Soothing Music For Dogs With Anxiety: Music Therapy For Calm

Many dogs suffer from anxiety, whether it’s due to loud noises, being left alone, or unfamiliar environments. Just like people, dogs need comfort and relaxation. One of the easiest ways to help calm an anxious dog is through soothing music—or even calming dog videos designed to create a peaceful atmosphere.

Fact or Myth? The Science Behind Why Dog Music Works to Soothe Them

First, let’s address the elephant in the room: Fact or Fiction? When you first hear these tracks, they might just sound like classical music. But is that all there is to it?

Calming music for dogs isn’t just about random tunes—research shows it can genuinely help calm anxious dogs. A study by Deborah Wells found that dogs in rescue shelters became less agitated after listening to classical music. Their breathing slowed, and they paced less. A 2020 review by Lindig and colleagues confirmed this, showing that classical music can have a calming effect on dogs in stressful environments like shelters or, in our case, on fireworks night.

Other studies support this, too. One experiment found that dogs exposed to classical music with a slow tempo and low pitch spent more time lying down and barked less. In contrast, when dogs listened to heavy metal (why would you do that to your dog?), they became more agitated.

Kogan and her team took it a step further by comparing classical music, heavy metal, and specially designed dog relaxation music. The results were clear: dogs were most relaxed when listening to classical music, spending more time sleeping and less time vocalising.

These studies show that music can indeed have a real, positive impact on dogs. It’s not just a marketing gimmick—it’s based on solid science.

So, while classical music seems like the go-to choice, it’s actually more specific than that. It’s “classical music with a slow tempo and low pitch.”

The Best Music for Dogs is Acoustics Designed for Canine Ears

Calming dog music isn’t just classical tunes thrown together. These services use research-backed techniques tailored to dogs’ unique hearing sensitivities. From psychoacoustics to years of real-world testing, they ensure the right mix of tones, rhythms, and frequencies to help dogs relax.

Here’s the best and why and how to put them to use for your dog…

1. Relax My Dog

With over seven years of customer feedback, this platform fine-tunes its playlists based on what works best. They report an 82% success rate in calming anxious dogs.

Overview

Relax My Dog is probably the most well-known dog music channel on YouTube—and it was my first dive into calming music for dogs. It worked so well for calming our two 8-month-old Staffy pups that I set up a Google Nest with an old phone just to stream it through the YouTube app.

The downside? Ads. Unless you upgrade to YouTube Premium, the videos are ad-supported. And we all know how ads always seem to play at a higher volume, instantly snapping your dog out of their calm state. That’s the biggest drawback, but thankfully, the creator, Amman Ahmed, offers solutions.

Pros

• Free access via YouTube

A great way to test the music without committing to a paid option—especially if you’re there to mute and skip ads manually. Consider it a free trial for as long as you need (or a fallback if you cancel Premium).

• Long, uninterrupted tracks

The videos typically last 9+ hours, and there are even several 24/7 live streams. If you need continuous calming music—like for a long car ride or while you’re at work—just press play and leave it running.

• Ad-free options available: Avoiding ads is possible in two ways…
  • Subscribing to YouTube Premium
  • Opting for the cheaper Relax My Dog subscription via RelaxMyDog.com, where you can stream directly through a browser.
• MP3 downloads for offline use

Not many people know this, but the same creator (Amman Ahmed) sells MP3 albums on DogMusic.co. These offer:

• No video distractions (ideal for reactive dogs that might bark at visuals).
• A one-time purchase instead of a recurring subscription.
• Flexibility to play on phones and mirror it to a TV, cast to Bluetooth speakers, or beam the audio to Smart TVs using apps like VLC or Plex media player.

Cons

• YouTube ads disrupt the experience

If you’re not there to skip them, an unexpected loud ad could startle your dog (or worse—imagine an ad featuring barking dogs or cat sounds).

• Subscription required for ad-free playback

If you don’t want to deal with ads, you’ll need to pay—either through YouTube Premium or RelaxMyDog.com.

• MP3s require some setup

Unlike streaming a long video, MP3s might need a playlist setup if you want continuous playback (e.g., combining multiple albums for a full or even partial workday).

