Music therapy for dogs is a growing field. If you have a dog that suffers from anxiety, you might be curious about whether music can help calm them. Research and anecdotal evidence suggest that music therapy can be incredibly beneficial for dogs.

In this post, you’ll explore how music affects dogs, what types of music are most effective, and how you can implement music therapy to help your furry friend.

Understanding music therapy

Music therapy for dogs involves using music to promote mental and physical well-being. Dogs have sensitive hearing and can perceive sounds at higher frequencies than humans. This makes them particularly responsive to different types of music and sounds. 

When used correctly, music can have a calming effect on dogs, reducing their anxiety and promoting relaxation. It works by influencing a dog’s emotional and physical state. The sound waves from music can affect their nervous system, heart rate, and stress levels. Here’s how it works:

  • Calming effect: Soft, slow-tempo music can reduce a dog’s heart rate and stress hormones, creating a calming effect. This is similar to how humans feel relaxed when listening to soothing music.
  • Masking unwanted sounds: Music can mask noises that might scare or stress your dog, such as thunderstorms, fireworks, or loud traffic. By providing a constant background sound, music helps prevent sudden loud noises from startling your dog.
  • Routine and familiarity: Playing the same type of music regularly can create a sense of routine and familiarity for your dog. This can be particularly comforting during stressful times or when you are not at home.

Research on music therapy

Several studies have explored the impact of music on dogs. One notable study by Dr. Lori Kogan found that classical music can have a calming effect on dogs in animal shelters. Dogs exposed to classical music showed more relaxed behaviors, such as lying down and sleeping, compared to those who didn’t listen to music. This study suggests that classical music can reduce stress and anxiety in dogs, especially in high-stress environments like shelters.

Another study by the Scottish SPCA and the University of Glasgow found that dogs prefer certain types of music over others. The research indicated that reggae and soft rock had the most calming effects on dogs. These genres helped reduce stress behaviors and promote relaxation more effectively than other types of music.

However, not all studies agree on the effectiveness of music therapy. A study by Queen’s University Belfast found that classical music and audiobooks did not significantly help dogs relax when they were separated from their owners for a short period. This highlights that individual responses to music can vary, and what works for one dog may not work for another.

Types of music and their effects

Different types of music can have varying effects on dogs. Here’s a breakdown of the most effective genres:

  • Classical music: Classical music, particularly pieces with a slow tempo and simple melody, is often recommended for calming dogs. Composers like Beethoven, Mozart, and Bach are popular choices. This type of music can lower heart rates and reduce stress in dogs.
  • Reggae and soft rock: These genres have been found to be particularly soothing for dogs. The rhythmic beats and mellow tunes of reggae and soft rock can help calm dogs and reduce anxiety. Artists like Bob Marley and bands like Fleetwood Mac are good options to include in your dog’s playlist.
  • Nature sounds: Sounds of nature, such as rain, ocean waves, or birdsong, can also be calming for dogs. These sounds can create a peaceful environment and help mask disruptive noises.
  • Audiobooks: While some studies suggest that audiobooks might not be as effective as music, the sound of a human voice can still be soothing for some dogs. Try playing audiobooks with calm, gentle narration to see if it helps your dog relax.

However it’s important to note that one study found that the effects of a specific genre would start to wear off after 7 days. So mixing things up every now and then is the best strategy to reap the most benefits.

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Creating a playlist for your dog

Creating a playlist tailored to your dog’s preferences can be a fun and rewarding process. Here are some tips to get started:

  • Start with classical music: Begin with well-known classical pieces that have a slow tempo and soothing melodies. Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata” and Bach’s “Air on the G String” are good starting points.
  • Mix in reggae and soft rock: Add some tracks from artists like Bob Marley or soft rock bands like Fleetwood Mac. These genres are known for their calming effects on dogs.
  • Include nature sounds: Incorporate tracks with nature sounds, such as rain or ocean waves, to add variety and further promote relaxation.
  • Observe your dog’s reactions: Pay attention to how your dog reacts to different types of music. If you notice that a particular genre or song calms your dog, include more of that in your playlist. On the other hand, if a type of music seems to make your dog anxious, remove it from the playlist.

How music therapy can be used

Music therapy can be beneficial in shelters and veterinary clinics. As mentioned in the studies above, some shelters have started using music to create a calmer environment for dogs. The calming effect of music helps reduce barking, which can make the shelter less stressful for all the animals. This relaxed atmosphere can make the dogs more approachable and increase their chances of being adopted.

At veterinary clinics, there’s a possibility that music can help reduce anxiety in waiting rooms and during treatments, but further research is needed. Playing soothing music in the background can create a more calming environment, making the visit less stressful for dogs and their owners.

You can also use music therapy at home to help your dog deal with various stressful situations. For example, if your dog experiences separation anxiety, playing calming music while you’re away can help soothe them. However, before doing this, it’s important to also play it at other times while you are home. Otherwise, you risk your dog learning that when you turn the music on it means you’re heading out.

Music can also be beneficial during thunderstorms or fireworks, which can be particularly stressful for dogs. Creating a safe, quiet space with soothing music can help your dog feel more secure during these events.

Making sense of it all

Music therapy for dogs seems to help with anxiety and improve their overall well-being. By understanding the types of music that can soothe or stimulate your dog and creating playlists tailored to their needs, you can use music as a powerful tool to enhance your dog’s life. 

Whether you’re using music therapy at home, in a shelter, or at the vet, the calming effects of music can make a difference in your dog’s behavior and health.

Consider incorporating music therapy into your dog’s daily routine to help them cope with anxiety and stress. With the right music and a bit of patience, you can create a more relaxed and happy environment for your furry friend.