Music therapy has long been recognized for its ability to improve human health, but its role in animal welfare is less understood. With growing interest in auditory enrichment for dogs, an industry has emerged around music designed specifically to relax pets. However, scientific evidence remains limited.
Lindig, McGreevy, & Crean (2020) reviewed nine studies testing the effects of music exposure on dogs, particularly in stressful contexts such as kennels and veterinary environments. Results showed that classical music consistently had a calming influence, with dogs appearing less anxious and more settled compared to control conditions or exposure to other genres.
In contrast, no additional benefits were observed from specialized “dog music” products, such as those marketed under “Through a Dog’s Ear.” The authors stress that more rigorous research is needed, including studies that consider individual differences in canine personality, preferences, and previous experiences with sound.
Overall, the findings suggest that classical music is a simple, cost-effective, and practical tool for improving canine welfare, especially in environments where stress reduction is crucial. Veterinary practices, shelters, and owners alike may find value in adopting this low-effort enrichment strategy.
Source: Lindig, A. M., McGreevy, P., & Crean, A. (2020). Musical Dogs: A Review of the Influence of Auditory Enrichment on Canine Health and Behavior. Animals, 10. MDPI.
