What effect does music have on dogs?

Photo: Ксения Левашова/Adobe Stock

Canine music, classical music, or no music? A study on the effect of music on canine stress levels recently demonstrated a correlation between canine-specific music and lower stress levels in dogs compared to classical music and no music.

The study was conducted by PetPace, a pet health monitoring company; and Pet Acoustics, a producer of animal-specific auditory products. The goal of the study was to assess and quantity the effects of Pet Acoustics’ canine-specific music compared to other types of music. The PetPace smart collar was to monitor biometric data such as heart rate variability (HRV), pulse rates, and activity levels of dogs exposed to classical music and no music.^1,2

The study revealed a reduction in stress and anxiety levels among dogs when exposed to Pet Acoustics’ canine-specific music. Specifically, canines who listened to this music exhibited a lower pulse rate and higher heart rate variability (HRV) in response to the music, which indicated physiological changes typically associated with a more relaxed state.

“We are thrilled to deepen our understanding of canine health through this study and enable more comforting care for our beloved pets,” Asaf Dagan, co-founder of PetPace and co-lead author of the study expressed in an organizational release.² “Using our machine learning and AI-powered PetPace collar to study the effect of Pet Acoustics canine-informed music reveals incredible insights of the healing power of the auditory experience.”

The participants’ average of median pulse rates was 5.9% lower when these dogs were exposed to music compared to when they were not exposed. On average, the median HRV was 1.3% higher during canine music exposure periods compared to non-exposure periods. Regarding the dogs’ activity levels, results were varied, according to the study. 10 out of 20 dogs showed a decrease in median activity scores during canine music exposure, while the other half showed an increase. Overall, the total average of median activity scores was 3.5% lower when the dogs were exposed to canine music.¹

According to the study’s authors, the specialized music tailored for canines employs a science-based approach to calm behavioral stress in dogs. Unlike music designed for human ears, this music adjusts instruments, frequencies, and decibel levels through digital modification in original compositions to suit the acute hearing range of dogs.¹

The dogs involved in the study were recruited from the Assistance Dog International (ADI) accredited service dog organization, Educated Canines Assisting with Disabilities (ECAD), in Torrington, Connecticut, according to PetPace.2 ECAD oversaw the study to ensure it supported animal welfare, as well as reviewed all safety considerations related to noninvasive biometric monitoring parameters and noninvasive music or sound interventions. The organization allowed 12 service dogs in training to participate in the study.²

References

1. Marlow J, Dagan A, Pia R. Biometric study proves canine-specific music mitigates stress levels. International Animal Health Journal. 2024; 9(2). https://international-animalhealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Biometric-Study-Proves-Pet-Acoustics%C2%AE-Canine.pdf
2. Groundbreaking study using PetPace AI collar finds Pet Acoustic Canine-Specific music reduces pet stress and anxiety over classical or no music. News release. PetPace. July 23, 2024. Accessed July 24, 2024. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240723555313/en/Groundbreaking-Study-Using-PetPace%E2%84%A2-AI-Collar-Finds-Pet-Acoustic%C2%AE-Canine--Specific-Music-Reduces-Pet-Stress-and-Anxiety-Over-Classical-or-No-Music