Our homes are filled with a variety of household appliances, but few people think about how these technological devices affect their pets. Researchers warn that some sounds that we often don’t notice may have a negative impact on the mental health of pets.
Inverse writes about this.
Experts note that sirens, thunder, the sound of a vacuum cleaner, fireworks and even more subtle sounds that are imperceptible to the human ear can cause discomfort in pets. Behavioral medicine professor Catherine Hope stresses the importance of understanding what noises may bother pets so you can take steps to protect their mental health.
An example is the case described by Professor Houpt, where a dog exhibited strange behavior due to an inaudible smoke alarm signal. An elderly couple managed to find out that their pet was suffering due to a sound that was elusive to the owners, which gave rise to serious concerns about the dog’s health.
Understanding your pet’s hearing abilities is key to creating a comfortable environment for them. Cats can perceive sounds at frequencies up to 64,000 Hz, and dogs up to 45,000 Hz, which exceeds the limits of human audibility (20,000 Hz). Research also shows that certain sounds in the home can affect animals’ sleep cycles and endocrine systems.
To ensure the comfort and well-being of your pets, Houpt recommends choosing quieter appliances, such as vacuum cleaners, and keeping an eye on the sound level when using your microwave. It is important to carefully monitor changes in pet behavior when introducing new electronics into the home and, if necessary, avoid using technology that causes stress in pets.
Previously, Cursor reported that headaches can be a sign of serious illness.
