The Power of Music for Our Pets
Small White Dog Laying Next to a Yellow Cassette Player Wearing White Headphones
"Music is the universal language of mankind." (American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, 1835)
It’s long been understood that listening to music can help people heal, relax, reduce anxiety, stress, blood pressure and pain and even improve mood, sleep and memory!
However, evidence also shows the right music can positively affect our pets, including canines and felines. As Dr. Charles Snowdon, Professor Emeritus, University of Wisconsin-Madison, revealed:
“The use of music to influence the emotional well-being of our pets ... depends on our understanding the communication system of other species and the variety of emotional states that can be induced through different types of music.” (Quoted from “Animal Signals, Music and Emotional Well-Being”)
Music: Benefits for Pets
Again, appropriate music for our pets can be much more than background noise. It can help our pets effectively deal with:
Anxiety and stress (including separation anxiety).
Negative, unwanted behaviors like excessive barking.
Chronic pain or recovery from surgery.
Training sessions (for the dog and owner!).
Constant city noise, loud fireworks or thunderstorms.
A potentially stressful visit to the vet, groomer or kennel.
(Source: ASPCA Pet Health Insurance)
Golden Retriever Wearing and Listening to Headphones
A Final (Musical) Note to Remember
Dr. Snowdon cautions pet parents to remember not all music is created equal and they should avoid making assumptions about how it will affect their pet. Each pet is still an individual with its own likes and dislikes. This will influence its response to different types of music even within the same species - depending on how each pet processes the world around them.
Always observe your pet’s reaction to any music and adjust as necessary for your pet’s ultimate comfort and enjoyment!
The Best Music Genres for Pets
Studies show pets typically react to different genres of music. For example, Soft Rock and Reggae appeared to have the most calming effect on kenneled dogs. Pop and Classical also had positive effects (while Motown was the least effective in reducing stress). In addition, music that mimics the natural environment or a pet’s resting heartbeat helps soothe and improve a pet’s mood and behavior. Find music for your pet below!