Music helps us relax and stay focused while also keeping us entertained when we’re out on the road or in the office. Just like we do, dogs like to listen to music and even have their own favorite genres! But what kind of music is your pet’s favorite? Read on to find out what kind of music dogs like.
Do dogs like listening to music?
The answer is yes! Dogs do enjoy listening to music. Findings show that music can affect dogs’ heart rates and behaviors, such as barking or lying down. Music can also affect the cortisol levels in your dog. Cortisol is the primary stress hormone, which increases sugars in the bloodstream and has a very important role in helping the body respond to stress.
Dogs have different reactions depending on the type ofmusic they’re listening to. In a study comparing pop, classical, and heavy metal, researchers noticed differentreactions from listening dogs depending on what music was playing. Dogs didn’t show much of a reaction to pop, while classical music tended to have a calming effect. Heavy metal prompted more barking and agitation than other genres.
According to a study at the University of Glasgow in coordination with the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, researchers played six hours of Spotify playlists to shelter dogs from five different genres: classical, soft rock, reggae, pop and motown. The researchers recorded the heart rates, cortisol levels, and general behavior of the dogs both with and without music.
Overall, the dogs were “less stressed” while listening to music compared to when the shelter was silent. The range of responses to genres and songs varied, but some general patterns became clear. The dogs were the most receptive to reggae and softrock when compared to other types of music.
Of course, just like people, dogs’ music preferences and reactions can vary. These general patterns are a good indicator of what might be good music to play for them, but this may differ from dog to dog. Take note of your dog’s reactions to different genres to ensure you aren’t stressing them out; this is particularly important if you listen to louder, heavier music.
When can music be helpful for my dog?
Since music can have a relaxing effect on dogs, it can be particularly useful to dogs that suffer from separationanxiety. Test different types of music and see how your dog reacts. If you are unsure of what to play, there are playlists on Spotify, YouTube, and other platforms with playlists specifically catered to dogs. Music will help engage a stressed dog’s mind and distract them from their anxiety.
Music can also be helpful during thunderstorms, fireworks, or other times when your dog may be frightened by unusual or loud noises. If your dog seems particularly agitated or destructive, soothing music may help them relax.
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