Dogs Trust launches calming playlist to help pets cope with fireworks

Animal welfare charity Dogs Trust has launched a calming playlist designed to help reduce anxiety in dogs during the fireworks season.

The playlist, titled ‘Soft Sounds for Dogs’, has been developed by the charity’s behaviour and research experts and draws on studies showing that calm, low-tempo music can help mask the sound of fireworks and lower stress levels in dogs and their owners.

Research by Dogs Trust found that one in five people are negatively affected by fireworks, with 93% of those saying their pets show signs of distress.

The playlist features tracks with a tempo of 70 beats per minute or lower, in a mid-range pitch of 500 Hz to 16 kHz, and with low-energy, positive tones associated with reduced arousal in animals. 

Many tracks feature solo piano, which studies suggest dogs may find easier to process than complex arrangements.

The playlist is available to stream on Spotify, YouTube, and via the Dogs Trust website.

Sara Owczarczak-Garstecka, research manager at Dogs Trust, said: “Fireworks can be extremely distressing for our canine companions. Our goal is to provide dog owners with practical, accessible tools to help their pets cope, and music can be a simple yet effective part of that.”