Why Dogs Howl at Sirens

You might notice when your pooch hears sirens that instead of their usual alerted bark, they might howl instead. So what causes your furry friend to elicit this different response? Let’s find out!

Why Do Dogs Howl at Some Sounds?

Howling is a sound typically associated with wolves, so it might have shocked you a bit when you first heard that noise come out of your canine companion. There are numerous reasons that cause a canine to howl, but when it comes to howling at particular noises (like sirens), there tend to be two main causes. Either your furry friend is trying to bring your attention to the noise they’re hearing, or they’re trying their best to scare the sound away with their voice.

In wolf packs, howling can sometimes be used to scare other animals away and discourage them from approaching, so it would make sense that your pooch would react similarly. Additionally, howling in packs is also a common way of alerting the rest of the pack to something of importance nearby.

Are the Sirens Hurting Fido’s Ears?

While your canine companion does have sensitive ears, the brief exposure they have to sirens shouldn’t cause any damage or harm to their ears. However, if you can try to avoid exposing them to any constant, consistent, and long-term noise pollution. If you catch your pup wincing in pain when they hear a certain sound, consider scheduling an appointment with their veterinarian to check for any underlying health issues.

Dogs That Are More Likely to Howl at Sirens

Just because your pooch is a specific breed, it won’t necessarily cause them to howl or not more than other breeds. However, some breeds are more prone to howling than others, such as Huskies, Dachshunds, Beagles, Basset Hounds, and American Eskimos. While these breeds have a higher chance of howling, it doesn’t mean they absolutely will.

When your furry friend is howling at sirens, just remember that you’re a part of their pack, and they’re just trying to either alert to or protect you from the noise.