It is very difficult to see our dogs fearful, stressed, or anxious. We want to do whatever we can to help ease them of their distress. Sometimes giving them calming treats or using prescription anti-anxiety medications just aren’t enough to quell their stress. Calming music for dogs with anxiety is another option you can use to help calm your pup when they are exhibiting signs of stress and anxiety.
This post will look at what calming music for dogs with anxiety is, how music can work to help ease their symptoms, what you can do at home to ease their stress, and some examples of calming music for dogs available to try with your pup.
Our dog has become more anxious around loud noises as she has gotten older. This 4th of July we decided to try playing some calming music for her to see if it would help her.
We played Through A Dog’s Ear: Calm Your Canine: Dog Calming Music (also available at Amazon and ICalmPet). This was during the day when there wasn’t constant fireworks going on. After a few minutes of playing this calming music for her, instead of curling up in her favorite hiding place, she stayed in the middle of the room, lay out on the floor, and fell asleep.
Although her nap was brief, we were glad to be able to provide her with something to distract her from the loudness of the fireworks outside, even if it was something that provided only short term relief.
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Understanding Anxiety In Your Dog
Dogs can feel anxious just like humans. Anxiety in dogs shows up in different ways and can be caused by many things. Knowing the signs and what triggers anxiety can help you support your dog.
Signs And Symptoms Of Dog Anxiety
Anxious dogs often show physical and behavioral changes. You might notice:
- Excessive barking or whining.
- Pacing or restlessness.
- Shaking or trembling.
- Panting when not hot or tired.
- Hiding or avoiding people.
- Destructive behavior.
- Loss of appetite.
- Excessive licking or chewing.
Some dogs may also have accidents in the house or become clingy. Each dog is unique, so pay attention to changes in your pup’s normal behavior.
Common Triggers Of Dog Anxiety
Many things can make dogs anxious. Common triggers include:
- Loud noises (fireworks, thunder).
- Changes in routine or environment.
- Being left alone.
- Unfamiliar people or animals.
- Car rides.
- Veterinary visits.
Past bad experiences can also cause anxiety. Some dogs may feel stressed in crowded places or when separated from their parents. Knowing your dog’s triggers can help you avoid or manage stressful situations for your pup.
What Role Can Calming Music Play In Alleviating Dog Anxiety?
Music can help calm anxious dogs. It affects their brain and behavior in positive ways. The right tunes can make your dog feel more relaxed and at ease.
Scientific Basis of Music Therapy
Music influences your dog’s nervous system. It can lower heart rate and reduce stress hormones. Slow, simple tunes work best. They mimic a calm heartbeat. This helps your dog relax.
Studies show music impacts dog behavior. It can decrease barking and pacing. Some dogs even fall asleep to soothing songs. The effects can last for hours after the music stops.
According to a study by Wells, dogs are less agitated after hearing classical music. In addition, a study by Kogan found dogs bark less and sleep more after listening to classical music.
How Do I Choose The Right Calming Music For My Dog?
Not all music calms dogs. Fast or loud songs may make anxiety worse. Classical, soft rock, and reggae seem to work well for most dogs, according to a study done by Bowman. You can also find music made just for dogs.
Look for songs with steady beats and simple melodies. Avoid complex harmonies or sudden changes. Nature sounds mixed with soft music can be very soothing.
Try different styles to see what your dog likes best. Watch for signs of relaxation like lying down or slower breathing.
How Do I Create A Calm Environment For My Dog?
A peaceful space and consistent routine help reduce anxiety in dogs. Combining a comfortable setup with soothing music can create a relaxing atmosphere for your pup.
Setting Up A Comfortable Space
Choose a quiet area in your home for your dog’s relaxation spot. Pick a corner away from high-traffic zones and loud noises. Add a soft bed or blanket for comfort. Use blackout curtains to block bright light if needed.
Keep the room temperature cool but not cold. Remove any items that might startle your dog, like ticking clocks or buzzing electronics.
Consider using a pheromone spray or collar to provide your dog with calming scents. These mimic natural dog-calming chemicals. You can also try lavender oil, which many dogs find soothing.
Incorporating Calming Music Into Daily Routine
Start by playing calming music at a low volume when your dog seems relaxed. Gradually increase the volume over time. Aim for 1-2 hours of music daily.
Try different types of music to see what your dog prefers:
- Classical pieces.
- Reggae.
- Soft jazz.
- Nature sounds.
- Soft rock.
- Specifically designed dog relaxation tracks.
Play music during potentially stressful times, like when you leave for work or during thunderstorms. Use the same playlist consistently to create a familiar pattern.
Set up a small speaker in your dog’s relaxation area. This keeps the sound localized and not too overwhelming.
As your dog becomes comfortable with being around calming music, eventually they may become accustomed to it, so it a good idea to find different types of music they like in case one kind doesn’t work after a while.
Additional Behavioral Remedies To Combat Dog Anxiety
Music can help calm anxious dogs, but other approaches can also make a big difference. Exercise, diet changes, and training techniques are additional ways to reduce your dog’s stress and anxiety.
Exercise And Diet
Regular exercise is important for your dog’s mental and physical health. Take your dog on daily walks or play fetch to burn energy and reduce stress. Aim for at least 30 minutes of activity each day. A tired dog is often a calmer dog.
Diet also affects your dog’s mood. Feed a balanced, high-quality diet with omega-3 fatty acids. These fats support brain health and may ease anxiety. Avoid giving your dog table scraps or too many treats. Excess sugar and unhealthy fats can worsen anxiety.
Professional Training Techniques
A dog trainer can teach you ways to manage your dog’s anxiety. Common techniques include:
- Desensitization: Slowly exposing your dog to fear triggers in a safe way.
- Counterconditioning: Linking scary things with positive outcomes.
- Relaxation training: Teaching your dog to stay calm on cue.
Start with short training sessions. Use treats and praise to reward calm behavior. Be patient and consistent. It may take time, but many dogs show improvement with regular practice.
Consider crate training too. A crate can give your dog a safe space to relax when feeling anxious. Never use the crate as punishment.
Calming Music For Dogs With Anxiety
- Music for calming dog anxiety.
- Based on the research of Dr. Alfred Tomatis, who studied the effect of sound on the human nervous system.
- Uses “simple sound” that soothes rather than stimulates.
- Incorporates techniques that trigger relaxation naturally.
In addition, Spotify and YouTube provide relaxation music for dogs.
Calming music for dogs can help provide your dog with some relief of their anxious feelings without the use of medications. It can also provide some relief in combination with other methods of anxiety relief, like pheromone collar, sprays, and diffusers.
For more information on calming music for dogs, see PetMD and the American Kennel Club.
Please check out our other posts on Health, Indoor, Outdoor, and Travel accessories for your dog, as well as Reviews of various products and travel destinations.