Originally Posted on: DVM360
July 25, 2024
By Abi Bautista-Alejandre, Assistant Editor
A study by PetPace and Pet Acoustics shows dog-specific music lowers canine stress
Researchers working with PetPace and Pet Acoustics recently published findings that music composed specifically for dogs can reduce physiological signs of stress in canines compared with classical music or silence. The collaborative study used continuous biometric monitoring to compare canine-specific audio with periods of no music and with classical music, and reported measurable changes in heart rate, heart rate variability (HRV), and activity levels while dogs listened to the tailored compositions.
PetPace, a company that develops smart collars and pet health monitoring technology, provided the biometric monitoring used in the study. The PetPace collar logged heart rate and heart rate variability, along with activity measurements, while dogs were exposed to different auditory conditions. Pet Acoustics contributed the canine-specific music, which its developers created by adjusting instruments, frequency ranges, and volume levels so the sounds better match dogs’ hearing sensitivity rather than human preferences.
The study found that dogs listening to canine-specific music showed signs consistent with reduced stress. On average, the participants’ median pulse rates were 5.9% lower during exposure to the tailored music than during periods without music. Median heart rate variability — a commonly used physiological indicator of autonomic nervous system balance and relaxation — was 1.3% higher in canine-music exposure periods compared with non-exposure. Those changes are interpreted by the authors as physiological responses associated with a calmer state.
“We are thrilled to deepen our understanding of canine health through this study and enable more comforting care for our beloved pets,” said Asaf Dagan, co-founder of PetPace and co-lead author of the study. “Using our machine learning and AI-powered PetPace collar to study the effect of Pet Acoustics canine-informed music reveals incredible insights of the healing power of the auditory experience.”
Activity level responses were more variable between individual dogs. The study reports that 10 out of 20 dogs showed decreased median activity scores when listening to canine-specific music, while the other 10 exhibited increased activity. Overall, the average of median activity scores across dogs was 3.5% lower during canine music exposure. These mixed activity findings suggest that while some dogs become quieter and less active, others may respond differently depending on personality, context, or immediate environment.
According to the study authors, the main distinction in the canine-specific music is its science-based approach: original compositions were digitally modified to emphasize frequencies, instruments, and decibel settings that align with dogs’ acute hearing ranges. Unlike music created for humans, these adjustments aim to produce a soothing auditory environment for dogs without overstimulation.
The canine participants in this research were recruited through Educated Canines Assisting with Disabilities (ECAD), an Assistance Dog International (ADI) accredited service dog organization based in Torrington, Connecticut. ECAD oversaw the study to ensure it aligned with animal welfare standards and confirmed that all biometric monitoring and sound exposure were noninvasive. PetPace reported that ECAD permitted 12 service dogs in training to participate in parts of the study, and the research materials also reference data collected across a larger sample when discussing activity variations.
These findings add to a growing body of evidence that sound design tailored to animals can influence their physiological state. For pet owners, trainers, and shelters, the study suggests that carefully designed auditory interventions could be a useful, noninvasive tool to help reduce stress and support wellbeing in dogs. As with any intervention, responses will vary by individual animal, so monitoring each dog’s behavior and physiology remains important when introducing new sound-based strategies.
References
- Marlow J, Dagan A, Pia R. Biometric study proves canine-specific music mitigates stress levels. International Animal Health Journal. 2024; 9(2). https://international-animalhealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Biometric-Study-Proves-Pet-Acoustics%C2%AE-Canine.pdf
- Groundbreaking study using PetPace AI collar finds Pet Acoustic Canine-Specific music reduces pet stress and anxiety over classical or no music. News release. PetPace. July 23, 2024. Accessed July 24, 2024. BusinessWire press release