The research found that while classical music had an initial calming effect on the dogs, after a few days they became bored. Instead, reggae and soft rock came out as the best genres for reducing stress, barking and heart rates.
More recently, a study done in 2017 showed that soft rock and reggae, especially, led to more relaxed behaviors and increased heart rate variability, which indicates less stress.
With dogs, the preferred frequency is around 396 Hz. To give you an idea of the pitch, the lowest note on the piano is about 27.5 Hz. 396 Hz is the first G above middle C on the piano and is therefore in a comfortable hearing range for humans and dogs.
Music with certain vibrations and tones has been shown to influence emotions. Besides sending calming vibrations, playing music also masks sounds that make your dog anxious. Whether it's the barking of a neighbor dog or a thunderstorm, blanketing those anxiety-causing sounds with calming music can help your dog relax.
White noise machines are a great way for pet owners to soothe their less than restful dogs. Whether your pooch is a scared howler of celebratory fireworks or just doesn't fair well with outside noises, a white noise machine can be the perfect solution for creating a relaxing atmosphere.
For moderate to severe anxiety, veterinarians turn to prescription anti-anxiety medications like alprazolam, amitriptyline, buspirone, clomipramine, dexmedetomidine, diazepam, fluoxetine, lorazepam, paroxetine, sertraline, or trazodone.
Dog massages, snuggles and a good brushing can help distract a dog from its triggers and make it easier for them to feel safe and at ease. Mentally stimulating toys can provide a distraction for pets experiencing anxiety, hyperactivity and boredom.
However, new evidence suggests that they may prefer a bit of peace and quiet. Dogs get stressed and agitated when left on their own and are separated from their owner, and studies have suggested that classical music, or the radio, may help calm dogs down.
As with humans, exercise can be a great stress reducer. Physical activities like walking or playing fetch help both you and your dog release tension. It is also good to provide your dog with a safe place in the home where he can escape anxious situations.
Since sound machines help to reduce stress, you can use them to keep your dog calm and anxiety-free during the day while away at work.
But not just any music…according to a new study published in the journal of Physiology and Behavior, dogs prefer the sounds of reggae or soft rock more than any other genre.
White, pink, and brown noise can help soothe dogs who suffer from all types of anxiety. Think of it like an aural ThunderShirt.
It Helps With Separation Anxiety
The sound of people talking over the television or singing on the radio is enough to reassure them that someone is around and can ease their anxiety. For anxious dogs, soothing classical music is preferred instead of hard rock or trance.
Brown or Brownian noise with its abundance of lower frequencies is better than white noise. Pink noise is another option. FYI, the brown noise crossed Summer's threshold into “scary” because it was just a tad too rumbly. Anyway, lower frequencies more effectively mask other low-frequency sounds, such as truck engines.
Interactive toys can exercise your dog's brain by letting them chew, lick, sniff, and explore. Toys such as KONG, activity flip boards, and puppy puzzles are perfect for mental stimulation. In addition to simple interactive toys, you can also try out high-tech gadgets such as the Furbo Dog Camera!
Stress signs to look for include whale eye (when dogs reveal the whites of their eyes), tucked ears, tucked tail, raised hackles, lip-licking, yawning, and panting. Your dog might also avoid eye contact or look away.
Dogs absolutely can see TV, and many seem to enjoy it. There are a number of features about television shows that dogs find attractive. Some of these are visual, such as motion, while others relate to the sounds coming from the TV.
Sleeping With the TV On
The answer to this one is kind of similar to whether or not your pet should sleep in bed with you. “If you aren't having any trouble sleeping with the TV on and it works for you, then it's okay,” Dr. Tan said.
Domestic dogs can perceive images on television similarly to the way we do, and they are intelligent enough to recognize onscreen images of animals as they would in real life—even animals they've never seen before—and to recognize TV dog sounds, like barking.
An illness or painful condition can increase dog anxiety. A history of limited social contact, neglect, and confinement may cause both fear based and separation anxiety. This can also occur in dogs that have spent time in a shelter. Some dogs will experience General Anxiety, and some breeds are more prone than others.
CBD is great for dogs with situational anxiety because it works fairly quickly. If a storm is coming or you're heading out in the car, give your dog CBD oil 30-60 minutes before. This will help calm her down and keep her relaxed.
Starting at the back of the head, stroke up and down either side of your dog's spine using very gentle pressure. Be sure to stay off the bone. This type of back rub is calming and relaxing for dogs, says Brandenburg. It can be a good dog massage for anxiety, particularly for dogs who are fearful of human touch.