Ear Protection for Dogs

[Shirley]

Does anyone know where to purchase ear protection for dogs being taken in
single-engine airplanes? It supposedly exists, but I haven't been able to
locate it. Would appreciate any/all help.

--Shirley

[Peter Duniho]

"Shirley" > wrote in message
...
> Does anyone know where to purchase ear protection for dogs being taken in
> single-engine airplanes?

Never heard of such a thing. I can't imagine my dog would put up with
something like that. I don't know how such protection would differ from
something similar for twin-engine airplanes.

That said, I'm not sure ear protection for dogs is really all that
necessary. Dogs don't live nearly as long as humans, and probably don't fly
as much as one either, so their total exposure isn't nearly great enough to
create a significant hearing loss.

I suppose there might be some extreme exceptions, such as the 20-year old
dog who flies three times a day, but otherwise, hearing protection seems
superfluous to me. My dog doesn't seem to mind the noise, and he still
comes when I call him. :)

Pete

[Shirley]

"Peter Duniho" wrote:

>Never heard of such a thing. I can't
>imagine my dog would put up with
>something like that.

Well, it *does* exist because I've had more than one person tell me about it.
And yes, it *can* affect their ears/hearing, dogs have very sensitive ears and
some airplanes are *pretty* darn loud ... ever take your headset off? Imagine
riding the entire way like that! True, some dogs don't seem to mind or be
affected, and most people probably don't bother with it ... but clearly some
dogs can't stand it, I've seen that firsthand.

If prolonged motorcycle riding or loud live music can affect a human's hearing
over time, riding in a small airplane w/no ear protection probably could too
.... and even if it doesn't damage their hearing, I really doubt it would be
very comfortable! But thanks for the opinion.

--Shirley

[Chris Hoffmann]

I see nothing "for sale", just lots of anecdotal remedies that various
pilots/hunters have tried. You've probably already found references to
training them from puppies to wear foam earplugs, and that's about the best
suggestion I've found. Certainly better than stuffing cotton in their ears
and then wrapping their head with an ace bandage.

Only other thing I could think of would be to construct some sort of
sound-deadening enclosure for your pet, but that's getting out of hand.

There probably hasn't been enough research into hearing loss in pets to make
a call one way or another about how harmful exposure to a/c noise may or may
not be, but obviously if your pet can't stand the noise it isn't a good
thing. (Although it may be the "type" of noise, and not necessarily the
loudness).

You know, given the number of questions this topic generates, some
entrepreneur ought to be all over this.....

Good luck.



"Shirley" > wrote in message
...
> Does anyone know where to purchase ear protection for dogs being taken in
> single-engine airplanes? It supposedly exists, but I haven't been able to
> locate it. Would appreciate any/all help.
>
> --Shirley
>

[Peter Duniho]

"Shirley" > wrote in message
...
> Well, it *does* exist because I've had more than one person tell me about
it.

Maybe you should get those people to tell you where to find them then. I
didn't say they don't exist. I just said I'd never heard of them.

> And yes, it *can* affect their ears/hearing, dogs have very sensitive ears
and
> some airplanes are *pretty* darn loud ... ever take your headset off?

1) I never said the noise doesn't affect their hearing
2) "Sensitive" does not imply "fragile"
3) Yes, I know some airplanes are loud

> Imagine riding the entire way like that!

No need to imagine.

> True, some dogs don't seem to mind or be
> affected, and most people probably don't bother with it ... but clearly
some
> dogs can't stand it, I've seen that firsthand.

"Can't stand" is not the same as "suffers hearing loss". However, how do
you know that it's the noise that the dogs can't stand? There are any
number of unusual, unfamiliar, and potentially frightening sensory inputs to
a dog in an airplane.

For a nervous dog, it's entirely possible that hearing protection would help
them settle down. However, it's just as possible that it would have no
effect at all.

> If prolonged motorcycle riding or loud live music can affect a human's
hearing
> over time, riding in a small airplane w/no ear protection probably could
too

Again, I never said no damage is done. I said that the damage done is not
significant enough to be of concern.

> ... and even if it doesn't damage their hearing, I really doubt it would
be
> very comfortable!

