If you have a dog, you know that they are family, and just like any other family member, you want to keep them happy and safe. Many dogs can be fearful of loud noises, whether loud engines, fireworks, thunderstorms, vacuums, and anything in between.
You might notice your dog pacing, whimpering, crying, hiding in a corner, and other signs of fear. If you see that your dog turns into an anxious mess when they hear a loud noise, it might be time to create a safe space for them. An excellent way to go about this is to make a soundproof dog crate.
Crates are great because they provide your dog with a place where it feels safe. The 4 walls offer a good deal of security, but what they don’t do well is keep out noise. To help keep your dog and the rest of the family relaxed, we will discuss various methods for soundproofing a dog crate.
Acoustic Foam Panels
One of the best dog crate soundproofing methods is to use acoustic foam panels. These are panels specially designed for this purpose, well, not specifically for soundproofing dog crates, but for soundproofing in general.
Acoustic foam panels are not cheap, but they are very effective, and if you only need to cover a small space, such as a dog crate, it shouldn’t end up being too expensive. These acoustic panels will absorb soundwaves and should provide a stress- and noise-free environment within the crate.
You will want to cover the top, the sides, and the bottom for the best soundproofing. These acoustic foam panels are usually sold in 1- or 2-foot squares, so you will need to do some measuring and then cut them down to size, depending on your needs.
You can use large binder clips to attach them to the crate. You can also use super glue to mount the panels, although this is a very permanent solution. Although this option is not cheap, it is one of the most effective. Don’t try using egg cartons or carpet for this purpose, as neither will work nearly as well as acoustic foam paneling.
Crate Covers
Another method to soundproof your dog crate is to use a high-quality crate cover. Now, the trick is to find the right crate cover because they’re not all the same.
For the most part, most crate covers are designed to provide darkness to your pet, so they can sleep and ignore the world around them. However, only the best crate covers will produce soundproofing effects.
Ideally, you want a 2-piece crate cover that has 2 components. One will go on the outside of the crate, and the other on the inside. Ensure that both crate covers are thick; the thicker they are, the more sound they will absorb. Also, ensure that the crate cover you get is machine washable and made out of breathable materials.
It is important to note that a crate cover will not block out 100% of the sound − neither will acoustic foam paneling or any other method. Although acoustic foam panels do work best to block out sounds, a good crate cover will do a good job as well.
Moving Blankets
Acoustic foam panels and crate covers can be expensive. If you want to soundproof your dog’s crate more affordably, you could try using moving blankets. Moving blankets are very thick, soft, and they do a decent job at absorbing sounds.
These are padded blankets that will dampen the sound. This is an excellent option if you only need a soundproofed crate on occasion. Moving blankets can be washed and easily put into storage.
Take one blanket and fold it into a cushion. Put it in the bottom of the crate, allowing it to extend up the crate walls a few inches, just for extra soundproofing.
Next, take another blanket, and wrap it all the way around the crate, tucking in all of the corners. Just make sure that plenty of air can get into the crate, so your dog does not overheat or suffocate.
A Soundproof Dog Crate
Another option is to buy a soundproof crate in the first place. These soundproof crates perform very well at their intended purpose, which is to block outside noise.
These specialty soundproof dog crates are not cheap. However, if you have a dog that is easily scared by various noises, investing in a soundproof dog crate might be your solution.
Soundproofing a Whole Room
If you feel bad leaving your dog in a crate, something else you can try is soundproofing a small room. If you have a tiny room, a small closet, or even one of those spaces under the stairs, you could use acoustic foam paneling to soundproof that space.
This way, you can provide your dog with a safe and noise-free space without confining them to a mini crate. Instead, you can provide a soundproofed room where they still have plenty of space to walk around in.
Conclusion
There are various things you can do to help your dog get away from disturbing noises. Whether you invest in a soundproof dog crate, you soundproof an entire room, or you just want to soundproof a small crate, there are many options you can consider.
