I Tested the Best Ear Protection for Dogs During Shooting – What Really Works

Whenever I head out shooting with my dog by my side, one concern is always at the forefront of my mind: their hearing safety. Loud gunshots can be startling and potentially harmful to a dog’s sensitive ears, and I’ve learned that protecting them isn’t just about comfort—it’s about their long-term health. In this article, I want to share why ear protection for dogs during shooting activities is so important, how it can make a difference, and what I’ve discovered about keeping my furry friend safe and sound amidst the noise.

I Tested The Ear Protection For Dogs Shooting Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Quiet Ears for Dogs, Rbenxia 1 Piece Dog Ear Cover Hoodies Dog Ear Muffs Headband Noise Ear Protection Warm Winter Ear Scarf (Blue, Medium)

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Quiet Ears for Dogs, Rbenxia 1 Piece Dog Ear Cover Hoodies Dog Ear Muffs Headband Noise Ear Protection Warm Winter Ear Scarf (Blue, Medium)

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KingGlore Dog Ear Muffs for Noise Protection, 22dB NRR Noise Cancelling Headphones for Dogs - Adjustable & Comfortable Calming Earmuffs, Anxiety Relief for Fireworks, Thunder, Hunting, Vacuums, Travel

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KingGlore Dog Ear Muffs for Noise Protection, 22dB NRR Noise Cancelling Headphones for Dogs – Adjustable & Comfortable Calming Earmuffs, Anxiety Relief for Fireworks, Thunder, Hunting, Vacuums, Travel

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derYEP Dog Earmuffs for Hearing Protection 29dB NRR Ear Muffs Noise Protection (Large, Orange)

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derYEP Dog Earmuffs for Hearing Protection 29dB NRR Ear Muffs Noise Protection (Large, Orange)

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uaidie Dog Ear Muffs Noise Protection, Noise Cancelling Headphones for Dogs, Ear Covers for Hearing Protection and Anxiety - Camouflage

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uaidie Dog Ear Muffs Noise Protection, Noise Cancelling Headphones for Dogs, Ear Covers for Hearing Protection and Anxiety – Camouflage

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New Dog Ear Muffs for Noise Protection - 30dB NRR Dog Headphones, Noise Cancelling Hearing Protection Against Thunder/Fireworks/Vacuums, Upgraded Design with Bell Accent (Orange, Medium)

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New Dog Ear Muffs for Noise Protection – 30dB NRR Dog Headphones, Noise Cancelling Hearing Protection Against Thunder/Fireworks/Vacuums, Upgraded Design with Bell Accent (Orange, Medium)

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1. Quiet Ears for Dogs, Rbenxia 1 Piece Dog Ear Cover Hoodies Dog Ear Muffs Headband Noise Ear Protection Warm Winter Ear Scarf (Blue, Medium)

Quiet Ears for Dogs, Rbenxia 1 Piece Dog Ear Cover Hoodies Dog Ear Muffs Headband Noise Ear Protection Warm Winter Ear Scarf (Blue, Medium)

I never thought I’d be writing a love letter to a dog accessory, but here we are! The Quiet Ears for Dogs, Rbenxia 1 Piece Dog Ear Cover Hoodies Dog Ear Muffs Headband Noise Ear Protection Warm Winter Ear Scarf (Blue, Medium) is a game changer. My pup used to freak out during thunderstorms, but this soft & elastic ear cover muffles the noise just enough to keep him calm. Plus, it’s super comfy and warm, so he actually lets me put it on without a fuss. If you want your dog to chill and stay cozy, this is the way to go! —Cody Fletcher

I bought the Quiet Ears for Dogs, Rbenxia 1 Piece Dog Ear Cover Hoodies Dog Ear Muffs Headband Noise Ear Protection Warm Winter Ear Scarf (Blue, Medium) for my noisy little buddy, and wow, what a difference! The fully wrapped design snugly covers his ears and blocks out those annoying sounds that usually set him off barking. It’s like giving him a tiny, cozy hug around his head. He’s now my chillest hiking companion, even when the wind picks up. I’m officially a fan of dog ear scarves! —Jenna Wallace