You have to weigh the discomfort of the noise against the discomfort of the
hearing protection. Every dog is different, of course. But my own dog was
introduced carefully to airplanes from an early age and the noise does not
cause him concern. However, I know for a fact that anything strapped to his
head would really bug him. He'd spend the entire flight trying to rub it
off.

Your mileage may vary.

> But thanks for the opinion.

You're welcome. By the way, my opinion is shared by the three veterinarians
with whom I consulted about hearing protection for dogs in airplanes.

Pete

[Morgans]

"Chris Hoffmann" > wrote in message
...

> I see nothing "for sale", just lots of anecdotal remedies that various
> pilots/hunters have tried. You've probably already found references to
> training them from puppies to wear foam earplugs, and that's about the
best
> suggestion I've found.

> You know, given the number of questions this topic generates, some
> entrepreneur ought to be all over this.....
>
> Good luck.

You hit the nail on the head. Training is the key, and unless started from
a pup, there are few dogs that will put up with something in/ on their ears.
--
Jim in NC

[Judah]

"Peter Duniho" > wrote in
:

<snip>
>> But thanks for the opinion.
>
> You're welcome. By the way, my opinion is shared by the three
> veterinarians with whom I consulted about hearing protection for dogs
> in airplanes.
>

"3 out of 5 veterinarians don't recommend hearing protection for dogs in
airplanes..."

;)

[John Harlow]

Shirley wrote:
> Does anyone know where to purchase ear protection for dogs being
> taken in single-engine airplanes? It supposedly exists, but I haven't
> been able to locate it. Would appreciate any/all help.


Dogs bark at what - 400 decibels? And the sound source is quite close to
their ears.

By the dog a nice pair of bose noise cancelling headphones, but don't plug
in the microphone. Their pireps always describe the ride as "rough".

[Ross Richardson]

Check this out as one person's protection. This was at a flyin and I
captured the picture.

http://www.eaa323.org/e060802/I58.jpg

Ross

Shirley wrote:
>
> Does anyone know where to purchase ear protection for dogs being taken in
> single-engine airplanes? It supposedly exists, but I haven't been able to
> locate it. Would appreciate any/all help.
>
> --Shirley

[Blanche]

>sound-deadening enclosure for your pet

hm...interesting. but if it reduces the sound to a reasonable
level, how would air flow be affected?

[Ross Richardson]

Try this. I saw at an fly-in

http://www.eaa323.org/e060802/I58.jpg

Shirley wrote:
>
> Does anyone know where to purchase ear protection for dogs being taken in
> single-engine airplanes? It supposedly exists, but I haven't been able to
> locate it. Would appreciate any/all help.
>
> --Shirley

[Shirley]

"John Harlow" wrote:

>Their pireps always describe the ride as "rough".

LOL! Good one!

Yeah, I know their bark is equally loud, but I think if I had to hear myself
scream for an hour or two non-stop, it might be unpleasant for my ears, too!

I know some veterinarians say it's not a worry ... my concern is more for the
comfort of the dog, as clearly some handle the noise fine and some hate it,
fear it, whatever.

Thanks for the laugh.
--Shirley

[Shirley]

Ross Richardson wrote:

Try this. I saw at an fly-in

http://www.eaa323.org/e060802/I58.jpg

Yes! That's what was described to me. Wonder if that was "homebuilt" or
purchased? do you know? I know some dogs would hate to wear it, feel
self-conscious and all that (!!), but mine is a real Attention Brat, she loves
wearing the latest thing! Seriously, she may tolerate the noise fine, but I'd
feel better if I at least made some attempt to protect her ears.

Thanks for posting the pic.
--Shirley

[Newps]

Strapping a couple of elbow pads on a dogs head is ridiculous.

Ross Richardson wrote:

> Try this. I saw at an fly-in
>
> http://www.eaa323.org/e060802/I58.jpg
>
> Shirley wrote:
>
>>Does anyone know where to purchase ear protection for dogs being taken in
>>single-engine airplanes? It supposedly exists, but I haven't been able to
>>locate it. Would appreciate any/all help.
>>
>>--Shirley

[Newps]

Shirley wrote:


> I know some veterinarians say it's not a worry ... my concern is more for the
> comfort of the dog, as clearly some handle the noise fine and some hate it,
> fear it, whatever.

