Introduction
Music is ubiquitous in modern life, streaming out of radios, phones, and concert venues. But how does all this auditory stimulation impact our canine companions? As beloved family members for many households, understanding how music affects dogs can help owners enhance their pets’ quality of life. Researching this topic also sheds light on broader questions about animal cognition, hearing, and behavior.
While humans may find music enriching, dogs perceive sounds differently than people do. Their hearing range is wider, so musical notes may sound distorted. Loud volumes can irritate sensitive canine ears. Additionally, dogs lack the same emotional associations with music that humans have. Ultimately, their reaction depends on the genre, volume, and their underlying mood.
By reviewing scientific studies and veterinary insights, this article explores how music impacts dogs both positively and negatively. It provides pet owners actionable recommendations for safely playing music around dogs or using music therapeutically. Read on to learn more about how to harmonize life with both human and canine listeners.
Dogs’ Hearing Abilities
Dogs have a much wider range of hearing compared to humans. While the average human can hear sounds between 64-23,000 Hz, dogs can detect frequencies from 67-45,000 Hz (source: https://ldqgqwlqj.elbdiva.de/). This means dogs can hear higher pitched sounds that humans cannot detect. A dog whistle operates at a high frequency of 23,000 to 54,000 Hz that allows dogs to hear it, but is outside the auditory range of humans.
Dogs also have better sensitivity and can hear sounds as quiet as 15-20 dB. Humans struggle to hear anything below 60 dB. This acute sense of hearing allows dogs to pick up subtle sounds from farther away, such as a doorbell ringing down the street or their owner’s footsteps from a distance.
A dog’s wide range of hearing and sensitivity contributes to their ability to detect danger or prey quickly. However, it also makes them more sensitive to loud noises, which can cause discomfort or stress.
Loudness Tolerance
Dogs have much more sensitive hearing than humans. According to Psychology Today, the average human hears sounds between 64 and 23,000 hertz, while dogs can hear sounds between 67 and 45,000 hertz. This means dogs can hear higher frequency sounds that are inaudible to humans.
In terms of loudness, sounds over 85 decibels (dB) can potentially cause hearing damage in dogs, depending on the duration of exposure. In comparison, sounds above 70-75 dB are considered potentially harmful for human hearing with prolonged exposure. Some examples of sounds and their loudness levels:
- 60 dB – Normal conversation
- 85 dB – City traffic, blender, hair dryer
- 100 dB – Subway train, lawnmower, sporting event
- 115 dB – Concert, chainsaw
So while sounds like blenders and hair dryers are tolerable to humans, they are already approaching the threshold of potential hearing damage for dogs. Loud music, especially with heavy bass, can be very uncomfortable and stressful for dogs’ sensitive ears.
Music Preferences
When it comes to music, dogs tend to have specific preferences for certain genres and instruments. According to research, classical music seems to be the genre most preferred by dogs. One study at a rescue shelter found that playing classical music resulted in dogs barking less and showing more relaxed behavior. The complex tones and pitch changes in classical music are thought to hold dogs’ interest without causing overstimulation. Additionally, the lower volumes and slower tempos associated with classical help create a calming effect.
In terms of instruments, the flute appears to be a top choice among many dogs. Experts believe that the high-pitched tones and extended notes produced by the flute appeal to dogs’ sensitive hearing. Some dogs have even been observed howling along when a flute is played nearby. However, it’s important to monitor volume levels, as the high frequencies of a flute can potentially irritate dogs’ ears at loud volumes. Overall, classical music and the sound of the flute seem to most closely align with dogs’ hearing capabilities and music interests.
Negative Effects of Loud Music
Loud music can have detrimental effects on a dog’s sensitive hearing. Dogs have a much wider range of hearing than humans, able to perceive frequencies up to 45,000 Hz compared to humans’ 20,000 Hz maximum. Their range is also more sensitive, with sounds as quiet as 15-20 dB audible to dogs (1).
Prolonged exposure to loud music over 85-90 dB puts dogs at risk of permanent hearing damage. The high frequency sounds in rock music are especially likely to cause harm. Even short-term exposure can lead to temporary threshold shift, where hearing is dulled for a period after loud noise exposure (2).
In addition to physical ear damage, loud music causes dogs significant stress and anxiety. Dogs are highly sensitive to noise phobias, much more so than humans. The unpredictable loud noises, pulsating rhythms, and reverberating bass overwhelm a dog’s senses. This forces the release of cortisol and adrenaline, hormones that induce fear and stress reactions like panting, trembling, hiding, and loss of appetite (3).
Owners should be mindful of keeping music at reasonable volumes for dogs’ comfort and ear health. Exposure over 90 dB poses a genuine risk of long-term hearing impairment along with extremely distressing mental effects from noise anxiety (4). Lower volumes with gradual introduction can help dogs better acclimate to music in home environments.
