https://www.chewy.com/education/dog/training-and-behavior/calming-music-for-dogs-and-cats
Research indicates that playing specific types of calming music can reduce stress and anxiety in dogs and cats, helping to alleviate behaviors such as excessive barking and restlessness.
Species specific music, developed by sound behaviorists and animal psychologists, is tailored to the unique hearing ranges of dogs and cats, minimizing frequencies that may cause alertness or discomfort.
Studies show that classical music, soft rock, and reggae can have calming effects on dogs, while classical and specially composed cat music help reduce stress in felines.
Music has also been shown to reduce separation anxiety, improve focus during training, and ease stress during travel for pets.
To maximize the benefits of calming music, it is important to avoid sounds that may agitate pets, such as reed instruments, loud percussion, and unpredictable beats, and to keep volume levels moderate to low due to pets' sensitive hearing.
Additional measures to reduce noise pollution in the home - like closing windows and doors, lowering the volume of electronics, and minimizing appliance noise - can further support a calm environment.
Music therapy for pets can be supplemented with behavior modification, medication, or other treatments if anxiety persists.
Pet owners can also utilize commercially available music therapy products designed specifically for dogs and cats to provide consistent calming soundscapes.
Chewy editorial team explores how music affects and benefits dogs and cats, highlighting the advantages of species specific music in reducing anxiety and improving behavior.
They cover the types of music that best calm pets, as well as sounds that may cause stress or agitation. Additionally, the team shares favorite calming playlists and offers practical tips for safely playing music to support pet relaxation.
Finally, they recommend popular music therapy products that pet parents find effective for helping their pets stay calm and comfortable.
