Is Loud Music Bad for Dogs?

by K9 Basics | Sep 5, 2023 | General Information, Home

Loud music might be your jam, but it’s a different tune for our furry friends.

Intense beats can stress out our pups, while soothing melodies can be their relaxation ticket.

Dive in with us as we explore the world of doggy eardrums and discover the perfect playlist for your pet’s peace of mind!

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

Our pups have ears that hear way beyond our tune!
Dogs enjoy calming music as much as they loathe deafening noises.
From Mozart to Marley, our furry friends have eclectic musical tastes!

How Loud Noises Make Our Dogs Flip: The Doggy Drama Explained

The Scoop on Dogs and Loud Music

Do you know how you might jump or get startled when someone unexpectedly blasts loud tunes? Imagine if you had a superhero sense of hearing. That’s the life of our furry pals!

Dog’s ears pick up sounds much softer than our human ears could ever catch. But there’s a flip side. Because their ears are so sensitive, loud noises, like booming music or fireworks, can be overwhelming and even scary.

Imagine wearing headphones with the volume turned all the way up while listening to a song that’s already super loud. It’d be too much. That’s how dogs feel with loud sounds. Plus, they don’t understand where these sounds are coming from, adding to their stress. (Grigg et al., 2021)

Next time you’re throwing a dance party or watching a movie with epic explosions, remember your four-legged buddy and turn the volume down a notch. Your dog will wag their tail in thanks!

How Loud is ‘Too Loud’ for Dogs?

We use “decibels” (dB for short) when discussing loud sounds. Anything around 120 dB (like a loud rock concert) is painful for humans. Dogs start to get uncomfortable at around 70 dB. That’s the sound of a vacuum cleaner or a busy traffic road. If it feels too loud for you, it’s already too loud for your pup!

Which Sounds Get a “Paws Down” From Dogs?

Imagine having super-powered ears where you could hear every little noise, even the ones humans can’t. Cool, right? But sometimes, this superpower means certain sounds become annoying or even scary for our furry pals.

First up, there’s the sound of fireworks and thunder. For many dogs, these sudden, loud booms are downright terrifying. It’s like someone randomly blasting a horn in your ear!

Next, there are certain high-pitched sounds, like the beep of an alarm clock or a smoke detector. It might sound like a little “beep” to our ears, but it can be like a piercing whistle to dogs.

Vacuums are another biggie on the “nope” list for dogs. While we see them as handy cleaning tools, dogs think of them as noisy, scary monsters that gobble up everything in their path.

Finally, many dogs aren’t fans of sudden loud noises like car horns or sirens. The unexpected nature of these sounds can make them jump or become anxious.

7 Ways to Reduce Noise Pollution at Home

Do you have a dog with super-sensitive ears? No worries! Here’s the lowdown on how to make your home a bit more peaceful for your furry buddy:

Soundproofing: Think of it like building a cozy, quiet fort. Adding thick curtains, rugs, and wall hangings can help absorb the noise. It’s a win-win because your place looks both fabulous and quieter!
White Noise Machines: These gadgets play a constant, soothing sound like rain or waves. They’re great for drowning out any annoying outside noises. Plus, it can be super relaxing for you, too!
Secure Windows and Doors: A lot of noise can sneak in through gaps in windows and doors, so ensure they’re closed tightly. If there’s still noise coming in, consider getting some weather stripping to seal up any gaps.
TV or Radio: Leaving the TV or radio on low volume helps mask outside noises. Just pick a chill station or show — think calm vibes!
Safe Space: Create a quiet spot for your dog, like a cozy corner or a particular room. Fill it with their favorite toys, a comfy bed, and maybe even some calming dog music.
Avoid Loud Appliances: If you know the vacuum or blender freaks your dog out, try using them when your dog is in their safe space or even out for a walk.
Talk to Neighbors: If there’s a lot of noise coming from next door, have a friendly chat with your neighbors. Maybe they don’t know how loud their music is or that their dog’s barking is bothering your pup.