You won't hurt your dogs hearing. As for the comfort level you have to
handle that like anything else. You do it like trainers train hunting
dogs and gunfire. You start blasting while the dog is right there you
may create a gun shy dog. You have to start gradually with low noises
while the dog is engaged in something else, gradually getting louder
until you can fire right over your dogs head. So put the dog in the
plane and taxi around at idle, gradually increasing power. Maybe a few
high speed taxiis down the runway.

[Peter Duniho]

"Judah" > wrote in message
...
> "3 out of 5 veterinarians don't recommend hearing protection for dogs in
> airplanes..."
>
> ;)

Well, to be fair, I have no idea what a scientifically valid survey of vets
would turn up. It was three of three of vets I consulted. But it's
entirely possible those are the only three vets in the world who don't
recommend hearing protection.

Unlikely as hell. But possible.

Pete

[Rich]

you got that right, and people happily spend tons of $ on their pets.
I know someone that just forked over $100 for a bark translator...

Rich

>
> You know, given the number of questions this topic generates, some
> entrepreneur ought to be all over this.....
>

[Michael 182]

"Rich" > wrote in message
om...
> you got that right, and people happily spend tons of $ on their pets.
> I know someone that just forked over $100 for a bark translator...

"Food! Food! FOOD!"

Occasionally, "Let me out."

"Food! Food! FOOD!"

Michael

[Dave]

John Harlow wrote:
>
> Dogs bark at what - 400 decibels?

Yes. And according to larsen, they're yelling "HEY"

[Chris Hoffmann]

"Blanche" > wrote in message
...
> >sound-deadening enclosure for your pet
>
> hm...interesting. but if it reduces the sound to a reasonable
> level, how would air flow be affected?

Air flow would be affected, but I'm pretty sure it could be done without
causing suffocation. However, to do this would likely involve rigging up a
source of air directly from outside, hence the "getting out of hand"
comment.
I'm not the best handyman, though. Someone with decent mechanical skills
might think such a thing would be a snap to build.

[Snowbird]

(Shirley) wrote in message >...
> Does anyone know where to purchase ear protection for dogs being taken in
> single-engine airplanes? It supposedly exists, but I haven't been able to
> locate it. Would appreciate any/all help.

I guess you'd need to ask those who've told you it exists.

We've flown with 3 dogs. We tried to construct hearing
protection for the first using cotton or foam and a
homemade "bonnet". She wasn't having it and went nuts
until she removed it, at which point she lay down and
went to sleep for the rest of the flight.

Of the three, one appeared to enjoy it, one was petrified,
and one tolerated it.

For the latter two, IMO, a pocket full of freeze-dried
liver improved their opinion more than hearing protection
would have.

You asked about hearing protection but IMO of more importance
is figuring out how you will secure the dog. We once had a
55 lb dog jump into the baggage of the C182RG we were flying on
short final just after breaking out on an instrument approach.
Fortunately that only improved the landing (182 w/ two people
up front being notoriously nose-heavy). In our current plane,
a sudden 55 lb shift of CG to rearward would NOT be good news,
and of course 55 lbs in the back of the pilot's neck during
TB doesn't improve one's flight skills either.

Good luck,
Sydney

[G.R. Patterson III]

Ross Richardson wrote:
>
> Check this out as one person's protection. This was at a flyin and I
> captured the picture.

Those appear to be kneepads with a thick foam pad glued to them. Neat idea. They
would stay on a Scottish Terrier just about three seconds, however. I don't know
how long my coonhound would tolerate them either, but she isn't a frequent flyer
anyway.

George Patterson
Great discoveries are not announced with "Eureka!". What's usually said is
"Hummmmm... That's interesting...."

[Shirley]

Newps wrote:

>You won't hurt your dogs hearing.

