Can Classical Music Relax Dogs?

Do you play music for your dog? Having something on in the background, whether a TV or radio, seems to help alleviate a dog’s anxiousness when left alone! Studies have found that classical music does seem to calm our canine friends.

The University of Glasgow conducted the research in partnership with the Scottish SPCA. Dogs in a kennel were observed for two weeks. Keep in mind that kennels are stressful environments for dogs. The dogs were split into two groups. The first group had classical music playing while the second group was in silence without any music. Dogs had their heart rates monitored during the study. Saliva samples were also taken to check cortisol levels (as stress hormone).

The researchers discovered that the dogs with classical music experienced an immediate decrease in stress. Another interesting finding is that male dogs responded better to music than female dogs. Males were found to spend much less time barking while the music played.

The Scottish SPCA, which helped to conduct the research, says it plans to install speaker systems in its rehoming centers. If you play music to soothe your dog, you may want to consider classical music! It may help in more ways than one.