Many pet owners may not realize it, but their furry friends could be experiencing holiday anxiety right along with the festive season. A recent study by Fanatix, based on research from the BBC and the National Library of Medicine, revealed that certain Christmas songs are significantly more stressful for dogs than others.
Why Some Songs Are Worse Than Others
The key factor? Tempo. Faster-paced songs with minimal percussion tend to trigger anxiety in pets. Researchers analyzed 90 popular Christmas tracks from Spotify and found that Wham!’s “Last Christmas” is the most irritating to dogs, clocking in at a rapid 206 beats per minute (BPM). High-tempo music can overstimulate a dog’s sensitive hearing, leading to stress and discomfort.
Top Stressful Christmas Songs for Pets
While Mariah Carey’s hits don’t make the cut, several other popular songs can upset your pet:
- (The article does not provide the full list but implies that several other songs are on it.)
What You Can Do: Calmer Alternatives
Fortunately, there are plenty of holiday tunes that won’t frazzle your dog’s nerves. Fanatix recommends sticking to songs with a slower tempo, ideally between 50 and 60 BPM. Some suggestions include:
- (The article does not provide the full list but implies that several calmer songs are available.)
Adding these more relaxed tracks to your playlist could help ensure that your pet enjoys the holidays just as much as you do.
Bottom line: Be mindful of the music you play during the festive season. A little consideration can go a long way in keeping your furry friend calm and comfortable during what should be a joyful time for everyone.