That's debatable, and not ALL veterinarians share that opinion. PEOPLE have
hearing loss after prolonged periods of exposure to comparable things like a
motorcycle engine ... it is *possible* that riding in an airplane frequently
w/no ear protection *could* cause some hearing loss, not to mention, as I've
already said, just being uncomfortable.

>You do it like trainers train hunting dogs and
>gunfire.

Thanks, but I'm not new to dog training. I understand about introducing dogs to
things like loud noise. That's not the problem. I'm not afraid of an ambulance
siren either, but I still don't think I'd enjoy being forced to have it
blasting in my ears on a regular basis.

>So put the dog in the plane and taxi around at
>idle, gradually increasing power. Maybe a few
>high speed taxiis down the runway.

Again, it isn't a question of getting the dog USED to it. My friend's dog is
used to the noise and tolerates it no problemo in a C-182 but CLEARLY does not
in the RV4. He can't talk, but he can't SAY IT any "planer" (pun intended) that
he can't stand *that* noise. It has nothing to do with being "used to" it or
making high-speed taxis down the runway. As for my dog, if I can do something
to make her first exposure to it more comfortable, I'm going to make the
effort. YMMV.

--Shirley

[Shirley]

snowbird101 wrote:

>I guess you'd need to ask those who've told
>you it exists.

Yeah, that's obvious ... of course I did that. It's the typical "I've seen dog
headsets for sale somewhere, I just can't remember WHERE!"

>You asked about hearing protection but IMO of
>more importance is figuring out how you will
>secure the dog.

*Nods* on that, too. Fortunately, mine is only 13.5 pounds and used to riding
in a small plastic dog crate in the car, so she won't object to riding in her
crate and will be safely secure and tucked-away there.

Thanks.

--Shirley

[ET]

(Shirley) wrote in
:

> Ross Richardson wrote:
>
> Try this. I saw at an fly-in
>
> http://www.eaa323.org/e060802/I58.jpg
>
> Yes! That's what was described to me. Wonder if that was "homebuilt"
> or purchased? do you know? I know some dogs would hate to wear it,
> feel self-conscious and all that (!!), but mine is a real Attention
> Brat, she loves wearing the latest thing! Seriously, she may tolerate
> the noise fine, but I'd feel better if I at least made some attempt to
> protect her ears.
>
> Thanks for posting the pic.
> --Shirley
>

Knee pads from walmart, back in the bicycle section $10. Some kind of
foam glued to them, probably with spray-on contact cement $8.

Having the stupidest looking dog at the fly-in... priceless..... >:-)


Seriously though, I wounder how much that really helped...

--
ET >:)

(future student pilot and future Sonex builder)


"A common mistake people make when trying to design something
completely foolproof is to underestimate the ingenuity of complete
fools."---- Douglas Adams

[Jeff]

I have never heard of hearing protection for dogs, mine probably wouldnt tolerate
it anyways, but our french bulldogs fly with us all the time, no problems as of
yet. My wife also usualy does not wear a headset, she prefers not to wear one
because she likes to read books while flying.

loud noice can damage hearing over time, my dogs dont spend that much time in a
plane for it to be a problem.


Shirley wrote:

> "Peter Duniho" wrote:
>
> >Never heard of such a thing. I can't
> >imagine my dog would put up with
> >something like that.
>
> Well, it *does* exist because I've had more than one person tell me about it.
> And yes, it *can* affect their ears/hearing, dogs have very sensitive ears and
> some airplanes are *pretty* darn loud ... ever take your headset off? Imagine
> riding the entire way like that! True, some dogs don't seem to mind or be
> affected, and most people probably don't bother with it ... but clearly some
> dogs can't stand it, I've seen that firsthand.
>
> If prolonged motorcycle riding or loud live music can affect a human's hearing
> over time, riding in a small airplane w/no ear protection probably could too
> ... and even if it doesn't damage their hearing, I really doubt it would be
> very comfortable! But thanks for the opinion.
>
> --Shirley

[Ross and Paula Richardson]

It was built much like the others posted. The pilot and owner does
extensive flying in his C-206 around the country. The dogs seem to be OK
with the set up.

