Does Music Help Dogs With Anxiety?

Many of our beloved pups suffer from some level of anxiety. Even if a dog does not experience anxiety on a daily basis, it is fairly normal for dogs to be anxious in certain situations such as during thunderstorms or firework shows.

There are many home remedies for anxiety in dogs, and a fairly popular one is playing music for your dog when they are feeling anxious. Most of the time, this is calming music such as classical music or soft jazz.

In this article, we will be exploring the positive effect that music can have on your dog’s anxiety. Additionally, we will also canine anxiety as a whole and other remedies to treat it. Let’s get started!

What Are The Signs Of Anxiety In Dogs?

There are many different signs of anxiety that a dog can give off, and they range from being very subtle to pretty obvious. Here are some of the signs of anxiety in dogs that dog owners should be aware of:

• Ears pinned back
• Hair standing on end
• Tail tucked between legs
• Hiding
• Crouched low to the ground (cowering)
• Yawning
• Whites of eyes showing (whale eye)
• Trembling or shaking
• Pacing
• Excessive drooling
• Excessive panting
• Excessive barking
• Aggressive behaviors like growling, snarling, and snapping

It is important to note that it is unlikely for dogs to show every single sign of anxiety on this list. Rather, each dog will have their own individual set of signs that they are feeling anxious.

What Things Tend To Make Dogs Anxious?

There are many things that could make a dog anxious. Possibly one of the most common causes for anxiety in dogs are loud noises like thunder and fireworks. However, many other things can make a dog anxious as well such as other dogs, major lifestyle changes, and new people.

Does Music Help Dogs With Anxiety?

In many cases, yes, music does help dogs with anxiety. This is especially true if dogs are afraid of a noise that can be drowned out by calming music. Usually softer types of music are best for dogs with anxiety such as classical music or soft acoustic melodies.

What Are Some Other Things That Are Known To Help Dogs With Anxiety?

In addition to music, there are a host of other remedies that can help ease anxiety in your dog.

Keep Your Dog In A Safe And Comfortable Space

Dogs will feel much more at home in a safe space that they are comfortable in. This could include a crate or secure room that your dog likes to sleep and relax in. It may also be helpful to give them some comfort items such as a blanket or favorite toy as well.

Tire Your Dog Out Before Stressful Events Whenever Possible

Tiring out your dog before stressful events can really work wonders. This is because a tired dog is more likely to lay down and relax when other things are put in place to calm them down. This is especially great when you can plan ahead for stressful events such as the fourth of July or a predicted severe thunderstorm.

Careful Desensitization Training

Desensitization training can also be done when a dog is afraid of a specific thing such as strange people or other dogs. This training should always be done very carefully, and it is recommended that people receive the help from a qualified dog trainer when they have these kinds of problems.

Thundershirts

Thundershirts can also work really well for dogs with anxiety, and they work in a very similar way that swaddling a baby does. The gentle pressure from the thundershirt is very soothing to most dogs, and it can help them relax when they are feeling anxious. Putting a thundershirt on your dog works best when it is combined with other things that make them less anxious.

Ear Muffs

There are also a wide variety of different kinds of ear muffs for dogs that are designed to help them with their anxiety. These ear muffs come in a wide variety of styles, but they are all designed to drown out sounds that could make a dog anxious.

Background Noise and White Noise

Similar to playing music for your dog, background noise and white noise can help reduce your dog’s anxiety. This is especially true if their anxiety is triggered by loud sounds, as the noise can help distract your pup and deafen the loud sounds that are triggering them.

Some dog parents put the television on for their pup, while others use YouTube to play calming videos that are made specifically for canines.

Medication Prescribed By Your Vet

In some cases it may be a good idea to talk to your dog’s vet about their anxiety and the possibility of prescribing them anti-anxiety medication. This is because anti-anxiety medication can be really helpful for dogs, especially if their anxiety is chronic or very severe.

Although some over-the-counter medications for dogs such as CBD claim that they can reduce anxiety, these kinds of medications are not reported to work as well as prescribed anti-anxiety medications do. As a result, it is always a good idea to consult with your vet before giving your pet any medications for their anxiety, even if it is over the counter ones.

Conclusion

Anxiety in dogs can be tricky to treat, but there are some remedies that can help soothe your pup. From playing soft music or distracting background noise to training and medication, dog parents can use these remedies to help combat their canine’s anxiety.

If you have any questions about anxiety in your dog, Parkway Veterinary Emergency Clinic in Lakeland, FL is here to help. Reach out to us at (863) 665-3199 or visit us online.

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