Humans who live or work in noisy environments often suffer hearing loss—and the same is true for dogs. Even worse, loud noises such as fireworks, thunderstorms, gunfire, aircraft engines, power tools, construction equipment, motorcycles, and grooming salon dryers can traumatize noise-sensitive dogs by creating stress levels that damage their health and happiness. Noise protection products help both humans and dogs reduce their exposure to potentially damaging sounds.

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When Dogs May Need Ear Protection

The simplest canine ear protectors are stretchy fabric wraps that help dampen loud noises and provide enough compression to have a calming effect. They are popular in grooming salons because they keep ears safely out of the way during haircuts, help dogs relax (or at least feel less stressed), and provide some protection from a grooming salon’s loud sounds, such as barking, blow dryers, and noisy conversations.

Soft compression wraps work well in the right situations but they don’t reduce sound levels the way acoustic foam and fitted ear cups do. Dogs regularly exposed to gunfire, aircraft, machinery, and other intense noises need products that are specifically designed for hearing protection.

Sound is measured in decibels, abbreviated dB, which are logarithmic units that quantify sound intensity. Each 10-decibel increase represents a 10-fold increase in sound intensity and is perceived as about twice as loud to the human ear. Common reference points include:

• Quiet room: 30–40 dB
• Moderate rainfall: ~50 dB
• Normal conversation: ~60 dB
• Vacuum cleaner, busy traffic, or normal TV audio: ~70 dB
• Traffic noise: ~80 dB
• Power tools: ~90 dB
• Threshold where long or repeated exposure can cause permanent hearing loss: ~85 dB
• Lawnmowers, power tools, hairdryers, and motorcycles: ~ 90 to 100 dB
• Music concerts, car horns, and squeaky toys held close to the ear: 110 to 120 dB
• Jet engine taking off or firearms (the threshold of pain): 140 dB

Earmuff Style Dog Ear Protector: ZOHAN DG02 Dog Ear Muffs

These soft gel ear pads are made with a durable ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, a thermoplastic polymer) shell and lightweight materials. The product does not use hard plastic clips that break or pinch hair, and its fast-release strap and adjustment band simplify fitting.

The Zohan DG02 comes in three colors (black, pink, or blue) and four sizes to fit most breeds. For best results, measure your dog’s head circumference behind or over the ears, then measure the top of the head from one ear to the other. That measurement is called the Interaural size range.

• Size Small (S) fits Chihuahuas and Pomeranians (head circumference 10-14 inches, top interaural 2.3 to 4.1 inches, weight 5 to 20 pounds).
• Size Medium (M) fits French Bulldogs, Shetland Sheepdogs, and Beagles (head circumference 14 to 18 inches, top interaural 3 to 5 inches), weight 20 to 40 pounds.
• Size Medium Plus (M+) fits Border Collies and Pit Bull Terriers (head circumference 16 to 20 inches, top interaural 3.1 to 5.1 inches, weight 30 to 65 pounds)
• Size Large fits Labrador and Golden Retrievers (head circumference 18-22 inches, interaural 3.3 to 5.3 inches, weight 40-75+ pounds).

Refer to the weight range for breeds with similar head sizes but different body weights.

This style is not recommended for dogs with very long ears, such as Basset Hounds, Cocker Spaniels, or Beagles.

According to the manufacturer, Zohan earmuffs are scratch-resistant for standing up to pawing and chewing; impact-proof for staying intact during play or travel; long-lasting to maintains shape after repeated use, and perfect for high-stimulation environments like thunder, fireworks, air travel and noisy city walks. “We strive to make every product the best it can be and ensure all dogs are satisfied. While our dog earmuffs are designed to fit most breeds, we understand every pup is unique. If the fit isn’t perfect for your dog, contact customer support for assistance, refund, or replacement.”

ANSI-Standard Tested Dog Ear Protector: DerYEP Dog Earmuffs for Hearing Protection

DerYEP Dog Earmuffs are over-the-ear hearing protectors that use rigid ear cups, sound-absorbing foam, and cushioned seals to reduce the amount of noise reaching the ears.

The outer ear cups are made of durable ABS plastic. Inside, thick acoustic foam helps absorb sound, while soft, elastic foam padding around the cups creates a close seal around the dog’s ears. Adjustable elastic straps hold the two cups in position on either side of the dog’s head. The earmuffs are available in four colors (white, blue, pink, and red) and in four sizes. Proper sizing is important because gaps between the cushions and the dog’s head can substantially reduce their effectiveness.

• Small (S) for head circumference of 9 to 13 inches ($44)
• Medium (M) for head circumferences of 13 to 17 inches ($44)
• Large (L) for head circumferences of 40 to 70 inches ($54)
• Extra Large (XL) for head circumferences of 20 to 24 inches ($65)

The manufacturer reports a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of 29 dB over frequencies from 250 to 2,000 Hz, tested according to ANSI S3.19. This makes derYEP one of the relatively few canine hearing protectors marketed with a specific noise-reduction rating and test standard. The earmuffs are passive hearing protection—they use physical barriers and acoustic foam rather than electronic active noise cancellation.

DerYEP recommends that dogs be gradually conditioned to wearing earmuffs before they are needed by first allowing the dog to investigate them, then introducing short wearing sessions with rewards and gradually increasing the duration.

Ear Protector for Working Dogs: Rex Specs Ear Pro

The Rex Specs Ear Pro by Zeteo Tech was developed to protect military working dogs from hearing loss caused by noise exposure. In sound booth tests at 95 decibels and low frequencies of 20 to 120 Hertz, the Ear Pro reduced exposure by 18 to 24 dB, with effectiveness increasing at higher frequencies. The Rex Specs Ear Pro is not an active noise-cancelling headphone; it offers passive hearing protection.

