Here at DrCathyVet.com, we answer all sorts of questions about pets. Today, we’re talking about why your dog howls at sirens and whether this howling is anything to worry about.
There are two reasons that dogs howl when sirens are nearby. The first is that the sound hurts their ears and the second reason is that it’s just the right pitch to stimulate an instinctual howl.
The good news is that — either way — it’s nothing to worry about. Sometimes it can even be fun to get our dogs howling by howling along with them. The bad news is that when the sirens go by in the middle of the night it may be allowed in your home than others’ homes. Just quiet your four legged companion with lots of reassurance, forgive them for waking you from your slumber and wait for the sirens to pass you by.
I rarely comment on blogs, but this post hits close to my heart. Four months ago, my best friend Chaz, a Collie, passed on. For 12 years, Chaz was the only dog of my pack of five dogs who howled at sirens. The beauty of this howling outweighed my initial concern that my neighbors would be upset by the noise. The howling lasted only as long as the sirens were nearby, after all. I knew I was witnessing the miracle of a dog’s ancient ancestry. Or perhaps his ears just hurt!
Now when I hear sirens, there is just silence. I am haunted by memories of Chaz at this time. He may be gone in body but will always be present in spirit as I howl in my mind with the voice of my best buddy.
Rest in peace Chaz