Your playlist has a real impact on your dog's mental health! We'll show you what scientists say about canine music therapy, why rock hits raise cortisol levels, and classical and reggae music act as natural sedatives. Discover why audiobooks can be more effective than Mozart and how to properly use sounds to eliminate separation anxiety. Come in and create the perfect playlist for your pet!
Why silence is not always golden?
Many dog owners notice that their pets react anxiously to loud noises—storms, fireworks, or renovations. But did you know that carefully selected music can be a powerful tool in combating separation anxiety, shelter anxiety, or stress during vet visits?
This is no myth! Scientists have been studying for years how different musical genres affect a dog's heart and brain. These findings allow us to more precisely care for the well-being of our four-legged friends.
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Scientific Research: Classical, Reggae and the Stress Hormone
Pioneering research on the effects of music on dogs was conducted primarily in high-stress environments, such as shelters. These conditions provided an ideal setting for measuring physiological and behavioral responses to auditory stimuli.
1. Physiological Responses: Measuring Cortisol
A key indicator of stress in animals is the level of the stress hormone cortisol . Scientists studied how cortisol levels change in dogs when listening to different types of music.
| Music Genre | Observed Reaction | Scientific Conclusion |
| Heavy Rock/Pop | Increased activity, increased anxiety, tremors. | Loud, chaotic, or high-frequency sounds can cause stress and anxiety. |
| Classical music | The dogs became more relaxed and the time they spent lying down and resting increased. | Calm, gentle melodies, especially piano solos , help to calm the body. |
| Reggae and Soft Rock | Positive reactions, reduced stress levels. | Research from the University of Glasgow has surprisingly shown that the steady, steady rhythm of reggae and soft rock has a very soothing effect on dogs. |
2. Effects on the Brain: Ultrasound in Songs
It's worth remembering that dogs hear better than humans, perceiving sounds in the 40-60,000 Hz range. They also have the ability to process lexical stimuli and intonation in similar brain areas as humans.
Interestingly, this sense has been exploited artistically. For example, in the Beatles' song "A Day in the Life," Paul McCartney added a message at the end in a frequency only dogs can hear , which is a funny yet insightful tidbit.
The Unexpected Hero: Audiobooks and the Human Voice
Recent research has yielded an even more surprising conclusion: a soothing human voice may be the most effective.
A 2016 study by C. Brayley and V.T. Montrose compared the effects of classical music and audiobooks on the behavior of shelter dogs. They found that playing an audiobook (a calmly read story) elicited calmer behavior in the dogs than classical music.
Why it works? The human voice, associated with security and routine, can act as an emotional anchor , reducing feelings of loneliness and separation anxiety.
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How to Use Music for Best Effects? 3 Tips
To effectively use the music therapeutic properties of sounds at home, follow these rules:
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Adjust the Volume and Acoustics: Music that's too loud, even relaxing, can irritate dogs' sensitive hearing. Play it quietly as background music. Also, make sure the sounds aren't distorted, which could cause additional anxiety.
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Regularity, not Intervention: Relaxing music should be incorporated into your dog's routine, not just played during a stressful event (e.g., a thunderstorm). If your dog associates a particular type of music with relaxation, it will have a calming effect when he really needs it.
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Try Different Genres: Since research shows the effectiveness of classical music, reggae, and even soothing audiobooks, keep an eye on your dog! They're the best indicator. If they lie down and sigh while listening to a particular track, you've found their favorite stress reliever.
PAW DESIGN Tip: Provide your dog with maximum comfort during music therapy. Our orthopedic beds and blankets provide the perfect, safe, and quiet setting for complete relaxation. Take care of your pet's body and mind!