Why Dogs are Jamming to Soothing Music!

6 Types of Calming Music for Dogs

Let’s chat about tunes that’ll make your pup feel like they’re floating on a cloud:

Classical Music: Believe it or not, many dogs are classy critters! Pieces from composers like Mozart or Beethoven can be super calming. You won’t find any surprising loud bangs or sudden tempo changes in these tracks. (Lindig et al., 2020)
Reggae & Soft Rock: Yep, your dog might be a hidden Bob Marley fan! The chill vibes of reggae and the soothing rhythms of soft rock will make tails wag in relaxation.
Nature Sounds: It’s not exactly “music,” but raindrops, flowing water, or chirping bird sounds will make your pup feel like they’re on a nature walk — pure bliss!
Dog-Specific Music: Yes, we’ve made music just for dogs! These tracks often blend gentle instruments with nature sounds. It’s like a spa day for your dog’s ears!
Harp Music: There’s something magical about the harp. Its gentle plucking sounds can send dogs straight to dreamland.
Ambient and Slow Jazz: Think of coffee shops on a lazy afternoon. The mellow beats and smooth melodies will help your dog chill out after an exciting day.

6 Benefits of Calming Music for Dogs

Let’s break down why soothing music is the secret sauce for happy pups:

Stress Relief: A calming song will help your dog forget the squirrel that got away or the thunder that rumbled too loud. It melts away their stress and keeps their tails wagging.
Good Vibes During Alone Time: Calming sounds are a comforting companion, helping your dog feel less alone and more at ease.
Better Sleep: Every dog needs their beauty sleep. Soft tunes can help them drift into dreamland faster and stay asleep longer.
Distracting From Scary Noises: Fireworks, thunderstorms, or even that vacuum cleaner monster can freak out our furry friends. Playing calming music can muffle those scary sounds and keep your pup feeling safe.
Healing & Recovery: If your dog is sick or recovering from surgery, music can help them relax and heal faster. It’s like medicine for their soul!
Bonding Time: Playing calming sounds and chilling with your dog can be a special bonding moment. It’s like you’re both sharing headphones and enjoying the vibes together.

When Do Dogs Enjoy Soothing Music the Most?

Have you ever wondered if there’s a “golden hour” for dogs to jam out to soothing tunes? Let’s chat about when our furry buddies might appreciate a musical serenade the most:

Nap Time: If you notice your furry friend getting ready for a snooze, it’s the perfect time to play soft tunes. They might dream about chasing clouds instead of cats!
When You’re Not Home: Music can be like a comforting hug for your pup, telling them, “It’s okay! I’ll be back soon.” It keeps the loneliness at bay and gives them something else to focus on.
Thunderstorms & Fireworks: Playing calming music during these noisy times can drown out the booms and have a relaxing effect on your dog.
Busy House Moments: The hustle and bustle might make your dog feel a bit overwhelmed. Some mellow music will be their mini escape from the chaos.
Evening Wind-Down: Playing soothing songs in the evening can signal your dog that it’s time to relax and prepare for dreamland.

Combining Calming Music With Visual Elements

Playing music is only sometimes enough for our furry pals.

Let’s dive into why combining visual elements with soothing music rocks for our dogs:

Engaging Multiple Senses: Imagine watching a movie with no sound. Boring, right? Dogs feel the same! Combining visuals with music engages both their eyes and ears, making relaxation or entertainment more effective.
Distraction Power-Up: Is there a loud thunderstorm or scary fireworks outside? A combo of calming visuals (like fish swimming or birds flying) and relaxing music can be a double distraction, helping dogs forget the scary noises.
Reduces Anxiety: Have you ever noticed how staring at a fish tank can be so mesmerizing? For dogs, soothing visuals paired with calming tunes reduce stress and anxiety. It’s like their version of a spa day!
Keeps Them Entertained: For dogs left alone at home, having a visual show (maybe a nature scene) with background music can be like their own personal TV time. It prevents them from feeling bored and keeps them entertained until you return.
Improves Training Sessions: If you’re training your dog with commands or helping them get used to a new environment, using visual cues along with gentle background music will make the experience more pleasant and effective.