Best For

• Owners who need long music sessions: If you’re away for hours, you can set up one long video and let it run.
• Dogs that benefit from variety: While routine is comforting, dogs can get bored of the same sound. Relax My Dog offers different music styles, including desensitisation tracks with fireworks or traffic noise to normalise sounds that would typically scare a dog.

Personal Experience

We’ve used Relax My Dog both on YouTube and through the RelaxMyDog.com subscription. Since I work from home, I can get by with skipping ads, but for when we’re away on holiday—when the dogs are crated alone—the MP3s seem like the best bet.

One key takeaway: It’s not a magic fix for behaviour issues—I worked it into training by using the command “chill” whenever I played the music. Now, when I say “chill” and turn on the music, they (near) automatically settle down.

If you leave your dog alone for long periods, the MP3s could be a solid solution—no ads, just pure relaxation.

Click here to get 9 Hours of Calming Music for Dogs + the Exclusive Dog Anxiety Solution Book for less than the price of an annual subscription.

2. iCalmPet: Calming Music for Dogs, Backed by Science

Let’s talk about iCalmPet, the brainchild of sound researcher and music producer Joshua Leeds. If you’re into the science of sound, Leeds is like the modern-day professor of acoustics. He’s studied the work of Dr. Alfred Tomatis, often called the “Einstein of the ear,” and used that knowledge to create a whole lineup of music designed to soothe pets—most notably dogs, but also cats.

Before iCalmPet was born, the brand was called “Through a Dog’s Ear,” a playful nod to Tomatis and his groundbreaking work. And like Tomatis, Leeds believes in the power of sound to shape emotional and physical well-being. This music isn’t just some random playlist of mellow tunes—it’s carefully engineered using psychoacoustic principles to reduce anxiety and stress in your pets.

They’ve taken those science-backed compilations and made them specifically for our furry friends, with the added bonus that what works for dogs also tends to have a positive effect on cats, too. If you’re into that, they even offer a section for us mere 2-legged creatures—similar to the calming music I’ve used from Brain.fm and Kelly Howell, although those are brainwave entrainment – not for pets!

Pros

• Science-Backed Music: Created using the same principles that influence the brain, but specifically tuned for our four-legged companions.
• Versatile Use: MP3 albums for convenient, ad-free listening—cast them to Bluetooth speakers or play them on your device without interruptions.
• For Both Dogs & Cats: While most of the research focuses on dogs, their music works for felines as well, with some custom tweaks.
• Human Calming Tracks: Yes, they’ve got music for us too, based on the same calming principles used for pets—without any subliminal content.

Cons

• Cost of Physical Devices: If you want the Bluetooth speaker, it’s an additional investment compared to simply buying the music. However, unlike devices like the Google Nest, which need to be plugged in, the Bluetooth speakers from iCalmPet are portable, offering 10 to 25 hours of playtime on a single charge (depending on volume). For comparison, I have Bluetooth headphones with less run time than that!
• Limited Variety: If you prefer something more dynamic, you might find the selection smaller compared to subscription-based services.

Best For

• Pet Owners Seeking Science-Backed Music: If you’re all about that solid research, iCalmPet is for you. If you’re like me and enjoy learning about how sound affects the brain, iCalmPet gives you that great mix of practical use and deeper understanding.
• Those Looking for a One-Time Purchase: No subscription is required. Just buy the MP3s, and you’re set!

Personal Experience

Though I haven’t personally used iCalmPet’s physical speaker, I have used MP3 albums from other sources and cast them to Bluetooth speakers like the Google Nest. It’s the perfect portable solution that doesn’t require the device to stay plugged in—ideal for flexibility around the house or even when traveling. The beauty of iCalmPet is that, just like other science-backed music I use daily (Brain.fm), it’s easy to integrate into my routine without worrying about distractions like ads or interruptions.

I can totally see the value of iCalmPet’s scientifically-backed music.

Check out their Amazon store for BT speakers, and carefully curated MicroSDs with bundles of dog relaxation music, pre-loaded, ready to play!

