How Can Music Help our Senior Pets?

It's no surprise to people to find me dancing and singing along to 80’s classic on a Saturday morning whilst I am cleaning the house, or sitting on the lounge on a Friday evening after work with my two senior dogs relaxing to an acoustic playlist. Music brings me both joy and solace.

Music has long been known for its ability to heal and uplift the human spirit, but what I didn’t realise was the profound impact music could have on my senior dogs. As the marketing manager for Sweet Goodbye, I'm constantly finding out new and interesting ways that we can spend time with our senior pets - and this was no different.

From calming anxious nerves to soothing arthritic joints, music therapy can provide healing and comfort. Particularly for senior pets facing age-related challenges such as pain and cognitive decline. In recent years, researchers exploring the therapeutic effects of music on animals have made some remarkable discoveries – music has the power to soothe the soul, ease physical discomfort and enhance the overall well-being of our furry friends.

Just as every pet has its own unique personality and preferences, they also have their own taste in music - so, it's important to consider your pets individual needs and sensitivities when selecting the right music for your senior pet.

Here are some things to consider when curating music for your senior pet.

Classical Music

Classical music is known for its calming and soothing qualities and is particularly beneficial for pets experiencing anxiety of stress. Compositions by Mozart of Bach that traditionally have slow tempos and gentle melodies can help create a sense of serenity and relaxation

Nature sounds

Nature sounds such as bird songs, ocean waves or rustling leaves are great for pets that enjoy the great outdoors. These sounds can evoke a sense of peace and connection to the natural world which can be soothing for pets recovering from illness or injury – providing a sense of comfort and security.

Soft Rock and Easy Listening

Pets with a more laid back demeanour may respond well to soft rock or easy listening music. The mellow vibes and catchy melodies of this genre may help to create a calming atmosphere which in turn will promote a sense of contentment and relaxation.

Customised playlists

As each pet will have their own preferences, some pet owners have found success with customised playlists. All you need to do is observe your pets’ reactions to different types of music, then curate a playlist that resonated with them, It may be upbeat tunes for playtime and soothing melodies for bedtime.

Once you have found the right music for your pet and considered music as an alternative therapy, you can start to look at ways to incorporate music into your pet’s daily life.

Create a Relaxation zone

Just like humans, pets like their space and some quiet down time. Create a comfortable space in your home that your pet can unwind and listen to their favourite tunes. It may be a cozy corner with a comfy bed or a sunny window spot – this relaxation zone should be free from distractions and conducive to a sense of peace and tranquility.

Set the Mood

Use music to set the mood for different activities throughout the day. If you are looking to energise your pet and encourage movement, you might want to consider upbeat tunes, but for bedtime and to help them unwind you should use softer melodies.

Monitor their Response

By paying close attention to your pets reactions to different music you will notice any signs of agitation. You may need to adjust your playlist – switching to a different genre or adjusting the volume to a more comfortable level.

Incorporate music into their daily routine

Integrating music into your pet’s daily routine will help maximise its effects.  Playing soothing melodies during mealtime, upbeat music during playtime or calming music whilst grooming – all will contribute to a healthy and happy senior pet.

Don't believe us? Spotify surveyed 5000 music streaming pet owners from around the world and found that 71% of them had played music for their pets and 8 out of 10 of them said their pets liked their music. (and just like me, 69% of respondents sang to their pets and 57% of owners danced with their pets!).

There are many playlists available on the web and places where you can curate your own. So, embark on the music journey with your pet and create a symphony of health and healing - one song at a time!