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Some dogs take to music right away, even howling along to their favorite tunes. Other dogs tend to retreat from these sounds in fear. The fact that pleasant sounds can capture a dog’s attention is something people know intuitively and science confirms it.
If you listened to a recording of dogs and their owners, you’d probably hear what is known as motherese or baby talk (e.g. “Gimme kisses”). People tend to adjust their volume and cadence when speaking to their dogs. Dogs take notice, often barking or wagging their tail in excitement.
Studying how animals perceive sound is the focus of an entire field called bioacoustics. In recent years, sound researchers have even teamed up with musical composers to develop soothing melodies that can relieve stress in dogs. Before adding music into your dog’s life, it can be helpful to learn about how dogs use sound to navigate their world.
Sound travels through the air as waves of energy. Hertz (Hz) is a unit of frequency that measures the number of wave cycles per second. Humans can hear sounds between 20 and 20,000 Hz. Dogs’ ears are much more sensitive, picking up frequencies between 40 and 65,000 Hz.
From an evolutionary perspective, dogs’ exceptional hearing is beneficial for detecting predators. However, in today’s world, loud or unexpected sounds can overwhelm a dog’s nervous system. Along with feeling anxious about thunderstorms and fireworks, dogs can become fearful of everyday sounds that people hardly notice, such as noises coming from a vacuum cleaner or kitchen appliances.
Does your furry friend hide under the bed during thunderstorms? Or maybe they howl non-stop when you leave for work? If so, you’re probably wondering if music could help calm your anxious pup. Well, I’ve got some good news for you – science says yes, music can absolutely help dogs with anxiety!
As a dog owner myself, I’ve tried practically everything to help my nervous Beagle mix relax during fireworks season. Music therapy has been a game-changer in our household and the research backs up what many pet parents have discovered through experience.
The Science Behind Music and Dog Anxiety
Dogs, like humans, respond emotionally to sound. Recent studies have confirmed what many of us suspected – playing music can significantly reduce stress in dogs. Scientists have observed:
- Lower levels of cortisol (the stress hormone)
- Reduced barking and pacing
- Slower breathing rates
- More time spent sleeping or resting
- Less standing and alert postures
According to research conducted by Dr. Deborah Wells, a psychologist, dogs appeared less agitated after listening to classical music selections. Their breathing slowed, and they were less likely to pace around or remain standing. Similarly, Dr. Lori Kogan found that dogs exposed to classical music spent more time sleeping and less time barking.
But how exactly does music help? It turns out our canine companions’ exceptional hearing (which can detect frequencies between 40 and 65,000 Hz compared to our measly 20-20,000 Hz range) makes them particularly receptive to sound therapy
What Types of Music Work Best for Dog Anxiety?
Not all music is created equal when it comes to calming our four-legged friends! Studies have identified specific genres that seem to work best
Most Effective Music for Dogs:
- Classical music – Consistently shown to promote relaxation
- Reggae – Found to be especially effective in a 2017 study
- Soft rock – Also highly effective for reducing stress
- Piano music – Particularly solo piano with simple arrangements
- Music specifically composed for dogs – Like “Through a Dog’s Ear”
Music to Avoid:
- Heavy metal – Studies show this can increase anxiety behaviors
- Music with loud booms or discordant sounds – Can trigger stress responses
- High-frequency sounds – Particularly problematic for senior dogs
What makes music calming for dogs isn’t just the genre – it’s also about the composition itself. Dogs respond best to:
- Simple tones and rhythms
- Sustained notes
- Regular, predictable patterns
- Slower tempos
Interesting fact: dogs tend to tune out music they hear all the time! The relaxing effect declines once music turns into ambient noise, so variety is key. Mix up your canine playlist for maximum benefit.
When Should You Play Music for Your Anxious Dog?
There are many situations where music can help your anxious pup:
- During thunderstorms or fireworks – Music helps mask frightening sounds
- When leaving them home alone – Especially for dogs with separation anxiety
- During car rides – Can ease travel anxiety
- At the vet’s office – Reduces stress during examinations
- When adjusting to a new home – Helps new puppies or rescue dogs settle in
- During crate time – Creates a more pleasant experience in their safe space
- To help with sleep – Calms restless puppies or adult dogs at bedtime
Pro tip: If you’re using music for separation anxiety, make sure to also play it when you’re at home! This prevents your dog from associating music with being left alone, which could actually increase their stress.
How to Implement Music Therapy for Your Dog
Ready to try music therapy with your anxious pup? Here’s my step-by-step guide:
1. Find the Right Music
Start by experimenting with different genres to see what your dog responds to best. Some dogs might prefer classical, while others might be reggae fans! Watch for signs of relaxation like lying down, slower breathing, or closed eyes.
2. Set the Right Volume
Keep it low! Dogs have super sensitive hearing, so what seems quiet to you might be plenty loud for them. A good rule is to set the volume just barely loud enough for you to hear it.
3. Create a Consistent Setup
Use the same speaker or device when possible. Dogs appreciate consistency. Consider dedicated pet music players like the Pet Acoustics® Pet Tunes speaker.
4. Combine with Other Calming Techniques
Music works even better when combined with:
- A comfortable, safe space
- Calming pheromone products
- Anxiety wraps or pressure garments
- Visual enrichment (like DogTV)
5. Be Patient
Some dogs respond immediately to music therapy, while others take time to show benefits. Give it at least a couple weeks of consistent use before deciding if it’s working.