3. Dog TV: Calming Visuals and Audio Tailored for Dogs

Developed with pet behaviour experts, Dog TV’s programming (specifically in the “Relaxation program“) is designed to reduce stress and anxiety in dogs. Using scientifically crafted visuals and audio, it provides engaging content tailored to a dog’s unique sensory needs. The goal? To keep your canine companion entertained, comforted, and stress-free while you’re away.

Whether it’s a calm stroll through a park or a dog frolicking on the beach, Dog TV offers a mix of visuals and sounds proven to soothe dogs and help them relax. But is it just for your dog—or could it benefit you, too?

In addition to Relaxation, they have programs for exposure to new experiences, and stimulation like new sounds and sights they’re likely to come across when out and about. It gives you a head start.

Pros:

• Tailored Content for Dogs: Dog TV is specifically created for dogs, using visuals and sounds that engage their senses and help reduce anxiety.
• Scientifically Backed: Content is developed in collaboration with animal behaviour experts, so it’s not just random fluff—it’s been tested for its calming effect on dogs.
• Helps Dogs Left Home Alone: If your dog experiences separation anxiety, Dog TV can provide comfort while you’re away by offering them something calming and familiar.
• User-Friendly Streaming: You can access Dog TV via streaming services (available on smart TVs, apps, or through devices like Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, etc.).

Cons:

• Subscription-Based: Unlike some other calming music options, Dog TV requires a subscription. If you’re not ready to commit to a monthly fee, you’re unlikely to like this solution.
• Limited Content: While the content is designed for dogs, there may be limited variety in terms of what your dog enjoys watching. Some dogs may not respond to the visual content as much as others. And reactive dogs might just get too immersed in the visuals and take a dive at your TV. We had to watch our older dog when any sport involving a ball was on, as he’d try to catch it.
• Not for All Dogs: Not every dog will engage with the screen. Some might be indifferent to the visuals or prefer to focus on other stimuli, like the sounds around them.

Best For

• Dogs with Separation Anxiety: If your dog struggles with being alone, Dog TV could help ease their stress and keep them entertained.
• Dog Owners Who Want to Keep Their Pets Calm: If you’re looking for a way to reduce your dog’s anxiety while you’re away, Dog TV offers a stress-reducing solution.
• For Pet Parents of Anxious or Hyperactive Dogs: If your dog struggles with anxiety or you need a little help to handle hyperactive dogs, soothing music can help create a sense of calm. It’s a simple way to ease their stress—whether they’re home alone or just need help settling down.

Personal Experience

Although I haven’t used Dog TV personally, the concept aligns closely with my experiences using similar calming content, namely Relax My Dog. Our late dog wasn’t necessarily anxious, but he did get bored easily. He absolutely loved watching TV—especially anything involving balls. His favourite videos were ones with football, golf, and tennis, and he could sit and watch for hours if we let him.

The difference with Dog TV, compared to other services, is that Dog TV offers a more specialised blend of audio and visual stimuli designed to engage dogs on a deeper level. While Relax My Dog focuses on calming audio paired with basic visuals like nature walks (more focused on the sound), Dog TV takes this concept a step further by crafting content specifically aimed at reducing stress and keeping dogs engaged through both calming visuals and sounds. It’s a more immersive experience.

If your dog, like our late Flash, enjoys watching TV or needs something to help them stay calm and entertained, Dog TV could be a great fit. Its targeted approach and understanding of dog behaviour and sensory engagement make it stand out.

Curious to try Dog TV ? Check out their subscription options and see if it’s the right fit for your dog’s needs. Last time I checked, they were offering 80% off your first month. You might just find that calm can come from more than just music!

Learn more about Dog TV here.

Final Thoughts

With science backing the effectiveness of calming music for dogs, it’s no surprise that services like Relax My Dog, Dog TV, and iCalmPet are gaining traction. Whether through carefully curated playlists or specialised TV shows designed specifically for dogs, these options offer sound solutions to help soothe anxious pets. So, if your dog struggles with anxiety, why not give music therapy a try? It’s a scientifically proven way to help calm even the most anxious of dogs.

Have you ever tried soothing music for your dog? Did you notice a difference? Share your experiences in the comments below!