Does Music Really Relax Your Pet?

Many loving pet owners have tried creative ways to ease their pets' stress, like leaving the TV or radio on for "company" when they must leave their pets home alone.

It's a good idea in theory, but that could actually be doing more harm than good in practice.

Studies have suggested that TV and radio can actually CREATE stress for animals because of the drastic changes in programming and the random mix of musical styles. The TV and radio certainly create "noise" but they don't necessarily create a relaxed environment.

Just think of some of the stuff that's on TV these days.

Would you want your beloved pet listening to crime shows with all their gunshots and sirens?...or "reality" shows where everybody is fighting and screaming with one another. I can't even watch these shows, let alone subjecting my pets to these harsh "reality" shows.

Healing Benefits For Our Pets

Music is good for the soul. They say it calms the savage beast. And it turns out that's more than just an old wives' tale. It's a proven fact.

Animals enjoy some of the same benefits of music that we do:

  • Relieves Stress - Play soothing music before stressful situations such as vet visits or grooming.
  • Eases the Stress of Separation Anxiety - It has a calming influence when you're not able to be with them.
  • Provides Physical Benefits - The right music slows their heart rate, increases endorphin level which creates relaxation and good feeling.
  • Strengthens immunity - Music boosts the immune system which promotes health and wellness and helps fight disease.
Music is being used in many shelters to create a positive "soundscape" to sooth the animals.

Music Eases Pet Anxiety - But Not Just ANY Music Will Do


I'll use an example so you know what I mean. Classical harp music is used around the world to help alleviate stress and heal sickness in cats, dogs, chimpanzees and other animals. Even animal shelters are now investing in sound systems and music to create a more serene environment. 

Studies show that dogs and cats seem to prefer classical music. Cats will relax in front of the speakers when classical music is playing, and dogs will actually bark less - especially when listening to the music of Bach.

Be aware of the effect of certain types of music have on your pet. See if you can determine the type of music your pet prefers. Who knows, they may even have a preference for a certain singer and perhaps even a certain song.

Benefits of Listening to Classical Music

Reports have shown that listening to classical music relaxes the fetus in the womb, and also has a calming effect on babies and children. Adults also benefit from the soothing sounds of the melodic rhythm of music.

Popular classical music by Bach, Beethoven, Brahms and others using the sounds and instruments that were proven to reduce stress in recent pet anxiety studies are the most favored.
When your pets are left at home alone, this calming collection of classical musical can provide them with a more comforting environment. Not only will this help calm your pets, it will also ease your troubled mind knowing that your pets will be fine while you're gone.
Pets find it very soothing, and so will you!

Many pets respond favorably to classical music under stress-inducing situations, often slipping into a very serene and peaceful state of mind after only a few minutes of listening.

So next time your pet(s) are stressing out, put on some soothing music for your pet(s) AND you.

Sharing your love of music with your pet is beneficial for both of you. Letting your pet share their musical preferences with you might also be a fascinating and enjoyable experience!

Animals can be adopted from the Humane Society, SPCA, an Animal Foundation, adopted from an Animal Rescue Group or rescued off the street, their contribution to the household they are in, is invaluable.