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Music eases anxiety in pets, studies show-with surprising results across species
When Serenity Strull adopted Margot, a three-year-old pitbull mix, the dog's severe separation anxiety posed a challenge. Medication had triggered seizures, and traditional training failed-until Strull discovered the power of slow-tempo piano music. Now, compositions by Brahms or Beethoven play in the background while Margot naps peacefully, a stark contrast to her previous barking and pacing when left alone.
The science behind canine relaxation
Research supports Strull's experience. A study co-authored by animal behaviorist Deborah Wells at Queen's University Belfast found that classical music-particularly slow, percussion-free pieces-reduced stress behaviors in over 70% of kennel dogs and 80% of household pets. The effect extended to high-stress scenarios like vet visits and car rides, with measurable drops in cortisol, the stress hormone.
Joshua Leeds, a psychoacoustic expert, and veterinary neurologist Susan Wagner developed Through a Dog's Ear, a series of piano-heavy tracks designed for canine ears. Their observations across 150 dogs revealed fewer anxiety symptoms (pacing, trembling) when exposed to the music. Wells theorizes the genre's slow tempos (50-60 BPM) may trigger chemical responses akin to human relaxation, though the exact mechanism remains unclear.
"Supplies have stabilized, but conservation remains essential."
Deborah Wells, animal behavior researcher, Queen's University Belfast
Beyond dogs: Music's impact on cats, elephants, and zoo animals
Cats, with hearing ranges extending to 79,000 Hz (versus dogs' 65,000 Hz and humans' 20,000 Hz), also respond to carefully selected sounds. A 2019 study sedated 12 cats for neutering and exposed them to three audio tracks: a pop song, AC/DC's Thunderstruck, and Barber's Adagio for Strings. The classical piece correlated with the slowest breathing, lowest heart rates, and dilated pupils-all signs of reduced stress.
Zoo animals benefit too. Wells' research showed elephants and gorillas exhibited less stereotypic behavior (repetitive, stress-linked actions) and aggression when exposed to classical music. Improved welfare markers included better sleep, appetite, and even fertility rates.
Not all music-or audiobooks-works
While reggae and soft rock's gentle rhythms have shown promise in shelter dogs, audiobooks fail to replicate music's effects. A 2022 study by Wells found dogs ignored narrated stories, often staring blankly at speakers instead of relaxing. The key, she notes, lies in tempo, simplicity, and the absence of jarring frequencies-criteria most audiobooks don't meet.
Tailored soundscapes: The future of pet acoustics
Janet Marlow, a sound behaviorist, took customization further. After noticing her pets' varied reactions to music, she composed species-specific tracks under Pet Acoustics, eliminating agitating frequencies and adjusting tempos to match animal hearing biology. Peer-reviewed studies now back her approach, which spans dogs, cats, and horses.
Yet experts caution against one-size-fits-all solutions. Studies remain small-scale, often limited to high-stress environments like shelters or hospitals. The vast subgenres within classical music-from baroque to romantic-may yield differing results. For Strull and Margot, though, the proof is in the silence: no more neighbor complaints, just a sleeping dog and a classical soundtrack.
What pet owners should try
For those experimenting at home:
- Dogs: Slow piano pieces (e.g., Through a Dog's Ear), reggae, or soft rock.
- Cats: Instrumental tracks with mid-range frequencies (avoid high/low extremes).
- Avoid: Audiobooks, heavy percussion, or fast tempos.
As Marlow puts it, "It's about resonating with their biology-not our playlists."
