VIDEO: Research shows music has positive effect on dogs
The great philosopher Plato once said, "Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything."
The world would be a much duller place if there were no music.
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Whether you're a Swiftie or a hardcore metal fan, listening to your favourite songs, bands and albums can change your mood.
Music also doesn't have to accompany a positive moment. If you're sad, angry or anxious, listening to certain songs can help you work through those emotions.
Imagine going through a breakup without a single song you relate to.
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Music greatly impacts our lives, and significant research has been done on the subject.
According to a study published by the American Psychological Association, music can be used to treat pain, reduce stress and improve health outcomes of premature infants, people with depression and Parkinson’s disease.
Music has long been recognised as an effective form of therapy.
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However, psychologist Daniel J Levitin, PhD, who studies the neuroscience of music at McGill University in Montreal, says using sound frequencies, song and rhythm to treat physical conditions is a relatively new field.
"A wealth of new studies is touting the benefits of music on mental and physical health. For example, in a meta-analysis of 400 studies, Levitin and his postgraduate research fellow, Mona Lisa Chanda, PhD, found that music improves the body's immune system function and reduces stress. Listening to music was also found to be more effective than prescription drugs in reducing anxiety before surgery ('Trends in Cognitive Sciences', April, 2013)."
There is much understanding about the effects of music on people, but what about animals?
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While you blast your favourite tunes, is your dog enjoying it as much as you, or is it just annoyed with the noise?
Naturally, these studies are few and far between.
In 2020, researchers at the Sydney School of Veterinary Science examined nine studies on the effect of music on dogs.
According to their findings, dogs appreciate classical music more than you would expect. Some evidence has found that dogs are comforted and feel less stress or anxiety when listening to classical music.
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Research shows that classical music has a calming effect on dogs, encouraging relaxed behaviours like lying down, resting, or sitting while the music plays.
These studies were carried out in high-stress environments for dogs, including veterinary clinics, kennels, and shelters.
Certified dog trainer Amy Campbell also noted that pieces that contain louder sounds could induce stress.
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If you are unsure about your dog's music taste, there is also "dog music".
There are entire YouTube channels dedicated to providing free playlists of songs that will help your dog calm down and chill out.
If you want to see how your dog responds to music, be sure to keep the volume at a comfortable level.
A dog that consistently avoids rooms where music is playing may simply prefer a quieter environment.
As with all dog behaviour, pay attention to how they react, because no one knows your dog better than you.
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