What music do dogs find relaxing?
There is no single type of music that is guaranteed to relax every dog. Calm music without sudden loud noises or large changes in volume is a good place to start.
For example, you could try:
- Calm classical music
- Soft piano music
- Reggae
- Soft rock
- Special relaxation music for dogs
Also pay close attention to the volume. Dogs have sensitive hearing, so the music certainly does not need to be loud. Playing it softly in the background is more than enough.
Special music for dogs
In addition to regular music, there are also playlists created specifically for dogs. This is sometimes referred to as bioacoustic music. These playlists take into account how dogs perceive sound and deliberately use calm, predictable sounds. This music usually has a slow tempo and contains few sudden changes in volume or pitch. You will often hear soft instrumental music, such as piano, combined with gentle background sounds or noise. Loud, sharp sounds and abrupt transitions are avoided as much as possible.
The idea behind this is that a regular and predictable soundscape is less stimulating and can therefore contribute to a relaxing environment. There is also experimentation with rhythms and frequencies that are thought to suit the way dogs process sound. However, how strongly a dog responds to this varies from one animal to another.
How do you know if your dog enjoys the music?
Your dog cannot tell you which playlist is their favourite, of course, but their body language can tell you a lot. A relaxed dog may lie down calmly, close their eyes, breathe more slowly or eventually fall asleep. Do you notice that your dog becomes more restless, looks towards the source of the sound, walks away or struggles to relax? In that case, silence or another type of music may be more pleasant.
Curious whether your dog likes music?
On YouTube and Spotify, you can find both regular relaxation music and playlists created specifically for dogs. Try different types of music and pay particular attention to your dog’s response. Perhaps soft piano music makes them wonderfully calm, while another playlist makes them prefer to leave the room. This will help you discover what suits your dog best.
When can you use relaxation music for dogs?
Relaxation music can be used at various times. For example, when your dog has difficulty getting enough rest during the day or when there are lots of noises outside. Soft background music can also be pleasant when your dog is home alone. It makes the house feel less quiet and can make outside noises less noticeable.
Would you like to use music around a predictable stressful event? Ideally, introduce your dog to the music during relaxed moments first. This prevents the music from becoming associated exclusively with situations in which your dog feels stressed.
Does music help with fireworks and thunderstorms?
During fireworks or thunderstorms, background music can mask some of the sounds from the surroundings. This may be pleasant for a dog that simply becomes a little more alert because of noises. However, if your dog is genuinely afraid of fireworks or thunderstorms, music alone is usually not enough. Make sure your dog also has a safe place to retreat to and, where possible, start providing support well before a predictable event.
In cases of severe noise anxiety, it is advisable to ask your vet or a qualified dog behaviourist for advice in good time, so that you can receive additional guidance or medication if necessary.
Relaxation is about more than just playing music
Although relaxation music can be a useful addition, getting enough rest starts with your dog’s everyday environment. Dogs need plenty of sleep and rest. A predictable daily routine, enough quiet moments, appropriate exercise and a comfortable place of their own to rest are therefore just as important. Mental activities can also be beneficial, but more is not always better. A dog that is kept busy all day may actually find it difficult to settle down on their own.
Think of relaxation music primarily as part of a calm environment. Put on a soft playlist, let your dog relax in their familiar spot and see how they respond. Perhaps they will be fast asleep within a few minutes, or you may discover that your dog actually prefers silence.