Positive Effects of Calm Music
Research has shown that playing calm, relaxing music can have many benefits for dogs, especially those that experience separation anxiety or high stress levels. Gentle, soothing music can help dogs relax and feel less distressed when left alone at home. Studies have found that calm music helps lower dogs’ heart rates, reduce restlessness, and promote more settled behavior (|Source|). The rhythmic, flowing nature of certain music seems to have a calming effect on many dogs. Additionally, calming music provides a consistent noise environment that can help mask triggers like outside noises that may cause anxiety. By providing a soothing ambiance, calm music helps create a safe space for dogs to unwind and rest more comfortably.
Some of the genres that tend to work best include soft classical music, light jazz, and even reggae. Nature sounds like rain, ocean waves, and forest sounds can also have a pacifying effect. When selecting music for a dog, it’s advisable to avoid music with excessive bass or erratic tempos, which tend to be more agitating. Focus instead on music with longer, legato notes and a slower tempo around 50-60 beats per minute. This type of calming music can help relieve stress and may prevent destructive behaviors in anxious dogs. With the right musical accompaniment, owners can create a more relaxing environment whether they are home or away.
Owner Perspectives
Many dog owners have observed their pets’ reactions to different genres of music firsthand. According to one Reddit user, “My dog seems to be oblivious to music as long as its not too loud. I never see him vibe or dislike/try to get away/leave when music is played.”
Other owners note distinct preferences in their dogs. One said, “My dog howls when I play the harmonica, but couldn’t care less about other instruments.” Another commented, “My dog gets anxious and tries to leave the room when I play rock or metal with screaming vocals. But he relaxes and even falls asleep when I put on soft piano music.”
Some owners allow their dogs to choose what music is played. “I let my dog walk over to the Alexa to start playing music. He always chooses soothing classical pieces over anything with a heavy beat or vocals,” remarked a dog owner. Overall, direct observations by owners provide insight into how each individual dog responds to various music genres.
Veterinarian Insights
Professional advice on music for dogs.
Veterinarians generally recommend calming music to help soothe anxious or stressed dogs. As Dr. Rachel Barrack, a certified veterinary acupuncturist, told PetMD, “I recommend that pet parents play music for their dogs when they will be home alone for long periods of time.”1 She notes that reggae and soft rock tend to be the most soothing genres for canines.
Classical music is another good option according to vets. Research cited by Preventive Vet found that classical music helped lower stress levels and heart rates in shelter dogs.2 The slow tempos and repetitive melodies have a calming effect. Veterinarian Dr. Stacy Eckman recommends playing classical music at a low volume to relax anxious or high-strung dogs at home.
However, vets caution against playing music too loudly, as the volume can hurt dogs’ sensitive hearing and cause more stress. Quieter music around 50-60 decibels is ideal. It’s also important to monitor your dog’s reaction and adjust the music if they seem uncomfortable.
Tips for Safely Playing Music
When playing music for your dog, it’s important to be mindful of the volume, content, and duration. Dogs have very sensitive hearing, so music should be played at low to moderate volumes. As a general rule, if you need to raise your voice to talk over the music, then it’s too loud for your dog (AKC). Loud music can be stressful and damage your dog’s hearing over time.
In terms of content, most experts recommend soothing classical or soft rock music for dogs. The tempo and beat of the music should be calming rather than jarring. Some specific music choices that are relaxing for dogs include reggae, soft piano, and nature sounds (Preventive Vet).
It’s best to limit the duration of music sessions to 30-60 minutes at a time. Dogs don’t necessarily enjoy constant music playing, so give your dog breaks in between. Observe your dog’s reaction to judge if they are positively responding to the music. Signs of stress like whining, pacing, or hiding indicate it may be time to turn off the tunes.
Conclusion
In summary, while dogs have more sensitive hearing than humans, their tolerance for loud music depends on the individual dog. Some dogs enjoy all types of music, while others may become stressed or anxious around loud rock music or certain instruments. Since dogs communicate distress through behavior changes, it’s important for owners to watch for signs of hearing discomfort or overstimulation. Calmer music played at a moderate volume is less likely to bother dogs. To safely play music around dogs, monitor the volume, provide breaks, watch for reactions, and don’t leave rock music blaring for long periods. With some common sense precautions, it’s possible to enjoy music with your dog.
The takeaway is to be mindful of your dog’s signals, keep an eye on the volume, and choose mellow music over jarring rock to prevent negative effects. If your dog seems bothered, try lowering the volume, changing genres, or playing music for shorter periods. With some adjustments, music can be something you happily share with your furry listening buddy.