Do you have an anxious dog at home? New research suggests that classical music could help your pup!
A study just published in the journal Physiology & Behaviour chronicled an experiment in which they tested the soothing properties of classical music on dogs. Researchers from the University of Glasgow monitored shelter dogs over a two-week period, testing their stress levels during silence, and then again while classical music played in the background.
Stress levels in both groups decreased significantly during the music-filled periods.
Important to note is that not all music is created equal when it comes to calming pups down. Many pet parents play radio or tv for their dogs when away, but the drastic changes in music styles and speech in such programming can actually cause more stress for animals. Classical music avoids these dramatic changes in sound and offers the most relaxation.
If your dog suffers from general or separation anxiety, give some classical tunes a try! Maybe it will have the same effect it does on some people in concerts: Soothe them into a blissful, snoring sleep.