As the holiday season approaches, many people eagerly start playing their favorite Christmas songs to get into the festive spirit. However, recent research has revealed that some popular Christmas tunes may be causing stress for household pets, especially dogs. Studies show that the tempo and beats per minute (BPM) of certain holiday songs can significantly affect animals’ stress levels.
Dogs and other pets perceive sound differently than humans. Their hearing range is broader and includes higher frequencies. This means that sounds such as jingling bells combined with fast tempos can trigger their nervous systems, making them anxious or uncomfortable. For instance, upbeat and frantic holiday songs often spike the stress hormone cortisol in dogs, causing them to react negatively. On the other hand, slower music with BPM around 50 to 60 can help reduce stress in pets.
A recent study conducted by Fanatix analyzed 90 of the most popular Christmas tracks by tempo to determine which songs might be most stressful for pets. The research found that fast-paced songs like “Last Christmas” by Wham! (206 BPM), “Merry Christmas Everyone” by Shakin’ Stevens (203 BPM), and Ariana Grande’s “Santa Tell Me” (192 BPM) ranked among the top stress-inducing tunes for pets. Other songs such as “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” by Andy Williams and “Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24” by Trans-Siberian Orchestra also made the list due to their high tempo.
Conversely, the study identified several Christmas songs that are more pet-friendly because of their slower tempo and calming effects. Leading this list is John Williams’ “Carol of the Bells” from the Home Alone soundtrack, which has a BPM of just 47. Other gentle tunes include Brenda Lee’s “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” Bing Crosby’s “Do You Hear What I Hear?,” and Nat King Cole’s “The Christmas Song.” These slower melodies tend to help lower cortisol levels in dogs and create a more relaxing environment during holiday celebrations.
Pet owners are encouraged to pay attention to how their animals react when holiday music is playing. If a dog or cat seems agitated or tries to escape the room when certain songs come on, it could be a sign that those tunes are too stimulating or stressful for them. Adjusting playlists to include more calming songs may help make the season more enjoyable for everyone in the household.
This growing awareness about how music affects pets highlights the importance of considering animals’ well-being during holiday festivities. While humans may enjoy energetic and lively Christmas hits, it is crucial to remember that pets experience sound differently and may prefer quieter, slower music. As you prepare your holiday playlist this year, consider selecting tunes with lower beats per minute to keep your furry friends calm and happy throughout the celebrations.
