Soothing Music for Dogs: Calming Anxious Pups

The Benefits of Using Soothing Music for Anxious Dogs

Loud noises like fireworks, thunderstorms, and construction can be very frightening for our canine companions. Dogs have much more sensitive hearing than humans, so noises that may not bother us can be uncomfortable or even painful for them. This anxiety from noise can cause dogs to shake, pant, pace, hide, or even become destructive or aggressive. Thankfully, there are steps dog owners can take to help soothe an anxious pup. One of the most effective tools is playing soothing music designed just for dogs.

How Soothing Music Helps Scared Dogs

Playing calming music is an excellent way to help mask loud, jarring sounds that can startle or upset dogs. Special dog relaxation music is composed of harmonic tones and consistent tempos that have a tranquilizing effect. The music provides a consistent auditory stimulation that distracts the dog's brain from focusing on the offending noise. This gives the dog something more pleasant and predictable to listen to, blocking their perception of the outside racket.

In addition, most dog calming music is designed to align with a canine's hearing sensibilities. Dogs can hear frequencies about twice as high as humans. Special dog music focuses on those higher, soothing frequencies. The music is also played at lower volumes than humans tend to prefer, sensitive to a dog's more powerful sense of hearing.

Different Types of Soothing Music for Dogs

There are a variety of types of calming tunes to help relax dogs. Some focus on classical music played at the perfect pitch for canine listeners. There are also specialized dog lullabies, relaxing dog playlists curated by animal experts, and even music created with your own dog's name. Below are some of the most popular genres of soothing music for pups.

Classical Music for Dogs

Research indicates that classical music, especially string compositions, can have a calming effect on dogs. The consistent rhythms and tonal patterns are very soothing. Some great composers to try are Beethoven, Mozart, Vivaldi, or Chopin. Choose lighter compositions over dramatic passagework for the most relaxing effect.

Specialized Dog Lullabies

Lullabies for puppies can be very effective for relaxation, just like they are for human babies. Dog lullaby albums feature gently sung or instrumental tracks designed to lull your pup to sleep. They have steady, mellow melodies and tempos. Good nighttime playing can become part of your dog's bedtime routine to create consistent relaxation.

Curated Playlists for Dogs

Many music services like Spotify now offer playlists specifically designed to calm anxious canines. These are expertly curated selections of the most serene tunes. They often include both classical and specialized dog relaxation music. Following a professionally planned playlist can ensure your music provides maximum stress relief.

Personalized Music with Your Dog's Name

Some companies even allow you to upload your own dog's name to be soothingly sung or spoken over relaxing music tracks. Hearing their name repeatedly to the tempo of calming tunes can have an especially pacifying effect. It can make dogs feel like the music is a serenade specially crafted just for them.

When to Use Soothing Music for Your Dog

Playing relaxing tunes is great for any situation where your dog feels anxious or overstimulated. Here are some common scenarios where calming music can help dogs unwind:

During Loud Noises

Turning on peaceful music is perfect when loud noises are unavoidable, like during 4th of July fireworks, thunder and rain storms, or when construction is being done nearby. Choose longer playlists or albums so your dog has constant auditory distraction the whole time stressful sounds persist.

When Home Alone

Leaving music on for your dog while you are out can help alleviate separation anxiety. The soothing sounds will keep them company and distract from feelings of loneliness. Time the playlist to cover the entire stretch while you'll be gone.

At Bedtime

Playing relaxing tunes at night can become part of your pup's sleep routine. The slow tempo helps trigger drowsiness. Use dog lullabies or classical music and turn it on when you go to bed to help your dog wind down too.

During Travel

Car rides or traveling can also be stressful for many dogs. Bringing along some portable speakers and having a calming playlist ready can make transit less taxing. It will distract them from noises and motion sickness.

For Senior Dogs

Older dogs often benefit from gentle, soothing music to help relax their bodies and minds. White noise can also help cover age-related hearing loss. Make playlists part of your elderly dog's daily routine for comfort.

During Veterinary Visits

You can also request soothing music be played during vet exams, grooming, or any potentially stressful situations. Having familiar and serene tunes can put your pup at ease when their anxiety levels are high.

Choosing the Right Music for Your Unique Dog

While research gives us some insight into the types of music that tend to have the most calming effect on canines, each dog has unique music tastes and sensitivities. Choosing the right soundtrack for your pup may take some experimentation.

Notice how your dog responds to different genres of music when playing them at low volumes around the house. Try out different types of classical, specialized relaxation music, lullabies, and curated playlists. See which styles seem to have the most soothing effect on your pet.

You also want to monitor the volume for their preferences. Age-related hearing loss is common in older dogs, so they may need quieter volumes. Playlists designed for masking noises like fireworks may need to be louder. Gauge your dog's reaction at different volume levels.

Keep a log of which songs or playlists work best to calm and relax your dog in different situations. You'll quickly learn which to turn to when they need to distress.

Transitioning Away From the Music

You'll want to gradually phase out using soothing music if it's intended for temporary stressors like fireworks or construction. Try lowering the volume a bit each day. Once it's very low, try intervals of turning it on for just 5-10 minutes, then increasing the time with it off. You want to slowly transition your dog off the calming stimuli so they can relax unaided again.

For dogs with significant anxiety, separation issues, or fearfulness, speak to your vet about anti-anxiety training and medications that can be used along with music therapy. Music alone may not solve chronic behavioral issues.

Signs Your Dog Finds the Music Soothing

How do you know your musical selections are actually having a calming effect? Look for these clues that your dog is relaxed and enjoying the sounds:

• Yawning
• Getting sleepy, laying their head down
• Stretching out on their side
• Relaxed facial muscles and loose mouth
• Blinking slowly or closing eyes
• Licking chops
• Wagging tail in sweeping motions
• Disinterested in stressful stimuli
• Unclenched paws

You may also notice a reduction in anxious or scared behaviors like barking, whining, pacing, panting, trembling, hiding, or trying to escape. Pay attention to their body language to determine if your music selection is hitting all the right notes to calm them.

Other Relaxation Tools to Try

Soothing music can be wonderfully effective at easing your pup's anxiety, but it's not the only trick up your sleeve. Consider combining musical therapy with other relaxing stimuli like:

• Pheromone sprays and diffusers
• Massage therapy
• Calming anti-anxiety medications
• Anxiety wraps and shirts
• Natural supplements
• Low lighting
• Exercise and play before stressful events

A multifaceted approach can give your dog the best chance at staying happy and relaxed in stressful situations. Work with your vet if anxiety is an ongoing issue to determine the right combination of tools for your unique pup.

Keep Your Anxious Dog Happy With Soothing Music

Loud and unpredictable noises from fireworks, construction, thunderstorms or other sources can cause your dog significant stress. Playing special soothing music designed for canine listeners is an excellent way to calm their nerves by masking the sounds and giving them something pleasant and consistent to focus on instead. With some experimentation, you can find the perfect playlists, albums, and songs to relax your pup in any stressful situation.

While no dog owner wants to see their beloved companion feeling frightened or anxious, unfortunately some fearfulness is unavoidable. Using calming music along with other relaxation techniques can help your dog feel more peaceful, and get them through stressful times in a happier, more comfortable state of mind.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.