If your dog is scared of fireworks, it’s a good idea to soundproof its crate.
Every dog owner has been through comforting its pet when it’s loud and noisy outside.
It happens most during New Year’s since that’s when people use fireworks the most, creating noise for days and nights on end.
Dogs aren’t fans of this and are usually anxious and scared of the noise outside. Some will hide away while others will bark for hours.
However, it goes beyond your pet just barking as most pups don’t sleep or eat well at this time either.
Why should you soundproof your dog’s crate
Though some countries forbid the use of pyrotechnics, people still do it nonetheless. If you’re a new dog owner, you’ll notice the change in your pup’s behavior around New Year’s and 4th of July as that’s the time people use firecrackers and fireworks the most.
Dogs, regardless of the breed and size, can actually even die of fright. Some get more scared than others, and it doesn’t have to do with how you’ve raised your pet. And because you can’t stop reckless people from using these pyrotechnic displays, you should consider soundproofing the crate.
Why you need a soundproof dog crate
Dogs have better hearing than we do so they hear many of the low-frequency sounds we don’t. Also, it’s possible that some sounds we’re used to, dogs will be very irritated with.
Have you ever heard of hounds being able to hear a storm before it happens? Exactly. They’ll be anxious, nervous and just act weirdly although there’s no apparent reason.
How to tell if your pup is irritated
As we said, every dog is different, so some might bark the entire time, while others will just hide. Now, if the pup barks, it’s pretty simple to tell that it’s irritated.
Some dogs will just lie still without showing as many obvious signs of discomfort. Look closely if he/she is shaking and has the tail tucked. Another signs that the canine is scared are reduced activity and hiding.
Most people tend to forget that fireworks scare big dogs just as much as they scare small ones. Size doesn’t have as much to do with how scared your pup will be.
It’s mostly a matter of character and how the pooch is trained. Some remain calm when assured they are safe, while others won’t stop barking until the fireworks are done with.
Other sounds that irritate them
The first thing you want to remember is that every dog is different. So, some might hate the vacuum cleaner, while others might not even notice it. However, almost every dog is uncomfortable with the sounds of fireworks.
Thunderstorm might also annoy your pup even before it actually happens. Other sounds that may scare your pet are firecrackers, heavy winds, insects, loud music, airplanes, etc.
The effects of frequent exposure
Though it seems like just extensive barking, it’s more than that. Your pup is most probably quite stressed, and its heart rate is speeding.
If it’s exposed to such loud noises frequently, the canine can develop a series of conditions such as lower reproductive drive, cardiovascular behavior, lower hearing, and stress.
The noise can also mess up their sleeping cycle which can then lead to many other problems.
How does soundproofing work
Soundproofing the crate is very similar to soundproofing your room for podcasting.
You’re trying to achieve the same results, so either add some mass to the walls in order to block out the sounds or simply add texture to dampen them.
There are several ways to do this, and most of them are quite simple. You can dedicate to larger projects if you’re into DIY or you can go the easy way. We’ll discuss every possible method below, so make sure to check them out.
How to Soundproof A Dog Crate
Each of the following ways to soundproof a dog crate has its pros and cons.
Setbacks depend on the soundproofing method you choose. Some projects might reduce air ventilation of the crate so you’d have to pay extra attention to that.
Cleaning may also become a bit more complicated, but it’s alright if you can put some time and effort.
Also, if your pooch has mounting habits, it might ruin the whole thing you’ve built so make sure to choose the method you’ll do wisely.
1. Crate Covers
These are designed primarily to reduce noise that leaves or enters the crate. It’s a dense material that absorbs sounds but won’t make the crate warmer than usual.
This is a relatively affordable method, but it all depends on the brand and manufacturer you opt for. The best thing is that you can also use a heavy blanket if you’re on a budget. However, this isn’t recommended as a permanent solution because blankets tend to increase the overall temperature inside the crate.
It might be a good idea to use a regular, thick blanket as first aid before you go out and buy an actual sound absorbing crate cover.
These covers are probably the most aesthetically pleasing solution out of the ones we’ll discuss. It’s because they are actually professionally made for this purpose. It’s just about finding the right covers that fit the best to the crate you already have.
2. Crate sheets
If you don’t feel like covering your dog with a thick blanket, you can opt for another cheap method. Absorption sheets are rather inexpensive but effective. These are soft and thinner than blankets but are only suitable for small to medium sized hounds.
These sheets are a popular choice for their ease of use. In most cases, they are relatively lightweight and come with several attachments to help you cover the house.
One thing you have to remember is that these won’t block sounds completely. They will, however, reduce the level of noise drastically.
