How Classical Music (and Beyoncé) Can Help Calm Your Dog’s Anxiety
If you've ever played soothing music during a stressful moment, you know how powerful sound can be. But it’s not just humans who benefit—dogs do too. A growing body of research shows that dogs respond to music in very specific ways. From calming nerves to reducing barking, the right playlist can do wonders.
What the Science Says:
In a 2002 study, Dr. Deborah Wells observed shelter dogs exposed to five audio conditions: human conversation, classical music, heavy metal, pop, and silence. The dogs who listened to classical music were notably calmer, with more time spent resting and less barking.
A 2017 study by the Scottish SPCA and University of Glasgow found that dogs’ stress levels significantly decreased when exposed to soft rock and reggae—and heart rate monitors confirmed it.
Interestingly, variety matters. Just like us, dogs may get desensitized to a single genre. A rotating playlist was shown to sustain relaxation longer.
Practical Applications:
At Home: Use calming playlists during thunderstorms, fireworks, or when you leave the house.
At the Groomer or Vet: Background music can help reduce anxiety in high-stress environments.
For Older Dogs: Music therapy may help ease cognitive decline in senior dogs by stimulating auditory centers.
Beyoncé’s Role?
Believe it or not, upbeat R&B and soul (with slower tempos) can engage your dog’s attention without overstimulation. While there’s no scientific paper on Queen Bey (yet), many dog behaviorists report that dogs respond well to tracks with steady rhythms and smooth vocals.
