Music for your animals

Man may be a dog’s best friend, but is man's music? With pet population growing around the world and the majority of households considering pets to be part of the family, we take a look at how your musical choices may be influencing their mood.

Presented with human music, animals seemingly react differently than humans according to the expert on the subject, Charles Snowden. A jazz classic like Summertime - Ella Fitzgerald, or a or even catchy-wanna-get-up-and-dance one like Wannabe - The Spice Girls seemingly don't have the same effect on our four-legged friends that it does on man.

Nonetheless, the kind of music affects their perception : extensive and ongoing research has shown, for example, that classical and jazz music may have a more calming effect on animals versus a more excited, head-banging rock. While that may seem obvious, interestingly studies show that the magnitude of effect depends on the animal, its breed and even size. A tea-cup Chihuahua, for example may not be affected by a heavy metal morceau like Walk - Pantera in the same manner as a Great Dane might.

Furthermore, research has shown that even the type of animal may determine the type of music that affects it. In a study that subjected cats to human music, results showed that they were largely indifferent (surprised?). Scientists and marketers have partnered together though to develop music with a higher frequency that has shown to put cats at ease. Concerning other animals, cows have shown to produce milk at a slightly higher rate when slower tempo music is playing and dogs seemingly prefer classical. Elephants are the most musically inclined and prone to take interest in objects that produce sound and birds seem to have the closest preferences to that of humans.

So what music should you play when your pet is nearby?

Scientists are increasingly exploring the effect of music on our pets; music products specifically for pets are finding their way on the market. Besides, science hasn't determined that any one particular type of music is known to have damaging effects on our furry friends. Nonetheless, may we suggest

• Crocodile Rock - Elton John
• Hound Dog - Elvis Presley
• Eye of the Tiger - Survivor
• Rockin' Robin - The Jackson 5
• The Lion Sleeps Tonight - The Tokens

And should your dog howl, your cat leave the room, and your fish splash out of its bowl...you may just have your answer!

Published on: 5 April 2017