The Ear Pro resembles a thick fitted hood that holds acoustic foam over the dog’s ears while distributing pressure around the head. This low-profile protector stays close to the head and can be worn with goggles and other working-dog equipment such as muzzles. The Ear Pro is appropriate for working dogs exposed to machinery, gunshots, aircraft, and other high-noise environments, and it provides ear protection from fireworks and thunderstorms.

The Ear Pro fits over the dog’s head without needing adjustments and its low frequency blocking foam remains effective even if the product slightly shifts. The Ear Pro is available in two colors (black and coyote tan) and three sizes and costs $93.

• Size 2: Beagles, Shiba Inu, Shetland Sheepdogs, Whippets (head circumference 13-15 inches)
• Size 3: Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, German Shorthaired Pointers (head circumference 15-17.5 inches)
• Size 4: Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds (head circumference 17.5-21 inches)

Dog Ear Protector with Active Noise Cancellation: PAWNIX Noise-Cancelling Headphones

The PAWNIX headphones are different from other dog earmuffs because they combine electronic active noise cancellation with passive sound attenuation. According to the manufacturer, the headphones’ microphones detect incoming sound and their electronics generate an opposing signal, like that used in human noise-canceling headphones. In addition, sound-absorbing foam surrounds the dog’s ears and Bluetooth 5.0 can play music or other audio.

The volume on the headset is controlled by a paired device, such as a cell phone or tablet. The headphones do not go above 50 decibels because a limiter controls their volume. The cost for all sizes is $200, and replacement electronic modules cost $125. PAWNIX headphones are available in gray, blue, pink, and red.

For correct sizing, measure the vertical head circumference from brow to jaw, the neck circumference under the jaw, and the distance between the ears over the top of the dog’s head.

• Size Extra Small (XS), which is made to order, fits Yorkies, Chihuahuas, Maltese, and Pomeranians with vertical head circumference of 8 to 11.5 inches, neck 8 to 11 inches, and between ears measurement 2.5 to 5 inches
• Size Small (S) fits Shih Tzus, Lasa Apsos, Havanese, Corgis, and Jack Russells with a vertical head circumference of 11.5 to 14.25 inches, neck circumference 10 to 13 inches, and between ears measurement 3 to 5 inches
• Size Medium (M) fits Bichons, Terriers, Beagles, Cavaliers, small Doodles, and Shepherds with a vertical head circumference of 14.25 to 19 inches, neck circumference 13 to 19 inches, and between ears measurement of 4 to 6.5 inches
• Size Large (L) fits Labradors, Bulldogs, Malinois, and German Shepherds measuring 19 to 22 inches vertical head circumference, neck circumference 18 to 23 inches, and between ears 5 to 7 inches
• Extra Large (XL) headphones are made to order for Bernese Mountain Dogs, Great Danes, and other dogs with a vertical head circumference of 22 to 28 inches, neck circumference of 23 to 30 inches, and between ears measurement of 5 to 8 inches

Dog Ear Protector for Noise Anxiety: Happy Hoodie

Examples of compression ear wraps include the Happy Hoodie, which is made of soft, elastic, two-ply fabric. The Happy Hoodie’s wide fabric band proved so effective at relieving anxiety in grooming salons that it is widely used to help calm pets during veterinary exams, car rides, encounters with vacuum cleaners, and stormy weather. The Happy Hoodie is considered a useful first option for dogs whose primary problem is noise anxiety rather than hazardous occupational noise exposure.

Dogs usually adapt quickly to simple ear protectors like the Happy Hoodie, while more elaborate ear protectors can require conditioning sessions that let a dog gradually become used to wearing them.

Why sniffing and licking are good for dogs

Sniffing is how dogs read the world, and Jae explains that a good sniffing session is real mental stimulation: a dog works to process the scents, and its breathing picks up, so there’s a little physical workout in it too. Licking does something different. The repetitive motion is calming and helps release feel-good endorphins, which makes a lick mat a useful way to bring a high-energy dog down before a nap or bedtime.

How snuffle mats and lick mats work

A snuffle mat is a piece of fabric with lots of folds or pockets where you hide dry food, so the dog has to forage it out with its nose. A lick mat has a textured surface you spread wet or sticky food across, like canned food or peanut butter, so the dog has to work it out of the nooks and crannies. Lick mats can also be frozen to stretch the time even further, which helps dogs that inhale their meals.

What to look for when you buy one

For snuffle mats, Jae looks for plenty of hiding spots (ideally enough to hold a whole meal, not just a few treats), durable construction without small rippable pieces that could be a choking hazard for shredders, and machine washability so cleanup is easy. For lick mats, she says dishwasher safe matters even more, since food gets stuck in the fine texture and the mats need cleaning between uses, especially with raw food.

Jae’s favorite mats

She points to a couple of shaggy, high-pile snuffle mats she rates for keeping dogs busy, including a large one that occupies her dog for 20 to 30 minutes, and to a budget silicone lick mat she’s used for years alongside a softer one made for anxious or easily frustrated dogs. She also keeps suction-cup lick mats on hand for bath time and grooming. The specific brands she names are in the video.

What food to use, and keeping it diet-friendly

Snuffle mats work with regular kibble or dry treats; lick mats are for softened kibble, wet or raw food, peanut butter, or yogurt. To avoid overfeeding, Jae’s simplest rule is to use the dog’s own meals for enrichment, or to trim the next meal a little if she’s added something extra.

The takeaway

Snuffle mats and lick mats are an easy way to give your dog mental work and a calmer evening using food you already have. Watch the full interview above for Jae’s specific picks and how she uses each one.