3. Acoustic foam panels
Foam panels are a known method to reduce noise. People use it all the time to block out sounds in their homes, recording studios, etc. Some dog owners use them the same way to soundproof the crates for fireworks.
You should first measure the total area of the crate along with the width and length. Use clips to attach the acoustic foams of your choice from the bottom up.
There are lots of foam panel options online on places like Amazon!
4. Moving Blankets
Moving blankets are a cheaper option than crate covers. It’s an entirely different way to achieve the same results as these blankets are somewhat different than those we discussed above.
These are a blend of both soft and hard materials created especially to absorb noise and improve insulation. The best thing about them is that they’re easy to clean which is always important since dogs tend to create lots of mess.
However, one blanket might not be enough depending on the level of noise and the size of the cradle. Use several to cover the outside area and then use another few for the inside. Make sure that the blankets aren’t in your pup’s way and there’s enough room for him/her to breathe and move around.
5. Soundproof curtains
If you ever searched on info about soundproofing your own room or walls, you probably heard about these curtains. It’s a quick and relatively affordable method, so you can also apply it to your dog’s crate.
These are used for industrial purposes just as well, and we often see them in movies, theater, etc. The thick and dense material absorbs the vibrations and noise so your dog can’t hear as much of them. A quality curtain is layered with cushioning in between two sheets of thick fabric.
It’s best you place it from top to bottom of the door for the best results. However, this method is only recommended for trained dogs and those that are easy to train. In some cases, the curtain can prevent your pup from entering the crate all together, so you have to get him/her used to it.
6. Add drywall
Adding drywall to the crate is probably the last thing you thought of. However, it’s an effective way, though there are another few other things you’ll also have to do.
Attach drywall all over the crate, leaving enough room for the canine to enter and exit. You have to keep in mind that once you do this, its crate will look more like an actual doggie house. Placing anything that resembles a dog house indoors is a bit weird, but this time, it’s for a greater cause.
It’s recommended you soften the surface with some absorbing material such as a blanket or acoustic foam. Seal all the gaps and crevices with a sealant, and you’ve got yourself a soundproof crate.
Make sure to keep an eye on your pup the first time you do this. This many added layers will probably block out most of the noise, but it might also raise the temperature inside the crate. If your dog won’t enter, it’s probably because it’s too hot.
Soundproof Dog Crate Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to cover your dogs crate?
It really depends on what you use to cover it with. As we mentioned, some materials are thicker and denser, and as such, they might raise the temperature inside the crate rather quickly. It doesn’t have to happen, but make sure to keep an eye on your pooch.
Other than that, covering your dog is completely safe and even recommended when there’s excessive noise outside. It will help the pooch calm and even sleep through the noise.
Can I buy soundproof kennels?
Some brands sell soundproof kennels in many sizes and shapes. These are handy and efficient, but might not be the best option for indoors.
Dogs have a higher temperature than us, and the inside of your house is already warm enough. If you put a pup in a small, closed kennel, iat will get even hotter. Though most of these have some opening for air ventilation and so your dog doesn’t suffocate, it’s still recommended that you use them outside only.
Is wood a good soundproofing material for this?
Wood on its own is never a great material to use for soundproofing. It’s hard, and all the sounds will just bounce off it creating an echo.
Though it’s a great way to add mass to the walls, you’d need more than just that. In most cases, you can combine it with some softer materials to get some impressive results.
Add wood to the crate walls and then cover it with acoustic foam or an acoustic blanket. Even a regular blanket might work because you just need something to soften the surface.
Can I use pillows?
Most pillows, at least the feather ones, aren’t dense enough. They are soft but can’t do much in terms of soundproofing.
If you happen to have some old memory foam pillows, those are another story. The foam inside is dense, thick and ideal to block out the noise.
Still, you’d need quite a few and also, it only pays off if you actually already have some pillows you no longer need. It’s expensive to buy new ones to cover a dog crate with them.
Is soundproofing a dog crate expensive?
The few methods we discussed above are all different. Some are more expensive than others, but we tried to include only the relatively affordable ones.
Consider your budget and collect all the info on the cost of the materials before getting started on the project.
This will give you a clear picture of what to expect in terms of costs. The size of the crate also matters since larger models require more materials than smaller ones.
Should I also soundproof the floor?
Soundproofing the floor of the crate is the easiest. After all, you’ve probably already placed a dog bed or some kind of blanket in there for your dog to lie on.
Whatever soft material you put there will soften the surface and help absorb some of the vibrations.
Place an old pillow, a blanket, a dog bed, or your old jacket. Either one of these will work, and your dog will most definitely be far more comfortable inside its crate.