Does Music Have an Affect on your Dog?

Dogs, like humans, are remarkably receptive to music, though their experience differs significantly from ours. Research has shown that the right kind of music can help reduce anxiety, promote relaxation, and even influence behavior in our canine kids.

In my own experience, Christian music had an overwhelmingly beautiful effect on my little dog, Cody, as he was dying. It was the onset of Covid when Cody became seriously ill. He became disoriented, couldn’t find his way around the house anymore, he kept getting stuck by wedging himself under our bed, and his head had a permanent tilt. At that time, vets were not seeing clients here, so we had to do the best we could with what we had until a vet would see him. We loved on him and held him in our arms to comfort him for most of the day, but he squirmed in our arms and was crying. It was brutal! Then, my husband began playing faith based soft praise music as he held Cody in his arms. It was a miracle! Cody was only able to sleep and be calm while the music was playing. As soon as it stopped, he began to suffer again. So, I know music works! Now, let’s explore how different musical genres and elements affect dogs and how you can use this knowledge to enhance your pet’s well-being.

The Science Behind Dogs and Music

Recent studies in animal behavior have revealed that dogs process music in ways both similar to and different from humans. While they can perceive melody and rhythm, their hearing range (67-45,000 Hz) is much broader than humans (20-20,000 Hz), making them sensitive to sounds we can’t even detect. This difference in auditory perception means that what sounds pleasant to us might be overwhelming or even stressful for our four-legged kids.

Classical Music: The Canine Favorite

Research conducted at various animal shelters and veterinary clinics has consistently shown that classical music has a calming effect on dogs. A landmark study published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior found that dogs exposed to classical music spent more time sleeping and less time vocalizing than when exposed to other genres. Some key benefits include:

• Reduced heart rate and stress levels
• Decreased barking and agitation
• Improved sleep quality
• Lower anxiety during thunderstorms or fireworks

Rock and Heavy Metal: Proceed with Caution

While some dogs might seem unbothered by heavy metal or rock music, studies indicate that these genres generally increase anxiety and agitation in most dogs. Signs of distress may include:

• Increased pacing
• More frequent barking
• Restlessness
• Physical signs of stress like panting or drooling

This reaction likely stems from the complex frequencies, sudden dynamic changes, and intense percussion common in these genres. Just don’t listen to it around your pup.

Pop Music: Mixed Results

The effect of pop music on dogs varies greatly depending on the specific characteristics of each song. Generally, dogs respond better to:

• Simple melodies
• Consistent rhythms
• Lower frequencies
• Slower tempos (60-80 beats per minute)

Pop songs meeting these criteria might have a neutral or slightly positive effect, while those with more complex arrangements or higher frequencies might cause mild stress.

Species-Specific Music: A Growing Trend

An exciting development in the field is “species-specific music” – compositions designed specifically for dogs. These pieces take into account:

• Dogs’ natural heart rates
• Their hearing range
• Familiar environmental sounds
• Simplified melodic structures

Research has shown that this specially designed music can be even more effective than classical music at reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation in dogs. You can find this type of music on YouTube.

Tips for Using Music with Your Dog

1. Start with Classical: Begin your dog’s musical journey with soft classical pieces, particularly those with simple arrangements and steady rhythms. Mozart and Beethoven’s slower works are excellent choices.
2. Observe Your Dog’s Response: Watch for signs of relaxation or distress. Relaxed signs include:
   • Lying down with a loose body
   • Slow, regular breathing
   • Soft eyes
   • Normal ear position
3. Create a Consistent Environment: Use music during specific situations like:
   • When leaving your dog alone
   • During thunderstorms
   • At bedtime
   • During car rides
4. Volume Matters : Keep the volume between a low and moderate level. Remember that dogs have much, much more sensitive hearing than humans. A good rule of thumb is if you can have a conversation without raising your voice, the volume is appropriate.

When to Use Music Therapy

Music can be particularly beneficial during:

• Separation anxiety periods
• Veterinary visits
• Grooming sessions
• Recovery from illness or surgery
• Moving to a new home
• Introduction of new pets or family members

NEVER NEVER Use Headphones on Dogs – This Could be Harmful for Several Important Reasons:

Safety Concerns:

• Dogs’ ears are much more sensitive than human ears and can be easily damaged by direct sound exposure
• Regular headphones aren’t designed for canine ear anatomy
• Dogs lose their ability to communicate if the volume is too loud
• They may become distressed trying to remove the headphones and hurt themselves

Comfort Issues:

• Dogs’ ears need to move freely to express themselves and maintain balance
• Headphones can be uncomfortable or anxiety-inducing
• Dogs rely heavily on environmental sounds for security and awareness
• Blocking their hearing can cause stress and disorientation

Better Alternatives:

• Use regular speakers at a moderate volume
• Place speakers at a distance from where your dog rests
• Let your dog choose to move closer to or away from the music
• Monitor their body language for signs of comfort/discomfort

If you want to play music for your dog:

1. Use regular room speakers
2. Keep volume low to moderate (low is best)
3. Ensure they can easily move away from the sound if desired
4. Watch for signs of stress or discomfort
5. Give them sound-free spaces to retreat to

This way, your dog can safely enjoy music while maintaining their comfort and natural behaviors.

Summary

Music can be a powerful tool for enhancing your dog’s well-being when used thoughtfully and appropriately. While classical music and species-specific compositions generally offer the most benefits, each dog is unique and may respond differently to various musical styles. Maybe soft praise music will work for your dog as it did for my sweet Cody. Pay attention to your pet’s reactions and adjust accordingly to create the most beneficial auditory environment for your furry friend. Remember to NEVER play music loud and NEVER put headphones on them!

Remember that music should complement, not replace, other forms of enrichment and attention in your dog’s life. Used properly, it can become another valuable tool in your pet care toolkit, helping to create a more peaceful and harmonious environment for both you and your canine companion.