If you have ever tiptoed out the door hoping your dog would not spiral, this one is for you. BBC Future explores whether music truly soothes pets, and the answer is a confident yes with a few smart caveats. The standout benefit is surprisingly specific: slow tempo, simple, mostly percussion-free music (think gentle piano around 50 to 60 beats per minute).
This music can reduce signs of stress in dogs and can also help cats and zoo animals relax. In one long-running series, Through a Dog’s Ear, more than 70% of kennel dogs and 80% of dogs in homes showed fewer anxiety behaviors after listening to predominantly piano compositions. That is a meaningful shift for everyday life, from separation anxiety to car rides and vet visits.
Why it works is still being untangled, but the pattern is consistent. A Queen’s University Belfast study found classical music calmed dogs in acutely stressful situations. Reggae and soft rock with simple rhythms can help shelter dogs. For cats, instrumental pieces such as piano, flute, and strings that avoid extreme frequencies seem promising. The big watch out: not all classical is created equal.
Fast tempos and heavy percussion can do the opposite of calm. As animal behavior researcher Deborah Wells puts it: “The most sensible explanation is that there is something inherently relaxing about this genre of music, perhaps resulting in the release of chemicals that bring about a pleasurable state of mind.”
For many of us managing busy homes and tender hearts, this is refreshingly actionable. A thoughtfully curated playlist can be a humane, low-cost tool to ease a pet’s day, especially for dogs who struggle when you step out or during noisy evenings.
It will not replace training or veterinary care, and the studies tend to be small and short-term, but the practical upside is real. Expect a little trial and error. Slow, simple piano is a great place to start. If your pet does not respond, try soft rock or mellow reggae. Skip audiobooks. Despite soothing narrators, dogs mostly just stare at the speaker.
This matters because calmer pets make for calmer homes. Better sleep, more relaxed routines, and fewer anxious spirals can boost everyone’s well being, yours included.
Curious which melodies might help your pup or cat? Read the full story for tips, studies, and playlists here: Does music make animals calmer?
