Tail Wagging Tunes: Music Therapy For Dogs
Music therapy has become an increasingly popular holistic approach for improving health and behavior in dogs. Research has shown music can provide various benefits for canine companions, from reducing stress and separation anxiety to enhancing overall wellbeing. The technique involves playing specific songs and sounds designed to trigger positive responses in dogs, creating a calming environment and reinforcing good conduct.
Studies have demonstrated classical music, like Mozart or Bach, can lower stress hormones and normalize heart rate variability in kennel dogs (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7022433/). Soothing music is frequently used to help dogs remain tranquil during vet visits, grooming, thunderstorms, and other unsettling situations. It can also make crate training easier by masking outside noises that might distress confined pups.
Beyond calming effects, research indicates music may enrich the lives of elderly dogs by providing cognitive stimulation and environmental enrichment. As music therapy for pets increases in popularity, more dog owners are exploring its potential benefits. The non-invasive treatment shows promise for improving canine behavior, easing anxiety, and nurturing emotional wellbeing.
What is Music Therapy?
Music therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship (https://www.musictherapy.org/about/musictherapy/). Music therapists use music and its many facets – physical, emotional, mental, social, aesthetic, and spiritual – to help clients improve their health and quality of life.
The key components of music therapy include live music experiences and the relationships formed through them. The interventions of a music therapist can address a range of needs, including managing stress, alleviating pain, expressing feelings, enhancing memory, improving communication, and promoting physical rehabilitation (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/8817-music-therapy).
The primary aims of music therapy are non-musical in nature. While music is the tool used during sessions, therapy focuses on accomplishing health and wellness goals within major domains including behavioral, physical, cognitive, and social/emotional health.
Music’s Effects on Canine Behavior
Research has shown that music can significantly influence and alter dog behavior. A 2020 study published in the National Library of Medicine found that exposure to music impacts behavioral traits in dogs, with classical music generally having a calming effect https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7022433/. The rhythmic, predictable patterns and tempos of certain music can help soothe anxious or hyperactive dogs.
In particular, classical music by composers like Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven has been found to have calming effects on canine behavior. The melodic strings and piano arrangements can help relax dogs and reduce stress or anxiety. Music therapy using classical pieces can aid dogs adjusting to new environments, recovering from trauma, or dealing with separation issues.
On the other hand, upbeat pop or rock music may have an energizing effect on lethargic dogs. The lively beats and faster tempos can help motivate and stimulate dogs before activities like agility training, exercise, or dog sports. Varying the tempo and rhythm of music played can help modulate a dog’s behavior and energy level.
Music Preferences in Dogs
Research has shown that dogs react differently to various music genres. In a 2017 study by the University of Glasgow and the Scottish SPCA, dogs demonstrated more relaxed behaviors when listening to reggae and soft rock compared to other genres (source). The dogs in the study were less stressed and showed more resting postures when reggae and soft rock were played.
In general, dogs seem to prefer music that has a slower tempo with smooth, flowing melodies. Music heavy in percussive sounds and jarring tones tends to agitate dogs. High-pitched, loud music can also overstimulate a dog’s sensitive hearing (source). Gentler genres like reggae, soft rock, light classical, and easy listening have a calming effect.
When creating a customized playlist for your dog, consider their breed’s typical temperament. Herding breeds like Collies may benefit from more energetic folk music to keep them entertained, while bully breeds often prefer slower genres. Customizing music based on your individual dog’s personality is ideal.
Implementing Music Therapy
When starting a music therapy program for your dog, it’s best to work with a certified professional who specializes in animal music therapy. Look for a credentialed expert with training in canine behavior and experience designing music therapy regimens for dogs. Having a qualified therapist involved ensures the music therapy is implemented in an effective, tailored way for your individual dog.
A typical music therapy session may utilize equipment like speakers, headphones designed for dogs, or DVDs/CDs with specialized canine music. The therapist will advise on the best equipment setup based on your dog’s needs. Speakers can allow the music to permeate the environment, while headphones deliver a more directed music source.
In terms of duration and frequency, there is no set rule for how often or how long music therapy sessions should last. According to one source, sessions may range from 30 minutes to an hour or longer depending on the dog (1). The frequency also varies based on the dog’s needs, training goals, and response to the therapy. The music therapist will monitor your dog’s progress and make adjustments to optimize the benefits. Consistency is important, so aim for scheduled daily or weekly sessions when possible.
(1) https://www.preventivevet.com/dogs/how-to-use-music-to-calm-anxious-dogs
Benefits of Music Therapy for Dogs
There are several key benefits that music therapy can provide for dogs, as research has shown. These include reduced stress and anxiety levels, improved overall wellbeing, cognitive stimulation, and support for recovery.
