Mary Allen
Introduction: Understanding Canine Hearing
As a dog owner, you may have noticed that your furry friend reacts differently to sounds than you do. Dogs are known for their keen sense of hearing, but how exactly does their hearing differ from ours? Understanding the differences between human and canine hearing can help you better communicate with and care for your pet.
Anatomy of a Dog’s Ear: How It Affects Hearing
A dog’s ear is divided into three parts: the outer ear, middle ear, and inner ear. The outer ear, which includes the pinna, collects sound waves and directs them into the ear canal. The middle ear contains three small bones that amplify the sound vibrations, while the inner ear contains the cochlea, which detects sound and sends signals to the brain. The shape and size of a dog’s ear can affect how they perceive sound, as different breeds have different ear shapes.
Frequency Range: What Dogs Can Hear That Humans Can’t
Dogs have a wider range of hearing than humans, particularly in higher frequencies. While humans can hear sounds up to 20,000 Hz, dogs can hear up to 65,000 Hz. This means that dogs can hear sounds that are too high-pitched for us to hear, such as the high-pitched whine of a dog whistle. However, dogs have a harder time hearing low-frequency sounds, which is why they may not respond to commands given in a low voice.