Do Pets Enjoy the Radio and TV Turned On?

Have you ever given thought to the fact that your pets get bored when you leave the house? They could do with some entertainment too. While studies in this particular area are few, it has been suggested that leaving the TV or radio on for your pets might benefit them in multiple ways. So take off those headphones and let your pets enjoy the music too.

Many people use this trick; they leave the TV on or keep some music playing when they have to step out of the house, be it for a quick grocery run or a night out with friends. The reason behind this is that the pet might be fooled into thinking that they have company in the house, and thus, they won’t feel lonely or scared. But does it really work? Do cats and dogs really care about the radio and TV being on? Apparently, they do, and many people religiously follow the practice of leaving these appliances on for their pets for the reasons below.

It Keeps Them Company

Many of us do this too; a TV running in the background often gives a false sense of company, even when you know you’re home alone. The same goes for pets too. Your pets miss you when you are not home, and they like having company around. When pet parents feel guilty about leaving their pets home alone, they leave the TV or radio on. The sounds of people talking and the music playing can keep your little puppy or kitten content, thinking that there are people around to keep them company.

It Helps With Separation Anxiety

Some animals, especially ones that have gone through trauma and abandonment in their lives, often develop separation anxiety in the absence of their owners. The sound of people talking over the television or singing on the radio is enough to reassure them that someone is around and can ease their anxiety. For anxious dogs, soothing classical music is preferred instead of hard rock or trance.

Be careful not to leave the volume up too loud, though, as it could have the opposite effect. Very loud music or sounds can result in the pet becoming agitated and nervous, instead of relaxed and soothed.

It Masks Unpleasant Sounds

Many pets are afraid of or get anxious when they hear outdoor sounds, such as cars blaring their horns, people screaming, fireworks, or planes flying by. Indoor cats and dogs are not used to hearing these sounds a lot, and when they can’t see a familiar face around, they get very anxious, scared, and frustrated. Some music playing inside the house can cover the unpleasant sounds from outside and instead give your pet some pleasant sounds to listen to.

Do Your Pets Enjoy Human Music?

Research over the topic has been contradictory. While it is ascertained that cats do enjoy music, it’s not human music they are too fond of. Scientists put together a tape of specially composed ‘cat music’ and found that cats enjoyed these tunes as opposed to classical human music. No such studies have been done on dogs, though, because of the great variation in their sizes across breeds. So, while they might not understand your records or even particularly enjoy them, it does help them ease their anxiety, boredom, and loneliness.

Before putting on a record for your pet, or leaving the TV on your favorite channel and stepping out, make sure your pet likes what you have put on. If they seem comfortable with it, great; however, if you see that they’re uncomfortable, restless, or annoyed as a result of what’s playing, put on something else, or turn it off altogether.

If you’re not comfortable with leaving your precious pet at home, hire a pet sitter or dog walker who can come by in your absence and keep your little friends company for some time. Little Friends Pet Sitting and Dog Walking has plenty of sitters and walkers who can spend some time with your pets, and see that they are not lonely.Do Pets Enjoy the Radio and TV Turned On?