Studies have demonstrated that music, especially classical pieces and other calming genres, can significantly decrease signs of stress in dogs, such as panting, barking, restlessness, and whining. Music provides auditory enrichment that distracts dogs from negative stimuli and triggers. One study found that dogs exposed to music for just 5 days showed reduced behavioral and physiological stress compared to dogs not given music therapy.
In addition to lowering stress, music therapy improves dogs’ overall wellbeing and quality of life. The cognitive stimulation of listening to new sounds and rhythms seems to have psychological benefits. Dog owners report their pets appearing happier, more relaxed and sociable when given frequent music therapy. Slow, gentle classical music in particular can aid relaxation and sleep.
Music may also help dogs recover from injuries, trauma or illness by reducing anxiety, improving sleep and stimulating neural pathways involved in healing. Studies have suggested music therapy supports rehabilitation in dogs with orthopedic conditions.
Case Studies and Success Stories
Music therapy has helped many dogs in real world situations. One case study examined using music to reduce stress in shelter dogs (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7022433/). Dogs were either exposed to audiobooks or no audio enrichment. Dogs in the audiobook group exhibited significantly lower stress behaviors. Their heart rates were lower and they spent more time resting.
Owners have shared how music helped their dogs through tough times. Max, a Labrador retriever, was very anxious after being adopted. His owner played him reggae music which immediately calmed him down. Max’s owner said the music therapy allowed Max to relax and feel comfortable in his new home.
Music has also been used in dogs recovering from injuries or illness. Mia, a Jack Russell terrier, was very restless after ACL surgery. Her owner played classical music which helped Mia stay calm and still during her recovery. The music therapy facilitated the rehabilitation process.
Considerations and Potential Drawbacks
While music therapy has demonstrated benefits for many dogs, there are some considerations and potential drawbacks to be aware of.
One key aspect is that the calming effects of music therapy may be limited or short-term. As with humans, music therapy for dogs requires ongoing and regular application to sustain benefits over time. The calming impact on a dog’s behavior may start to fade once the music stops (Lindig, 2020).
Additionally, responses can vary significantly between individual dogs. Factors like breed, age, past experiences, and personal preferences can all influence how a dog responds to music therapy. What works for one dog may not have the same effects on another (American Addiction Centers, 2022).
There are also costs involved with properly implementing clinical music therapy. Hiring a professional music therapist entails fees for services. Purchasing equipment like speakers or audio systems also requires upfront investment. For animal shelters or treatment centers with limited budgets, these costs may be prohibitive (Oakhurst Veterinary Hospital, 2020).
With the right expectations and diligent application, music can still be an impactful therapeutic tool. But dog owners should be aware that music therapy has its limits and requires an ongoing time and financial commitment to be effective.
Additional Tips for Dog Owners
Creating a customized playlist of songs can help maximize the benefits of music therapy for your dog. Consider their personality, age, energy level, and needs when selecting songs. Tracks with slower tempos, simple melodies, and minimal instrumentation tend to be more calming. Some specific songs that stressed dogs may find soothing include “Over the Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwoʻole, “Beautiful Relaxing Music: Pet Care, Anxiety Relief” by Soothing Relaxation, and “Calming Music for Dogs” by Relax My Dog.
Exposing dogs to a variety of music during early development and training can help them become accustomed to different sounds. Try playing different genres and tempos while they eat, play, or go about their daily routine. This allows them to experience music in a positive way, versus only hearing it during stressful situations later in life. Rotate through different songs and playlists to prevent overexposure to any one piece of music. Variety keeps their interest piqued and prevents associations from forming between a specific song and an emotional state.
When using music to help calm your anxious or stressed dog, keep the volume moderate to low. Loud music can have the opposite of the intended effect. Monitor your dog’s reaction, and look for signs that they are relaxed – loose body posture, resting or laying down, steady breathing, etc. Each dog has unique musical preferences and temperament, so remain flexible and adjust the music selection until you find what works best.
For more specific recommendations, consult with a veterinary behaviorist. They can provide tailored guidance based on your dog’s medical history, anxiety triggers, and personality.
The Future of Canine Music Therapy
As research continues, there will likely be further discoveries related to dogs’ responses to music and how it affects their behavior and well-being. Some areas of continued research include examining differences based on breed, age, anxiety levels, and other factors to better customize musical selections for each dog’s needs.
For example, a 2020 review found that music therapy reduced stress in shelter dogs, but responses varied between breeds. This suggests customization based on breed could optimize music therapy benefits.
Likewise, musical preferences may differ between puppies and elderly dogs. Researching neurological and psychological factors influencing music response can enable better age-based customization.
Integrating music into training programs is another promising area. As seen in a 2022 study, music may help dogs remain calm during training. If music aids focus and learning, it could significantly improve training outcomes.
As music therapy for dogs evolves, increased personalization, integration with training, and technological innovations will likely emerge. Continued research and real-world implementation will reveal best practices for different breeds and dogs with varying needs. Music is poised to become an integral part of maximizing canine health and wellbeing.
