1 of 1

Write now Article Tools

There is the old saying that music soothes the savage beast and in many a folktale vicious animals are tamed by simply playing music. Music does seem to have an amazing affect upon that most dangerous of animals, man! How often does a song either lift one out of depression or send one down into the depths of despair? If it effects humans that way, how can music affect the mood of a pet?

Loud sudden music can startle any animal and make them nervous. This is because of several factors. First is that the sound over stimulates the ears and then the brain. Most pets are sensitive to hearing and rely on it for protection. You pet may not need to worry about the lions sneaking up on it, but they would like to know if some one is coming and may step on them. In the jungle, there are numerous sounds, but the unimportant note can be screened out, with loud, blaring music it can become a cacophony of sound and they don't know what is happening. This can may them nervous and they will startle easily, making the pet to appear to be in an irritable mood. Over time the animal may become use to low music, or its eardrums may just give out!

A low, soothing music with a slight drum can often calm an animal down. Why? It is training and conditioning. Most mammal grow up with siblings and nursing from their mother. The steady heartbeat can be both felt and heard, and encourage thoughts of safety. Mother means safety and contentment, so soft steady music will make many a pet relax!

Music can have a very, very interesting affect upon birds. It can often get them excited and some will start bobbing and bouncing, just like a person in the mood to dance! This is because birds are very sensitive to sounds and patterns for mating. Notes arranged in a set pattern trigger nerve responses and suddenly the bird is in the mood for "love"!

So, how can music affect the mood of your pet? Loud and discordant music can make them nervous and irritable, causing dogs to bite and cats to scratch. Low and rhythmic music can calm and animal down and put it to sleep. Certain rhythms, mainly in birds, can trigger "happy, buoyant" moods. Take care with your music and what you play around your pets!

Learn more about this author, James Johnson.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about How music can affect your pet's mood?
We want to hear your view. Write now!