Does Music Help Prevent Barking?

The next time your pup starts belting out his doggy “songs,” try flipping on some tunes:

Distraction Dance: Imagine you’re super focused on your favorite song, and you’re in the groove. You may not notice a lot of stuff around you. Music can do the same for dogs. When listening to those sweet tunes, they might forget what they were barking at in the first place.
Good Vibes Only: Some types of music, especially the calming kind, can mellow out our dogs. If they’re feeling relaxed, they’re less likely to bark.
Less Loneliness: Dogs sometimes bark when they’re lonely. If they hear music, it’s like they have company, minimizing those “I miss my human” barks.
Masking Outside Noises: Playing music can help drown out random noises that get our dogs barking like there’s no tomorrow. This way, your pup might not hear the mail carrier or the squirrel that always teases them.
Routine Rockers: Dogs LOVE routines. If you play music at certain times (for example, when you’re not home or during sleep), they might associate it with “quiet time.” Over time, they’ll learn that when the music’s on, it’s “no bark-o’clock!”

Will Music Help My Dog’s Noise Phobia?

Music acts as a warm hug for dogs freaked out by noises. So, next time a thunderstorm or some other noise spooks your dog, try playing some calming tunes!

The Distractor Factor: Music can be a significant distraction, like when we get lost in our favorite song and forget about the world. It diverts your dog’s attention from those scary noises and gets them grooving to the beats instead.
The Comfort Zone: Calming music can be your dog’s comfort jam. It helps them relax and feel at ease, even during rounds of scary noises.
Goodbye Outside Noises: Playing music, especially the soothing kind, can drown out those outside sounds that make our pups go into panic mode.
Consistency is Key: If we play calming music whenever there might be scary noises, our dogs will learn to associate that music with feelings of safety.
Building Positive Vibes: If we play their favorite tunes and give them treats or playtime, they might start to think: “Hey, every time I hear this song, good things happen!” Over time, they’ll link music with happy vibes, helping reduce their fear.

5 Music Apps for Dogs

If you’re looking to create a pup-approved playlist, some pawsome apps are made just for your furry friend’s ears!

Here’s a list of 5 top music apps for dogs:

Relax My Dog: This app is packed with tunes designed to help dogs relax and fall asleep.
Dog Radio: Tune in to various stations that cater to different doggy moods, from playful to chill.
PupTunes: Based on your dog’s mood (hyper, anxious, etc.), this app creates a playlist to match!
Pet Tunes: This one’s got not just music but also soothing nature sounds. Think of it like a spa day for your dog’s ears!
Calm My Pet: Aside from music, it’s got visuals that’ll keep your pet calm and entertained.

Listen Up! Caring for Your Dog’s Ears Matters

Call us at (866) 592-2742 or, if you’re from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, or New York, visit us at 131 Kenilworth Road, Marlton, New Jersey 08053, to learn more about our obedience training services. Also, browse our blog and social media for various topics about dogs and their lives with us!

References

Grigg, Emma K., et al. “Stress-Related Behaviors in Companion Dogs Exposed to Common Household Noises, and Owners’ Interpretations of Their Dogs’ Behaviors.”Frontiers in Veterinary Science, vol. 8, 2021, https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2021.760845. Accessed 23 Aug. 2023.
Lindig, Abigail M., et al. “Musical Dogs: A Review of the Influence of Auditory Enrichment on Canine Health and Behavior.”Animals: An Open Access Journal from MDPI, vol. 10, no. 1, 2020, https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10010127. Accessed 23 Aug. 2023.