say that sounds are much louder to dogs than they are to humans. They can also hear sounds much clearer than we can, which explains why they run for the hills when you use the vacuum!
This helps us understand why ultrasonic sounds are so irritating to dogs. If you are considering investing in an ultrasonic humidifier, it's a good idea to choose one that is on the lower spectrum as far as frequency goes. When you plug it in, pay attention to your dog's behavior and make note of how they are acting. If they don't seem to notice, you are in the clear, but if they are acting strange in any way or seem bothered, it could be hurting their ears.
Body Language
- Whining
- Listening
- Raise ears
- Whimpering
- Ears up
Other Signs
- Behaving differently than normal
- Leaving the room
- Moving their ears around, trying to find the sound
- Seeming irritated or confused
History of Dogs Hearing Ultrasonic Humidifiers
Dogs have evolved over thousands of years from their wolf ancestors. Some researchers believe they have actually lost some of the hearing ability through this evolutionary process, but it is still their second strongest sense. Wolves relied on their ability to hear high frequencies to survive in the wild and hunt for prey, which was integral to their well-being.
Mice and rats, for one, communicate with one another through very high-pitched noises, which us humans cannot hear but dogs can. This is important to keep in mind when looking at how dogs respond to many of the technological devices found in our households today, such as ultrasonic humidifiers.
Science Behind Dogs Hearing Ultrasonic Humidifiers
If you do decide to invest in an ultrasonic humidifier, it is important you separate your dog from it. Think of the humidifier as a dog whistle, if you will. Many dog whistles are out of the hearing range of humans, but are in that sweet spot for dogs. Most dogs can't hear whistles once they are about 15 to 20 feet from the sound, so the same can be said for ultrasonic humidifiers. If you can, put the humidifier in a room that your dog doesn't go in so you don't risk hurting their ears.
Training Your Dog to Hear an Ultrasonic Humidifier
With this in mind, we encourage you to err on the side of caution when it comes to bringing an ultrasonic humidifier into your home. Your dog can't tell you when something hurts their ears or is bothersome to them, and the last thing you want is to be causing them harm without your knowledge.
Always check the box of the ultrasonic humidifier before bringing it home. If it is on the high side, we suggest you look for another option. Although ultrasonic devices are used to steer dogs away from bad behaviors, it may not be safe.
How to React if Your Dog Can Hear an Ultrasonic Humidifier:
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Separate them from the device.
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Pay attention to how they are acting and reacting.
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If it is bothering them, return it.
Safety Tips for Using an Ultrasonic Humidifier Around Your Dog:
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Separate your dog and the device.
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Observe their behavior and make sure it isn't bothering them.