Music Therapy for Dogs: Treating Anxiety with Melody

woman listening to music inside next to a dog
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You know the feeling: You’ve had a rough week and all you want to do is grab your speaker and relieve the workday blues by streaming your favorite playlist. Before you know it, Fido is sitting right by you, his chin on your lap. As if Fido’s mood is boosted because of the music, he gets up and wags his tail.

Your mood has now changed from heavy to light, and you’re ready to go on an afternoon walk to enjoy the last drop of sun with Pooch. There’s something about the combination of beats, harmony and sometimes lyrics that helps you relax and dogs can feel it too.

Music Therapy For Dogs

Music therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music as a vehicle to relax and improve mood. It produces positive outcomes such as wellness and stress reduction. The use of elements of music, such as sound, rhythm, and harmony, can calm accelerated heart rates and lower cortisol levels. 

Does music therapy have the same effects on dogs? Definitively! Dogs experience the world through their senses and have a sharp sense of hearing.

What is Sound?

Sound is the effect produced by vibrating objects. For example, when a string is strung, it vibrates, creating a frequency that our ears process as sound. Hertz (Hz) is the unit that measures waves per second. The human ear can pick up 20 to 20,000 Hz, and a dog’s ear can pick up 40 and 65,000 Hz. Wow!

What Dogs Hear

You may have noticed Rover’s ears raise at even the most distant hum. Dog ears are highly sensitive to sound and even quiet noises like a drop of water in your sink-your dog will probably hear it. Many loud and unexpected sounds are overwhelming for dogs, and some even fear household sounds like vacuuming that we may not even think twice about. 

A particular research study aimed at learning how different genres of music affect kenneled dogs. The findings determined that dogs seemed to become more active and alert in response to low-pitched sounds. Scientists discovered that certain musical sounds have the power to reduce stress levels and may help dogs with anxiety or irritable behaviors. 

Auditory Enrichment

Auditory enrichment is when a dog’s sense of hearing is stimulated to provide them with an enjoyable aural experience. You’ll discover many benefits in this practice, including a cost-effective way to reduce your dog’s stress level, deal with their separation anxiety, and bond with your pet.

Reduce Noise Pollution

Reducing noise pollution in your home can go a long way in stress management for you and your pet. Dogs repeatedly exposed to aggravating noises can develop sound phobias.

Tips for Managing Noise Pollution at Home 

  • Unplug devices when not in use.
  • Install weather stripping and double-paned windows.
  • Place noise-absorbing surfaces such as area rugs or carpet tiles.
  • Use an alarm clock with light instead of sound.
  • Create a quiet space with no electronic devices.
  • Block sound by installing decorative blankets, blinds, drapers, bookcases, and large plants.

How Different Musical Sounds Affect Dogs

Researchers in the bioacoustics field, found that classical music produces soothing effects on agitated dogs. Dogs exposed to classical music paced less, their breathing slowed down, increased sleep and decreased barking. On the contrary, dogs exposed to heavy metal music had tremors and would shake (oh…shame on you, scientists!). 

Another important variable is the length and frequency of the notes. Dogs exhibited rapid motor movements in reaction to short notes played in quick succession. Conversely, dogs became calm in response to sustained notes, simple tones, and rhythms. The genres in which dogs appear most calm are classical music, reggae, and soft rock. It may be that dogs were not biologically made for a techno rave-party. 

Positive Benefits of Music

Music can help treat dogs with separation anxiety or who are under other straining circumstances. Peaceful melodies can soothe dogs recovering from surgery, getting used to a new home, or preparing for the end of life. 

If you use music for separation anxiety, make sure you stay with your dog in person while the music is playing to avoid negative associations with being alone. 

How to Apply Music Therapy to Your Dog

As a pet parent, you are your dog’s primary music therapist. Applying healthy music therapy principles will benefit your favorite little companion.

First, it will help you learn more about your pet as you navigate different music genres to find what works best for your pooch. Second, it will help you manage your own stress, as you let it melt away with the beat of beautiful melodies.

Not all dogs groove to the same tune. Discovering your dog’s musical tastes will take you on a joyous sensory adventure through rhythms and melodies filled with good vibes.

Tips on Finding Your Dog’s Music of Choice

  • Don’t assume your dog enjoys the same music as you.
  • Try classical music with soothing melodies and steady tempos. 
  • Observe their reactions and read their body language.
  • Add Variety! Researchers found that dogs tune out music they’re accustomed to.
  • Go easy on volume.

Music For Dogs Playlists

Here are some Playlists on Spotify and YouTube for Rover. 

Pet Therapy:

Dog Sleep Dreams (Album):

Smooth Jazz for Dogs:

Soft Rock for Dogs:

Music for Pooch-Discovery

Friedrich Nietzche once said, “without music, life would be a mistake”. It’s undeniable that music is a powerful tool for self-discovery. Why keep your furry pet from that experience? Just as we recognize the tunes we love, we can find the music our dogs love.

Through this, we guide them through their journey of pooch-discovery, creating the perfect playlist to lift their mood during stressful days. Now that you know how music can benefit your furry sidekick, it’s time to grab the speakers and begin your journey of sound.

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