How noise can help pets
Fireworks and thunder are frightening for many dogs and cats because the bangs are sudden, loud and unpredictable. A steady background sound fills the silence between them, so each bang is less of a shock. When you're out, quiet noise can also cover street sounds, doorbells and passers-by that set off barking or anxiety.
To be honest about the evidence: there's very little research on noise for pets specifically. Studies in rescue shelters have found that some kinds of calm sound, like soft music and audiobooks, can help dogs settle. Steady noise works on the same principle of masking sudden sounds, but it isn't a cure for serious noise fears.
Which noise should you choose?
- Brown noise has the most low-frequency energy, so it's best for softening the deep booms of fireworks and thunder.
- Pink noise is a gentle, even sound for everyday use, such as when your dog is home alone.
- Green noise is calm and natural-sounding.
- Grey noise has the harshest highs smoothed off.
Dogs and cats hear high-pitched sounds much better than we do, so avoid blue and violet noise, and keep the Warmth slider towards Warm to soften any hiss.
Suggested settings
Open any noise page and use the Sound Controls panel. These are good starting points for pets:
Preparing for fireworks night
- Start the noise early, before the fireworks begin, so it's already part of the background rather than a new sound.
- Introduce it in advance. Play it at quiet, calm times in the days before, so your pet links it with feeling relaxed.
- Make a safe den. A covered crate or a quiet corner with familiar bedding gives your pet somewhere to hide. Place the speaker nearby but not right next to them.
- Close curtains and windows to cut down flashes and noise.
- Walk dogs before dark, and stay calm yourself. Comforting a frightened pet is fine; pets often take their cue from you.
- Keep the page open on a device on charge. The sound plays in your browser and stops if the page is closed.
Common questions
Is white noise safe for dogs?
At a low to moderate volume, yes. Dogs' hearing is more sensitive than ours, so keep it quieter than you'd choose for yourself and avoid very bright, hissy noise.
Should I leave noise on when my dog is home alone?
Many owners find quiet noise helps cover outside sounds that trigger barking. If your dog shows real distress when left alone, talk to your vet or a qualified behaviourist.