A role for classical music in veterinary practice: does exposure to classical music reduce stress in hospitalised dogs?

Abstract

Clinical scenario Classical music has been extensively studied and acknowledged for its ability to reduce stress and improve patient outcomes in human medicine. It has also been shown to influence the disposition of many captive species within the animal kingdom. Some studies have hypothesised that classical music can also benefit dogs, offering the potential to provide a simple and cost-effective method to improve patient outcomes and canine welfare when dogs are placed in unfamiliar and potentially stressful environments. This critical appraisal examines the current evidence available on the use of classical music for the purpose of stress reduction in hospitalised dogs.Clinical bottom line Based on six experimental studies, there is only weak evidence which demonstrates that exposure to classical music reduces stress in hospitalised dogs undergoing veterinary intervention. However; it was shown that classical music has the ability to significantly influence specific behaviours and physiological parameters that have been associated with the canine stress response such as heart rate variability, level of vocalisation and time spent resting.

The Power of Music: an exploration of the evidence [PREPRINT]

“…The other stimuli had no effects. In a review, McDonald and Zaki (2020) showed that classical music could influence behaviour and physiological measures associated with canine stress responses such as heart rate variability, level of vocalisation and time spent resting in animal hospital settings, while Boone and Quelch (2003) showed that harp therapy decreased restless behaviour, anxiety and respiration rate in hospitalized dogs or those in post surgical care. In research focusing on domestic cats Hampton and colleagues (2020) found that music reduced stress in a veterinary context.…”

Surgical and Behavioral Relationships With Welfare

“…These can include low-stress handling methods, playing music, and suitable housing. This is an increasing area of research, and many resources are available by which staff can learn and practice these techniques (30)(31)(32)(33)(34)(35)(36)(37). Effective pharmacological interventions include trazodone, gabapentin, and transmucosal dexmedetomidine, as well as the use of pheromones (26,(38)(39)(40)(41)(42).…”

“…Music can be played to help block out other sounds, but should be played at a quiet level. Studies show a potential for classical music to have a calming effect on animals (33,(43)(44)(45). Cats prefer a much warmer environment than what we prefer, between 35 and 38 • C. Offer cats large towels so that they can burrow underneath, if desired, to help them maintain their preferred ambient temperature.…”

“…Music can be played to help block out other sounds, but should be played at a quiet level. Studies show a potential for classical music to have a calming effect on animals ( 33 , 43 – 45 ). Cats prefer a much warmer environment than what we prefer, between 35 and 38°C.…”

Critically appraised topics arrive in the AVJ

“…In this month's CAT, McDonald and Zaki asked whether classical music can reduce stress in hospitalised dogs . They pose their question in terms of the population of interest, P (hospitalised dogs in veterinary practice), the intervention or exposure of interest, I (classical music), the comparison, C (no music, or perhaps another type of music – you'll need to read the CAT), and the outcome, O (reduced stress).…”