Q. Can you tell me about Sound Therapy and its use for dogs with anxiety?
A.
When we talk about sound therapy with dogs, it is usually associated with noise phobias such as thunder, gunshot, and fireworks. The process of desensitizing the dog to the noise it finds noxious is a common treatment in animal behavior. What this article is discussing is the use of sound and music to reduce the dog’s anxiety in general.
Sound therapy using music and other sounds is being used to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation in our best friends. We all have seen the positive changes in our dogs’ behavior when we talk softly or sing to them. Now an entire scientific field called bioacoustics is studying how animals perceive sound. Second to the dog’s sense of smell is hearing. Hearing allows the dog to focus on the minute sounds of prey or danger.
For decades research has shown the effectiveness of music therapy in stress and pain-relief for humans. Scientists want to know if this therapy will benefit dogs. The studies have been done at animal rescues. Researchers record changes in the dog’s behavior to the music and any changes in the stress hormone, cortisol. Studies have shown soothing melodies trigger immune responses that help repair tissue and fight infection.
There are products available on Spotify and Amazon using musical arrangements to alleviate anxiety, car sickness, and restore balance to the nervous system.
A relaxed dog will sleep better and allows for a healthier immune system and brain function. Using music for the treatment of separation anxiety will work if you use the soothing music while you are home and when you are away. If you turn it on only when you leave, it will become a trigger for the anxiety to kick in. You can use it to calm Fido while traveling and adjust to new spaces and environments. Music genres that are effective are classical, reggae, and soft rock. Besides genre and rhythm, variety of the music is important. Dogs will tune out the tunes they hear all the time, and the relaxing effect will decline.
Tibetan singing bowls have been used to some success in reducing anxiety, lowering heart rate, improving sleep, and helping the nervous system. This is done by the vibrations and tones created by the bowls when rubbed. It is recommended to work with someone experienced in this technique before jumping into it.
Another tool is the tuning fork. Like the Tibetan singing bowls, these forks have a specific frequency and vibration which bring healing to your dog.
Nature sounds and white noise maybe helpful in reducing anxiety. These sounds are used in desensitizing dogs who have noise phobias.
Judith K. Herman, DVM, CVH
Animal Wellness Center
Augusta, Maine
www.mainehomeopahticvet.com