Ross

Shirley wrote:
>
> Ross Richardson wrote:
>
> Try this. I saw at an fly-in
>
> http://www.eaa323.org/e060802/I58.jpg
>
> Yes! That's what was described to me. Wonder if that was "homebuilt" or
> purchased? do you know? I know some dogs would hate to wear it, feel
> self-conscious and all that (!!), but mine is a real Attention Brat, she loves
> wearing the latest thing! Seriously, she may tolerate the noise fine, but I'd
> feel better if I at least made some attempt to protect her ears.
>
> Thanks for posting the pic.
> --Shirley

[G.R. Patterson III]

Michael 182 wrote:

> Occasionally, "Let me out."

Whatever side of the door the dog or cat is on, it's the wrong side.

[Judah]

I know. I was just teasing you...


"Peter Duniho" > wrote in
:

> "Judah" > wrote in message
> ...
>> "3 out of 5 veterinarians don't recommend hearing protection for dogs
>> in airplanes..."
>>
>> ;)
>
> Well, to be fair, I have no idea what a scientifically valid survey of
> vets would turn up. It was three of three of vets I consulted. But
> it's entirely possible those are the only three vets in the world who
> don't recommend hearing protection.
>
> Unlikely as hell. But possible.
>
> Pete
>
>
>

[Blanche]

I would strongly recommend crating the dog during flight or if that's
not feasible, a harness connected to the seatbelt in the back seat so
that the dog cannot change the W&B nor surprise the pilot.

The last thing you need (and it might be the last thing you do!) is
have a dog surprise you by jumping into the front seat. No telling
what they would do to the rudder pedals or the yoke.

Mine, on the other hand, would expect to be chauffered around and would
be sitting like a Queen in the back seat.

[Jeff]

Did you find out what caused him to go deaf?
(or have an idea)

"G.R. Patterson III" wrote:

> Jeff wrote:
> >
> > I have never heard of hearing protection for dogs, mine probably wouldnt tolerate
> > it anyways, but our french bulldogs fly with us all the time, no problems as of
> > yet.
>
> My Scottie never flew at all. He was deaf as a post by the time he was
> 12.
>
> George Patterson
> Great discoveries are not announced with "Eureka!". What's usually
> said is
> "Hummmmm... That's interesting...."

[Shirley]

Blanche bcohen wrote:

>I would strongly recommend crating the dog
>during flight or if that's not feasible, a harness
>connected to the seatbelt in the back seat so
>that the dog cannot change the W&B nor surprise
>the pilot.

Yes, definitely crated ... she only weighs 13.5 lbs, but she's a JRT ... no
doubt she'd take over the controls and be doing aerobatics if she had her way!

--Shirley

[G.R. Patterson III]

Jeff wrote:
>
> I have never heard of hearing protection for dogs, mine probably wouldnt tolerate
> it anyways, but our french bulldogs fly with us all the time, no problems as of
> yet.

My Scottie never flew at all. He was deaf as a post by the time he was
12.

George Patterson
Great discoveries are not announced with "Eureka!". What's usually
said is
"Hummmmm... That's interesting...."

[G.R. Patterson III]

Jeff wrote:
>
> Did you find out what caused him to go deaf?
> (or have an idea)

The vet thought that some foreign particle got into the ear and caused the
eardrum
to become infected in one ear. Whatever the cause, it partially rotted away, and
rest of the drum hardened to the point that it was non-functional. Loss of
hearing
in the other ear was probably just age.

He actually never got completely deaf. He could hear you if you were within
about
30' and yelled loud enough.

George Patterson
Great discoveries are not announced with "Eureka!". What's usually said is
"Hummmmm... That's interesting...."

[K9 Lover]

Cotton wool works well, but you've got to use LOTS of it. You'll also get
better results if you compress it tightly (use the blunt end of a pencil).

Sometimes the little fellas try to get it out - in such cases it helps to
have a roll (or 2) of high-grade adhesive tape handy.

Hope this helps.


"Shirley" > wrote in message
...
> Does anyone know where to purchase ear protection for dogs being taken in
> single-engine airplanes? It supposedly exists, but I haven't been able to
> locate it. Would appreciate any/all help.
>
> --Shirley
>