Music to Keep Your Dog Relaxed in the Car or at Home

Everybody who has a dog or has ever had a dog knows one thing for sure: sometimes, they have anxiety. Whether it's a car ride or loud noises, you can tell when your pet is uncomfortable and nervous. And they can even sometimes get separation anxiety when you go away for a little bit. We all want to be the best dog owners possible and get rid of their nervousness, but how? Well, there's evidence that music just might be the answer.

According to the American Kennel Club, in one study, dogs showed signs of less agitation when listening to classical music. They didn't stand or pace around and their breathing slowed. The same study showed that heavy metal music had the opposite effects and pop music didn't really do anything. So, sorry RAT rockers, this station is not the one to leave on for your dog when you leave for work in the morning.

Another study also cited by the American Kennel Club said that dogs exposed to classical music spent more time sleeping and less barking.

Genre isn't necessarily what's important to dogs, it's more about the length and pitch of notes in the song. So notes played quickly after one another led to anxious types of movements while notes with simple tones and sustained notes led to more relaxed movements.

According to the American Kennel Club, the best genres you could play for your dog are classical, reggae, and soft rock/easy listening. Variety is also important. Your pups will tune out the music they hear all the time, so change it up. Plus, once they tune it out, the calming effects decrease. If you're looking for some playlists, I've put a few below to get you started. I wish you and your dog some peaceful rest :)

DON'T MISS: Bark In The Park 2024

Even though we idolize our favorite musicians, there is one way to tell that they are just like us, and that is that they love their pets! I know we have all done it, you can’t help but post that adorable photo of your fur baby online! Maybe you even have a whole separate account dedicated to your pet. No matter what they deserve to be shown off! And the same goes for celebrity pets too.  

These cats and dogs can be just as famous as their owners. One post and they’ll already have more likes than any of us could ever dream of getting in a lifetime. Imagine that: a dog is more famous than you... not like there aren't already many famous animals out there.  

Clearly, people love animals, so musicians showing a little love to their pets is sure to get a lot of engagement. I have to be honest though, it was a little difficult to find some of these pets... we’re pet people here, tell us everything! We want to know the details! What is their name, when is their birthday, are they a rescue? And let’s get some more cat representation! I know dogs are the go-to pet for most people, but as a cat owner myself, I’ll always advocate for them. ;)

Despite the lack of social media presence for most of these famous pets, below are musicians we did manage to find with a post about their pets. Some got more of a spotlight on their owner's pages’ than others but we’re happy to see them nonetheless! While most of the pets shown are dogs, the last one must be the wildest celeb pet I’ve ever seen. Do you think you can guess who it is? 

He certainly is a BEAST! Can’t imagine having to be away from this guy while touring with Journey.

Rick Allen showing a little gratitude to his dog last Thanksgiving! This dog must have been in a food coma just like the rest of us! 

Dogs should get to experience the solar eclipse too! Just make sure to protect their eyes just like Sammy Hagar did here with his pooch!  

Who would’ve pictured Mick Jagger as a cat man? Thanks to this video of him and his adorable cat we now know he is!  

Arnel Pineda, lead singer of Journey, welcomed 2024 with his two puppies! Pink is definitely the little one's color!  

I vote for a Bret Junior meet and greet at PNC Bank Arts Center this summer! It looks like he knows how to have a good time!  

GNR's Duff McKagan showing some love to his dog Hadleigh! According to his wife’s post back in November, they adopted him as a rescue!  

Lenny Kravitz is showing off his new Blue Electric Light vinyl here, but I can only focus on one thing...or should I say two things. His dogs seem just as happy about the new vinyl as him! 

A little throwback to last summer when Jonathan Cain welcomed a second German Shepard to his home. I would say these two are pretty good friends by now! 

No captions needed. Just Pearl Jam's drummer showing off two dogs is enough! Matt Cameron also has a cat, but it looks like they tend to stay separated.  

I’m sure most of you could have predicted this, but the craziest celeb pet I’ve ever seen has to be Alice Cooper’s snake! I’m not sure if this is his actual pet shown here or just a “stage snake”, but maybe we should ask him this summer when he comes to PNC Bank Arts Center!