Remember. Remember, The 5th of November. Gunpowder, Treason and Distressed Pets!
Greetings music lovers, I hope you’re all really well and enjoying gearing up to the cosiest times of year.
Fireworks night is nearly upon us and for our canine companions the explosive extravaganza of fireworks in the night sky can be a cause for canine calamity.
I personally dread seeing my dog Eevee go from a happy go lucky dog to a trembling ball of fur as soon as the first fireworks light up. It seems like no matter how much love and reassurance we give her, the loud bangs and light explosions are just far too much for her to bear.
Eevee isn’t alone in her phobia, dogs all across the country share her fear of fireworks.
So, what can be done to save our furry friends from the grips of firework induced anxiety?
Classical music on the trusty old radio.
But why do dogs find classical music absolutely “pawsome’ for their nerves?
You see our canine companions are just like us, except furrier, and classical music with it’s elegant melodies and harmonies tunes, is like the auditory equivalent of a belly rub.
Imagine your dogs brain as a swimming tornado of thoughts and big feelings. There’s squirrel chasing, tail chewing and the odd existential crises “why is the postman so scary?
When you play classical music, it’s like inviting a sophisticated pianist into the tornado of thoughts.
Beethoven takes a seat and says in a gentle voice ‘relax I’ve got this’
Studies show that classical music is actually pretty magical for our pets brains.
Dr Deborah Wells, is a psychologist, whose research concentrates on animal behaviour and welfare, with a particular focus on the domestic dog. Her findings show that dogs appeared less agitated after listening to selections of classical music. Their breathing slowed down and they were less likely to pace around or remain standing. Heavy metal music had the opposite effect while pop music made little difference.
Some classical musicians, keen to make helpful use of their skills and talents have taken their instruments into dog shelters to give some much needed relaxing vibes to any anxious animals there.
Leaving your radio on set to a classical music station when you leave the house, can also relive pets of the dreaded separation anxiety when left alone. Making things much more peaceful for them when you are apart.
It seems from my own experience, it’s definitely not about the vocals though, Eevee, the harshest critic in the room, knows exactly when it’s practice singing time. The moment I start warming up to rehearse, she performs a flawless ‘exit stage left’ manoeuvre, leaving the room with the grace of an opera diva storming off the stage, desperate for me to be out of earshot!
Research also tells us that audiobooks have little or no calming effects on our pets.
In a study of 82 dogs of a variety of breeds who were left unattended in a University offie, and were played either Mozart’s Sonata for Two Pianos, or an audiobook of ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’
The dogs exposed to classical music were significantly faster to lie down and relax than the animals listening to the audiobook.
Classic FM understands how helpful classical music is to save our pets from the ordeal of fireworks and this fireworks season they have a very special show being broadcast called ‘Pet Classics” especially for our four legged friends. They will be playing a carefully selected range of music to calm and sooth our pets.
‘Pet Classics’ has received a massive audience response with social media flooded by thousands of listeners animals relaxing to the programme, including dogs, cats rabbits and hamsters to even horses, tortoises, parrots, hedgehogs, goldfish and….an iguana!
A 2022 impact survey by the RSPCA found that 76% respondents reported dogs experiencing distress as a result of fireworks. Previously, the animal charity has revealed that playing relaxing music is the recommended and most common way pet owners can help their pets relax and stay calm this bonfire night.
But, it’s not just at this time of year that classical music can be enjoyed by our pets. it’s something we can enjoy together all year round.
Some outdoor concert producers are now recognising there is a wonderful opportunity for our pets to join us in enjoying a fabulous evening of music, these dog friendly concerts include doggy treat stations and water fountains. What better way to bond with your dog.
So this fireworks night…..
Remember that classical music with it’s delicate strings, calming piano notes, will drown out the distressing loud bangs and become the backdrop to our treasured pets peaceful dreams.
Pawfect Classical – Stream on Spotify!
