Dogs’ Remarkable Hearing Abilities
Dogs have an astounding sense of hearing that allows them to detect sounds humans can’t. With over 18 muscles controlling their ears compared to our 6, dogs can independently move their ears to localize and pinpoint sounds. Their hearing range is approximately 40 Hz to 60,000 Hz, while humans hear between 64 Hz to 23,000 Hz. This means dogs can hear higher frequency sounds that we are unable to detect. Their sensitive ears allow them to hear subtle noises from great distances, even picking up underground vibrations and ultrasound frequencies above our range of hearing.
With such impressive auditory abilities, it’s no wonder many wonder – can dogs hear babies before they’re born? Let’s explore what science and dog experts reveal about dogs’ ability to hear fetal movements and heartbeats.
A Dog’s Hearing Abilities
Dogs have a much wider range of hearing compared to humans. While the average human hearing range is around 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz, a dog’s hearing range is approximately 40 Hz to 60,000 Hz according to Hidden Hearing. This means dogs can hear sounds more than twice as high-pitched as humans can.
Not only do dogs hear higher frequencies, but they can also hear sounds from much farther away. As explained by the American Kennel Club, humans can generally detect sounds up to 20 feet away, while dogs can hear sounds from over 65 feet away. Their sensitive ears allow them to pick up distant noises that humans completely miss.
Thanks to their impressive 40 to 60 kHz range, dogs can hear high-frequency sounds like dog whistles, sirens, and even ultrasonic pest deterrents that are designed to be audible only to dogs. Their exceptional hearing abilities give dogs a fuller experience of the world around them.
What Dogs Can Hear In The Womb
Dogs have a keen sense of hearing that allows them to detect sounds at higher frequencies than humans can. Their hearing range is approximately 67-45,000 Hz, compared to a human’s 64-23,000 Hz range [1]. This means dogs are able to hear ultrasounds, which measure between 18,000-10,000,000 Hz [2].
Because of their superior hearing capabilities, dogs can detect sounds from a fetus in the womb starting in the third trimester. At this stage, between 27-36 weeks, dogs can hear the baby’s movements and heartbeats as the baby develops and grows [3]. The louder sounds of a third trimester fetus may be what initially alerts some dogs to their owner’s pregnancy.
Dog’s Reaction To Pregnancy
Many dogs will exhibit behavioral changes when they sense their owner is pregnant. This is likely due to their incredible sense of smell detecting hormonal changes even in early pregnancy. Some common changes noted by pregnant women include: [1]
Increased affection: Some dogs become more attached and affectionate with their pregnant owner. They may follow them around more closely, want to cuddle more, and act more protective.
Decreased appetite: Interestingly, a few dogs seem to eat less when their owner gets pregnant, perhaps instinctively knowing they need to conserve resources for the coming babies.
More alertness: Dogs can become extra alert and attentive to their pregnant owner’s needs, wanting to stay close to “guard” them.
Clinginess: Many dogs display clingy behavior and become velcro dogs who stick close by their owner’s side. This protects the vulnerable pregnant woman.
Territorial: Some dogs will patrol the perimeter more often and act defensive of the pregnant woman and baby territory.
For example, one woman reported her dog never left her side during pregnancy and even slept curled against her growing belly each night. The dog sensed the importance of bonding with the unborn baby. [2] This protectiveness shows how dogs instinctively react to pregnancy in the home.
Bonding With The Baby
Dogs can start bonding with babies even before they are born. According to research, some dogs seem to sense when their owner is pregnant and will begin showing signs of protectiveness and affection. This is likely due to their strong sense of smell and ability to detect differences in a pregnant woman’s body chemistry, such as hormonal changes (source: https://wagwalking.com/sense/can-dogs-smell-a-baby-in-the-womb).
Dogs may begin following and snuggling up to their pregnant owner more. Some dogs even rest their heads on the woman’s growing belly as if listening to the baby. Touching and making contact with the belly can help facilitate bonding between your dog and the unborn baby (source: https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/can-dogs-sense-pregnancy).
To help your dog bond with your unborn baby, give them lots of positive attention and affection when they show interest in you and your belly. Let them gently sniff around the baby bump. You can even place a baby blanket or item near your belly so the dog associates the smells with you. Talk or sing to your belly with your dog present. All of this builds a foundation for a relationship between your dog and baby.
Preparing Your Dog
Preparing your dog in advance for the arrival of a new baby is crucial. Here are some tips:
Start training your dog on basic obedience commands like sit, stay, and come. Reinforce these commands using baby related props so they get used to things like strollers and baby toys. Practicing while you do normal baby prep tasks like diapering or swaddling will also help them adjust (Preparing your pet for a new baby | Animal Humane Society, https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/resource/preparing-your-pet-new-baby).