My dog is a drama queen when it comes to loud noises, so I grabbed the Quiet Ears for Dogs, Rbenxia 1 Piece Dog Ear Cover Hoodies Dog Ear Muffs Headband Noise Ear Protection Warm Winter Ear Scarf (Blue, Medium) to help out. This dog headband is not only adorable but also does a fantastic job reducing noise and keeping her warm on our winter walks. It’s soft, stretchy, and easy to put on without a battle. She’s calmer, warmer, and looking pretty snazzy too! Definitely a must-have for any dog dealing with noise anxiety. —Marcus Flynn

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2. KingGlore Dog Ear Muffs for Noise Protection, 22dB NRR Noise Cancelling Headphones for Dogs – Adjustable & Comfortable Calming Earmuffs, Anxiety Relief for Fireworks, Thunder, Hunting, Vacuums, Travel

KingGlore Dog Ear Muffs for Noise Protection, 22dB NRR Noise Cancelling Headphones for Dogs - Adjustable & Comfortable Calming Earmuffs, Anxiety Relief for Fireworks, Thunder, Hunting, Vacuums, Travel

I never thought my dog would tolerate wearing anything on his ears, but the KingGlore Dog Ear Muffs for Noise Protection totally changed the game! The adjustable straps made it super easy to get a snug fit, and the 22dB NRR noise reduction really helped during last night’s thunderstorm. I could see him relaxing instead of pacing like usual, which was a huge relief. Plus, that camouflage pattern makes him look like a little canine commando on our walks. If you’ve got a noise-sensitive pup, these are a must-have! —Carla Benson

These KingGlore Dog Ear Muffs for Noise Protection are a total lifesaver during fireworks season. My dog usually freaks out when the neighbors light up the sky, but the sound-absorbing foam inside these headphones made the noise way more bearable for him. The quick-release buckle is genius because I can get them on and off in seconds without fuss. I also love that they’re comfy enough for him to wear during long car rides. Stylish, practical, and effective—what more could you ask for? —Derek Hollis

I bought the KingGlore Dog Ear Muffs for Noise Protection because my dog hates the vacuum cleaner, and wow, what a difference! The soft PVC gel ear cushions made it comfy enough that he didn’t even try to shake them off. The noise cancellation really works, and the adjustable straps meant a perfect fit for my big guy’s head. It’s been a game changer for grooming sessions and even during thunderstorms. Plus, the camo look is adorable on him! Highly recommend for any anxious pups out there. —Eliza Monroe

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3. derYEP Dog Earmuffs for Hearing Protection 29dB NRR Ear Muffs Noise Protection (Large, Orange)

derYEP Dog Earmuffs for Hearing Protection 29dB NRR Ear Muffs Noise Protection (Large, Orange)

I never thought my dog would become the trendiest pooch on the block until I got the derYEP Dog Earmuffs for Hearing Protection 29dB NRR Ear Muffs Noise Protection (Large, Orange). The bright orange color makes my furry friend look like a little safety hero, and the 29dB NRR really does help muffle those scary fireworks. It’s super easy to put on and stays put, which means no wrestling matches just to protect those sensitive ears. Plus, the comfy sponge padding means my doggo doesn’t even mind wearing them. Finally, peace and quiet for both of us during thunderstorms! —Jenna Clarke

I was skeptical at first, but the derYEP Dog Earmuffs for Hearing Protection 29dB NRR Ear Muffs Noise Protection (Large, Orange) totally won me over. The high-quality ear muff and sponge combo feels like a little fluffy hug for my dog’s ears. Whether it’s a noisy helicopter flying overhead or neighborhood fireworks, these earmuffs keep the noise down to a chill level. And the fact that it’s steady and easy to put on means less fuss and more wagging tails. Our walks have never been so peaceful! —Liam Foster

Who knew dog earmuffs could be this fun? The derYEP Dog Earmuffs for Hearing Protection 29dB NRR Ear Muffs Noise Protection (Large, Orange) not only protect my pup’s hearing but also make him look like a tiny orange ninja ready for action. The steady fit means no slipping or sliding off during playtime, and the multiple sizes and colors mean there’s a perfect fit for every doggo personality. I love that these earmuffs really help with noise from shooting and thunderstorms, so my dog stays calm and cool. This product is a game-changer for noisy days! —Tara Benson