Real Solutions: Music Products Made for Dogs
The growing research on canine sound therapy has led to some great products specifically designed to help anxious dogs:
- Through a Dog’s Ear – Classical arrangements specifically designed for dogs
- iCalmPet products – Uses musical arrangements to help restore balance to a dog’s nervous system
- Canine Lullabies – Combines heartbeat sounds with gentle music
- Spotify’s pet playlist tool – Creates custom playlists based on your dog’s personality
- Sound Proof Puppy app – Great for proactive exposure to potentially scary sounds
For my senior Beagle, I’ve found the “Elderly Canine” soundtrack from iCalmPet works wonders. Senior dogs often develop more sensitivity to high-pitched sounds as they age, and this music avoids those frequencies.
Beyond Music: White Noise and Sound Machines
Sometimes, especially at night, you might not want music playing continuously. This is where white noise machines come in handy! They can:
- Mask outdoor sounds that trigger barking
- Create a consistent sound environment
- Help both you and your dog sleep better
I personally use the Snooz sound machine, which is basically a natural fan with adjustable volume and pitch. Another great option is simply using a box fan – not only does it provide background white noise, but the air current also breaks up sound waves, making it harder for your dog to hear triggering noises outside.
Preventing Noise Phobias Through Music
Music isn’t just for treating existing anxiety – it can help prevent noise phobias from developing in the first place!
For puppies between 7-16 weeks (their critical socialization period), introducing them to potentially scary sounds paired with calming music can prevent future fears. Products like Victoria Stilwell’s audio tracks combine calming music with low-volume sound effects like fireworks and thunderstorms, making them perfect for this purpose.
Even for adult dogs, a gradual desensitization program using music can help them become more comfortable with scary sounds over time.
Is My Dog Really Enjoying This Music?
How do you know if the music is actually helping? Look for these signs of relaxation:
- Lying down with head on paws
- Slower, deeper breathing
- Relaxed facial muscles (no tension around eyes or mouth)
- Less alert posture (ears relaxed, not constantly scanning)
- Reduced barking or whining
- Normal sleeping patterns
On the flip side, signs the music isn’t working might include panting, pacing, restlessness, or trying to leave the room where the music is playing.
Our Experience with Music Therapy
In my home, we’ve found that a mix of reggae (Bob Marley is a favorite!) and soft piano music works best for our anxious rescue dog. We keep a small bluetooth speaker in her “safe space” corner and turn it on about 20 minutes before potentially stressful events like thunderstorms.
The difference is remarkable – instead of panting and hiding in the bathroom, she’ll actually remain on her bed, sometimes even falling asleep despite the storm outside. We’ve also noticed she settles down much faster when we leave the house if her playlist is running.
It’s not a miracle cure – she still has some anxiety during extreme situations – but music has definitely improved her quality of life and reduced the frequency of her panic attacks.
Final Thoughts: Is Music Worth Trying?
If your dog struggles with anxiety, music therapy is absolutely worth a try. It’s:
- Non-invasive
- Inexpensive
- Free of side effects
- Easy to implement
While it may not completely resolve severe anxiety cases (some dogs may still need veterinary intervention or medication), music can be an excellent supplementary treatment or first-line approach for milder cases.
Remember that every dog is unique – what works for one might not work for another. Be patient, observe your dog’s responses, and be willing to experiment with different sounds until you find what works.
Have you tried using music to help your anxious dog? What songs or sounds seem to work best? We’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments!
This article was last updated on September 17, 2025, with the latest research on canine sound therapy.
How Does Music Affect Dogs?
Decades of research point to the stress and pain-relieving effects of music for people. Based on this work, animal researchers wanted to see if dogs could also benefit from music. Most of these studies have taken place in animal rescues where researchers record how dogs behave in response to music and note any changes in the stress hormone, cortisol.
The innovative work of otolaryngologist Dr. Alfred Tomatis is the basis for audio sound therapies designed for dogs. These soothing melodies trigger immune responses that help with repairing tissue and fighting infection.
For instance, iCalmPet products use musical arrangements to help restore balance to a dog’s nervous system. Sharon Howarth-Russell, composer, creates compositions for dogs to address specific needs, such as alleviating anxiety or car sickness. Spotify also has a tool that allows you to create a pet playlist for your dog.
A relaxed dog is more likely to sleep soundly, which benefits their brain and immune health. If your dog experiences separation anxiety, remember to play some tunes when you’re at home, so they don’t develop an association between music and you leaving the house. Music can also help dogs remain calm while adjusting to a new space or traveling to a vet appointment.
Reducing Noise Pollution at Home
With repeated exposure to grating noises, some dogs may develop sound phobias. Fortunately, there are things you can do to cut down on noise pollution in and around your home:
- Turn off or unplug devices when not in use
- Install weather stripping and double-paned windows
- Update appliances and choose energy-efficient options
- Install noise-absorbing surfaces such as area rugs or carpet tiles
- Choose an alarm clock that uses light instead of sound
- Make sure wall outlets are properly sealed
- Create a quiet space in your home with no electronic devices
- Block sound using wall insulation, decorative blankets, artwork, blinds, drapes, bookcases, or large plants
Although it’s not possible to eliminate noise pollution entirely, you can introduce positive sounds into your living space. This is where music comes in, promoting calm and relaxation.
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FAQ
Does music actually help dogs with anxiety?
Numerous scientific studies and research have shown that music is a great way to help reduce stress and separation anxiety in our furry friends.
What sound calms anxious dogs?
Can I leave music on for my dog all day?
Rather than just turning them on just before a fearful experience, play music all day. If you only have it on before you leave or fireworks then it will be a trigger of anxiety. Play it when your pet rests and then it becomes the comforter.
Do dogs prefer music over silence?
Yes, they do. A study conducted by the University of Glasgow revealed that dogs like music, especially soft rock and reggae help to keep them calm. Music can lead to dogs having lower levels of stress hormone.