Gradually start exposing your dog to baby sounds and cries by playing recordings around your home. Get them used to the new noises so they aren’t startled after the baby arrives (How to Prepare Your Dog For Your New Baby – The Wildest, https://www.thewildest.com/dog-behavior/preparing-dog-for-baby).
Keep your dog’s routine as consistent as possible – feed them, walk them, and give them attention at their usual times. Dogs crave routine and preserving it will reduce stress. Make gradual changes over time rather than all at once after the birth (Dogs and Babies | ASPCA, https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/dogs-and-babies).
Make sure your dog has a safe space in your home where they can relax and get away from the new sights and sounds if needed. Set this area up in advance so it’s already familiar to them when baby arrives.
Introducing Your Dog To The Baby
Introducing a new baby to your dog requires care, planning, and patience. While many dogs readily accept a new baby, some may become fearful, territorial, or jealous. Start by desensitizing your dog to baby noises and smells in the weeks before birth. When it’s time for the first in-person meeting, have someone restrain the dog while your hold the swaddled baby and allow them to sniff each other. Provide lots of positive reinforcement and treats any time the dog acts calmly around the baby. Supervise all interactions at first and immediately redirect any roughness or aggression. As they get more comfortable, allow brief, controlled contact under your watch.
Safety should always come first when merging babies and dogs. Never leave them alone together, even for a moment. When the baby starts crawling, keep the dog on a leash during interactions. Elevate the baby or use a secured barrier if the dog gets too rambunctious. Provide your dog with ample exercise, toys, attention and their own safe space away from the baby. Signs of stress or change in behavior warrant extra precautions and professional advice. With proper introductions, ongoing diligence and care for both their needs, you can foster a loving bond between your kids and dogs.
For more detailed tips, check out this article from the American Kennel Club: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/advice/introducing-dog-to-baby/
Signs Your Dog Is Stressed
When a new baby arrives, dogs can become stressed by the changes in routine and environment. There are several warning signs that indicate your dog may be feeling anxious or uncomfortable around the baby:
Whale eye: When the white part of your dog’s eye is visible, it indicates stress. They may roll their eyes to avoid looking at the baby.
Excessive licking: Dogs may lick their lips or nose repeatedly when nervous. This is a self-soothing behavior.
Shedding: Stress can cause dogs to shed more than usual.
Avoidance: Your dog may try to avoid being around the baby by leaving the room or hiding.
There are several things you can do to help relieve your dog’s stress:
Give them a safe space away from the baby where they can relax. Set up a comfortable bed in another room.
Make time for just you and your dog to do fun activities like walks, training, or playing. This maintains your bond.
Introduce changes gradually before the baby arrives. Get them used to new smells, sounds, and routines.
Give them lots of praise and treats for calm behavior around the baby. This reinforces good interactions.
Be patient and keep a close eye on all interactions. With time and positive reinforcement, your dog can become comfortable with your new arrival.
Fostering A Relationship
It’s important to facilitate bonding between your dog and new baby to ensure they become the best of friends. Here are some tips to help foster their relationship:
Let your dog sniff the baby’s items before bringing the baby home. This allows them to get used to the new smells. Give your dog one of the baby’s blankets or stuffed animals to cuddle with.
Encourage gentle interaction under supervision. Let your dog approach and sniff the baby while you hold the baby. Reward calm and gentle behavior with treats. This positive reinforcement will help them associate the baby with good things.
Involve your dog in activities with the baby. Sit on the floor together while you read the baby books and let your dog listen too. Go for walks together, with your dog on leash, while pushing the stroller. This integrates them into the baby’s routine.
Never leave your dog and baby unattended. Wait until your baby is older before allowing any unsupervised interactions. Always supervise play and monitor for any signs of distress in either animal.
With time, patience and positive reinforcement, you can facilitate an incredible bond between your furry companion and newest little family member.
Conclusion
In summary, dogs have excellent hearing capabilities that allow them to detect a baby’s movements and sounds from the womb. Their advanced sense of hearing alerts them to the changes happening during pregnancy. While some dogs may act aloof or stressed initially, most will bond with the baby given proper training, socialization, and adjustment time. With patience and care, you can foster a loving lifelong bond between your furry companion and newest family member.
As one Reddit user shared about their dog bonding with a new baby, “It was one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever witnessed. That dog loved my son so much and was so gentle and caring with him. They truly became best friends.” There are few things more heartwarming than seeing a dog snuggle up protectively next to a sleeping baby. With understanding and preparation, you can make that a reality in your own home.