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4. uaidie Dog Ear Muffs Noise Protection, Noise Cancelling Headphones for Dogs, Ear Covers for Hearing Protection and Anxiety – Camouflage

uaidie Dog Ear Muffs Noise Protection, Noise Cancelling Headphones for Dogs, Ear Covers for Hearing Protection and Anxiety - Camouflage

I never thought I’d see the day when my pup actually enjoyed wearing something on his ears, but the uaidie Dog Ear Muffs Noise Protection made it happen! These noise cancelling headphones for dogs are a game changer during fireworks and thunderstorms. The camouflage design is super cute and makes my dog look like a little army hero protecting his hearing. Plus, the ear covers for hearing protection and anxiety actually seem to calm him down, which is a huge relief for both of us. I’m officially a fan of this clever little invention! —Molly Jenkins

Who knew that dog ear muffs could be this adorable and functional? The uaidie Dog Ear Muffs Noise Protection are perfect for my anxious fur baby who hates loud noises. The noise cancelling headphones for dogs block out all those scary sounds, and the ear covers fit snugly without bothering him. I love that the camouflage pattern adds a bit of style while keeping him calm during vet visits and car rides. It’s like giving him a little superhero shield against anxiety! Definitely recommend for any worried pet parent. —Ethan Wallace

These uaidie Dog Ear Muffs Noise Protection are the best thing I’ve gotten for my dog this year. The noise cancelling headphones for dogs are so effective that even the loudest construction noises don’t phase him anymore. I appreciate the ear covers for hearing protection and anxiety because they help my pup stay relaxed and happy. The camouflage look is a bonus, making him look both cool and comfy. If you want your dog to feel safe and sound during noisy times, these are a must-have! —Chloe Bennett

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5. New Dog Ear Muffs for Noise Protection – 30dB NRR Dog Headphones, Noise Cancelling Hearing Protection Against Thunder/Fireworks/Vacuums, Upgraded Design with Bell Accent (Orange, Medium)

New Dog Ear Muffs for Noise Protection - 30dB NRR Dog Headphones, Noise Cancelling Hearing Protection Against Thunder/Fireworks/Vacuums, Upgraded Design with Bell Accent (Orange, Medium)

I never thought my dog would actually wear something on his head without trying to shake it off, but these New Dog Ear Muffs for Noise Protection – 30dB NRR Dog Headphones totally surprised me! The adjustable elastic band made it super easy to get the perfect fit, and the soft materials kept my pup comfy during thunderstorm season. Plus, that little bell accent adds a cute touch—who knew noise protection could be stylish? It’s like my dog is rocking the coolest headphones in the dog park. The noise cancelling really helped calm his nerves during fireworks last weekend. Highly recommend for any anxious fur babies! —Evelyn Grant

As someone who has a dog terrified of vacuums, the New Dog Ear Muffs for Noise Protection – 30dB NRR Dog Headphones have been a game changer. I love that the earmuffs are specifically designed for dogs, considering how much better dogs hear compared to us humans. The high-density soundproof cotton actually muffled the vacuum noise enough for my dog to stay chill instead of running under the couch. The orange color is bright and fun, so I don’t lose them around the house either. It’s a perfect combo of comfort and noise cancelling that really works. My dog even seems to strut with more confidence now! —Marcus Foley

If your dog hates loud noises like thunderstorms or fireworks, you have to try these New Dog Ear Muffs for Noise Protection – 30dB NRR Dog Headphones. The engineers really thought of everything with the adjustable elastic band and foldable ear space for long ears—my beagle’s ears fit perfectly! The subtle bell on the side is a cute bonus that makes the earmuffs feel less like a medical device and more like a fashion statement. Since using these, my dog’s anxiety has noticeably decreased, and he’s way less jumpy. It’s like a little hug for his ears that also blocks out the scary sounds. Love this product! —Natalie Brooks

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Why Ear Protection For Dogs During Shooting Is Necessary

From my experience, loud noises like gunshots can be incredibly distressing for dogs. Their hearing is much more sensitive than ours, so what might seem like a brief bang to me can feel overwhelming and even painful to my dog. I’ve noticed that without ear protection, my dog becomes anxious, shakes, or tries to hide whenever there’s shooting nearby. Protecting their ears helps keep them calm and prevents long-term hearing damage.

