The Benefits of Music Therapy for Anxious Pets

When you are stressed out, what do you do? Do you draw a hot bath and submerge yourself to wish the world away? Do you put on a pair of comfy pants and socks and curl up with a book that helps you get away from it all? Maybe you are one of those people where music can help you forget all your worries and find relaxation when nothing else will.

If you are in that latter bucket, you’re not alone. Music therapy is well known to help people relax, ward off their anxiety, and even improve their overall health. So what about music therapy for pets? Does it work? Can music therapy for anxious dogs be beneficial? What about cat music therapy? We’re here to tell you that it works, and in a big way.

What is Music Therapy?

Let’s start by answering the obvious question—what is music therapy? Quite simply, its the use of sound to create a calming effect, shift moods, and ease stress. It’s not just for people—pets can benefit, too! Just like a relaxing playlist can help you unwind after a long day, certain types of music can do the same for your furry friends. Rhythmic patterns, gentle melodies, and specific frequencies can trigger relaxation responses in both dogs and cats, helping them feel more at ease in stressful situations.

Why does this matter? Studies show that nearly 72.5% of dogs display behaviors linked to noise sensitivity, fear, separation stress, and even aggression. Whether it’s fireworks, a loud vacuum, or the unsettling quiet when their favorite human leaves for work, these triggers can leave pups feeling uneasy. Cats are no strangers to stress either—about 50% of domestic cats have some form of emotional disorder, often tied to anxiety. Whether it’s changes in their environment, unfamiliar guests, or even the wrong kind of attention, stress can take a toll on their well-being.

That’s where music therapy can come in and help your pet to feel so much better. Carefully chosen tunes can create a comforting atmosphere, helping pets settle down and feel more secure. From soft classical pieces to specially designed pet playlists, the right soundscape can work wonders in helping anxious pets find their happy place.

So how do you get started? We’ve got some helpful tips.

How to Introduce Your Pet to Music Therapy

If the concept of music therapy is new to you, or you just know that playing certain tunes from your playlist makes you feel good, you may wonder what the best approach is for your pets. And with pets, the approach is a bit different. For people, we might be able to dedicate a certain amount of time each day to shutting everything else down and letting ourselves be soothed by the music playing around us. Pets, on the other hand, are a bit more challenging to contain. Locking them in a crate or kennel and then pumping music through the slats is really not the best way to get started.

Getting Started

Since we know how much you want to help ease that anxiety off your pet, we’ve compiled some best practices on how to use music therapy for pets and enjoy the many benefits it brings. Here’s what to do. 

• Start with a whisper, not a roar. Play music at a very low volume and see how your pet reacts. Gradually increase the sound over time, but always keep an eye on their body language. If they seem unsettled—ears back, pacing, or leaving the room—turn it down or try a different style.

• Pick the right playlist. Not all music is created equal when it comes to pets. Slow-paced, instrumental tunes tend to be the most soothing. There are even special tracks designed just for cat music therapy or music therapy for anxious dogs—these are a great place to start! Check out some of the options on YouTube to get you started.

• Give them space. Forcing your pet to stay in one spot while the music plays can have the opposite effect of what you’re going for. Instead, allow them to leave the room if they need to. 

• Pair music with calm moments. Play soft tunes when your pet is already in a relaxed state—like during naps, cuddle time, or gentle play. Over time, they’ll start associating those sounds with feeling safe and comfortable.

• Try a mix of genres. Classical, reggae, and even soft rock have been found to help some pets unwind. Experiment to see what works best for your furry friend. 

• Create a safe zone. Loud noises from outside, rowdy kids, or even the hum of household appliances can add to your pet’s stress. Designate a quiet, cozy space in your home where they can retreat when they need a break. Adding soft bedding, a favorite toy, and some calming music can help them feel at ease.

Stay the Course with Music Therapy for Anxious Dogs

Cats tend to be a bit calmer than dogs, and they often have their safe retreats when they want to get away from the world. Dogs, on the other hand, are much more like velcro—they want to be where you are. And if something near you creates anxiety for them, they might fear for you as well. Because you want to help your pet feel better and overcome their fears and anxiety, staying the course and experimenting with different types of music and dog music therapy will eventually pay off.

Want More Great Advice on Keeping Your Pet Happy and Healthy?

At Crown & Paw, we’re in the business of happy pets and pet owners. And we’ve learned a lot over the years in addition to selling pet portraits. For that reason, we encourage you to check our site often for great new content that can help you make the world a happier place for your happy friend, and we’re talking about more than just dog music therapy. 

And while you are at it, be sure to check out our merchandise. Perhaps a custom dog hoodie or one of our other treasures if right up your alley. However you love to commemorate your pet, we’ve got it ready and waiting for you.