What fireworks sound like to dogs: Audio reveals why Bonfire Night and Diwali celebrations can be terrifying for pets - as their hearing is four times more sensitive

If you've ever wondered why your pooch turns into a trembling wreck the moment a firework goes off, a new audio simulation may finally provide the answer.Experts have compiled a clip which reveals that dogs experience Bonfire Night and Diwali celebrations very differently to humans.It shows how the bangs, whistles and crackles we tend to enjoy are amplified by their ultra-sensitive hearing.While a firework may seem loud but manageable to humans, dogs can detect sounds from much further away and hear frequencies that are completely beyond our range.As a result, explosions that seem distant can feel far more intense and threatening to a pet.'Dogs experience fireworks very differently from humans because their hearing is far more sensitive,' Chris Maxted, director of dog safety gate company Dog-G8 said.'They can detect sounds from much further away and hear frequencies we can't, meaning fireworks that seem distant to us can be overwhelming for them.'The unpredictable bangs and vibrations make things worse, as dogs cannot understand where the noise is coming from or when it will happen again. Even inside a familiar home, this can leave them frightened and desperate to find somewhere safe.' Previous studies suggest dogs' hearing is up to four times more sensitive to distant sounds than our own, allowing them to pick up noises we barely noticePrevious studies suggest dogs' hearing is up to four times more sensitive to distant sounds than our own, allowing them to pick up noises we barely notice.As a result, fireworks can cause normally calm dogs to panic and attempt to escape.To create the simulation, Dog-G8 drew on published research comparing canine and human hearing.Using an original fireworks recording as a starting point, the team digitally enhanced high-pitched sounds such as whistles and crackles, while also amplifying some of the low-frequency rumbles linked to fear responses in dogs.'When frightened by fireworks, a dog's instinct may be to run away from the noise, even if that means escaping from the house or garden,' Mr Maxted said.'Normally obedient dogs may stop responding to commands when panicked. Everyday activities like answering the front door can suddenly become dangerous, as a dog that has never tried to escape could bolt through an open doorway.'He added that not all frightened dogs will bark or run for cover, so owners should keep an eye out for more subtle signs of anxiety.These include heavy panting, frequent yawning, pacing or unusual agitation. In 2024, a beloved Whippet called Betsy was put down after suffering a 'stress-incudes stroke' caused by fireworks The warning comes as figures show reports of missing dogs surge during fireworks season.According to data published by The Kennel Club, reports of lost pets rose by 81 per cent during the Bonfire Night and Diwali period in 2023 compared with the previous fortnight.Meanwhile, 13 per cent of owners said their dog had attempted to flee during fireworks displays.Other surveys suggest the problem is widespread, with almost 60 per cent of dogs thought to be negatively affected by fireworks.To reduce the risk of escape, owners are advised to create a quiet safe space indoors, close curtains and play music or television to help mask the noise.They should also check gates, fences and doors before the celebrations begin and ensure their dog's microchip details are fully up to date. Owners such as Fiona Longworth, pictured, have called for a ban on the sale of fireworks after her beloved dog Sol was spooked by an explosion and killed by a car three years agoAhead of Bonfire Night, the charity Dogs Trust has produced a 'sound blanket' to help mask the noise of fireworks.Experts from Medivet & Partners also recommend changing your walking times and heading out earlier to avoid being outside when the fireworks start.They said giving your dog a treat or stuffed chew toy can keep them occupied for hours and take their mind off what's going on around them.Other recommendations include topping up your dog's water bowl, as anxious dogs can pant more and become thirsty as a result.Feeding your dog earlier in the afternoon before any disturbances are expected can also be beneficial, as once the fireworks begin they may be too anxious to eat.Experts also urge owners to not take their dog to a firework display, even if they appear comfortable and are not showing signs of stress.