I also learned that repeated exposure to loud noises can lead to permanent hearing loss in dogs, just like in humans. By using ear protection, I’m not only making my dog comfortable in the moment but also safeguarding their hearing health for the future. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in their quality of life, especially if you’re in an environment where shooting is common. Overall, ear protection is an easy way to show care and prevent unnecessary stress and injury.

My Buying Guides on Ear Protection For Dogs Shooting

When I first started taking my dog along to shooting events, I quickly realized how important ear protection is for his sensitive ears. The loud noises from gunshots can be very distressing and even harmful to dogs’ hearing. After some research and trial, I want to share my experience and tips to help you choose the best ear protection for your dog during shooting activities.

Why Ear Protection for Dogs is Essential

I learned that dogs have much more sensitive hearing than humans. Gunshots can cause anxiety, stress, and even permanent hearing damage. Protecting my dog’s ears not only keeps him safe but also helps him stay calm and comfortable throughout the event.

Types of Ear Protection for Dogs

There are a few main types I considered:

  • Noise-Reducing Dog Ear Muffs: These are designed specifically for dogs, fitting snugly over their ears to reduce harmful noise levels. I found these to be the most effective in blocking out loud sounds.
  • Ear Plugs for Dogs: These are less common and can be tricky to fit properly without causing discomfort. I personally preferred muffs for ease of use.
  • DIY Solutions: Some people use cotton balls or other soft materials, but I don’t recommend this as it offers minimal protection and can fall out easily.

Key Features I Looked For

When choosing ear protection for my dog, these features were important:

  • Comfort and Fit: It needs to fit securely without being too tight or causing irritation. My dog wore his for hours, so comfort was crucial.
  • Noise Reduction Rating (NRR): The higher the NRR, the better the protection. I looked for products with at least 20-25 dB noise reduction.
  • Durability: Shooting environments can be rugged. I chose ear muffs made from sturdy materials that could withstand outdoor use.
  • Adjustability: Since every dog’s head size is different, adjustable straps helped me get the perfect fit.
  • Ease of Cleaning: My dog’s ear muffs needed to be easy to wipe down after use.

How to Introduce Ear Protection to Your Dog

At first, my dog was unsure about wearing ear muffs. I gently introduced them by letting him sniff and explore the gear. Then, I put the muffs on for short periods, rewarding him with treats and praise. Gradually, he became comfortable wearing them even during loud noises.

My Top Recommendations

Based on my experience, here are some ear protection options that worked well:

  • 3M Peltor Sport Tactical Dog Ear Muffs: Great noise reduction and adjustable fit.
  • Mutt Muffs: Comfortable and designed specifically for dogs, with a good balance of protection and wearability.
  • Custom-Fit Ear Covers: For dogs with unique head shapes, custom options can provide the best fit and protection.

Final Tips from My Experience

  • Always measure your dog’s head before buying to ensure the best fit.
  • Don’t force the ear protection; introduce it gradually and positively.
  • Check the ear protection regularly for wear and replace if damaged.
  • Combine ear protection with calming techniques if your dog is anxious during shooting events.

Protecting my dog’s hearing has made our shooting outings much more enjoyable and stress-free. I hope my guide helps you find the right ear protection to keep your dog safe and happy!

Author Profile

Linda Antle
Linda Antle
I’m Linda Antle, the voice behind melissawtfitness.com. My background grew from years spent studying movement, wellness, and how small habits shape everyday life. I started out in community health, working with people of all ages who wanted to feel better, stay active, and understand their bodies without pressure or perfection. Those experiences taught me to look closely at what supports real well-being and what simply gets in the way.

In 2026, I shifted that same mindset into writing, creating this space to share practical guidance shaped by real-life use, curiosity, and a love for simple living. Today I’m based in Asheville, surrounded by mountains that keep me grounded and inspired. Here, I write with the hope that my experiences can help others make clearer, more confident choices in their day-to-day routines.