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Dogs in cars: how to keep them calm with these two music genres

By Giovanna Mengarelli

MANILA, PHILIPPINES - OCTOBER 03: Dogs aboard a car wait to be blessed by a Catholic priest via drive-in to prevent the spread of COVID-19, during a pet blessing at Eastwood Mall to mark World Animal Day on October 3, 2021 in Quezon city, Metro Manila, Philippines. World Animal Day is an international day of action for animal rights and welfare celebrated annually on October 4, the feast day of Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals. Traditional pet blessings at churches were skipped as religious gatherings remain limited in the Philippines due to the pandemic. (Photo by Ezra Acayan/Getty Images)
MANILA, PHILIPPINES - OCTOBER 03: Dogs aboard a car wait to be blessed by a Catholic priest via drive-in to prevent the spread of COVID-19, during a pet blessing at Eastwood Mall to mark World Animal Day on October 3, 2021 in Quezon city, Metro Manila, Philippines. World Animal Day is an international day of action for animal rights and welfare celebrated annually on October 4, the feast day of Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals. Traditional pet blessings at churches were skipped as religious gatherings remain limited in the Philippines due to the pandemic. (Photo by Ezra Acayan/Getty Images) /
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It’s not a secret, really. Dogs either love car rides or gets nervous in the car. My dog loved car rides, but he was never a stick-his-head-out-the-window kinda dog unless prompted to do so. If your dog is the complete opposite of my sweet boy Jack, then listen up because we’ve got some tips for you! Is it treats? Is it air conditioning? Their favorite toy? Nope! How about some tunes!

There was recently some studies done out in London that proved the best and worst types of music and playlists to play in the car if your dog seems to be getting anxious.

Which genres of music are the best for calming down dogs in the car? Let’s see!

We all know that dogs have heightened senses; whatever we think that humans are good at, dogs are nearly a million times better it seems. That is especially true when it comes to both hearing and smelling. But since smelling really doesn’t have anything to do with playing music during a car ride to help calm them down, let’s take a look at their hearing vs different types of music to play!

According to a University of Glasgow study, soft rock and reggae seemed to be a dog’s two most favorite genres of music – both good but also both very different in many ways. Reggae is often ‘associated with sunshine and chilling out’, so maybe that peaceful sort of tone is what gets dogs in the mood for a good old fashioned road trip.

Now, does music actually stress out a dog? According to a OnePoll survey, the answer is a resounding yes! From this survey it was super surprising that only 28% of survey-takers actually thought that it was possible for music to upset a dog. This survey also created a list of songs not to play in the car while traveling with your pooch:

  • “Back in Black” by ACDC
  • “Enter Sandman” by Metallica
  • “Ace of Spades” by Motorhead

These top three not to play in the car songs have one thing in common: they have the ability, through their unique sounds and higher pitches at times, to strike a dog’s curiosity, therefore also having the abilities to make them anxious and nervous.

From this same study, it was super sweet to find out and conclude that just around 81 percent of dog-owners would actually change their in-car music habits to ensure that their pups are comfy and feel safe to be traveling in the cars with them!

Here’s what you’ve all been waiting for…the top 10 calming songs to play for your dogs in the car:

  • “How Deep Is Your Love” by The Bee Gees
  • “No Woman No Cry” by Bob Marley
  • “(Everything I Do) I’ll Do It For You” by Bryan Adams
  • “I Want To Know What Love Is” by Foreigner
  • “Dark Side Of The Moon” by Pink Floyd
  • “One In 10” by UB40
  • “Hounds Of Love” by Kate Bush
  • “Desperado” by The Eagles
  • “Many Rivers To Cross” by Jimmy Cliff
  • “Love Is King” by Sade

Hot. PUPS' ANXIETY: How to deal with and help your dogs with an anxiety attack as you return back to work!!. light

That’s a wrap on the songs and music genres alike that are the most calming for dogs in the car!

Will you be playing any of these songs the next time your pooch rides with you? What songs or genres seem to calm your furry friends down in the car? Let’s talk and as always…Woof, Woof!

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