Soothing your savage—and much beloved—beast
Who doesn't enjoy the soothing sounds that emanate from a harp?
Evidently, even your pet will benefit from it.
According to one harpist, next to human voices, the harp is considered to be the most healing instrument. Her audience has included sickly pets, prompting her to produce a CD (titled aptly enough), "Harp Music to Soothe the Savage Beast."
This harpist conducted a study on the effects of harp music on animals. Performing for dogs that had been hospitalized in a veterinary clinic, the music resulted in the lowering of heart rates and eased breathing for many of these stressed animals.
It seems there's definitely a market out there for this, as this is just one of several CDs offering "animal editions" of harp music. The selections are created to bring about a state of relaxation, with the pieces focusing on tempos and various other musical components that maximize the potential to calm nervousness.
In addition to the canine crowd, there are reports that the music has also worked with cows, cats, and gorillas.
But it's recommended that you don't play the CDs every day for your pet. Save them for when your pet isn't feeling well, or has to go through some event might find particularly stressful. So if you're packing boxes and getting ready to move, that may be the time you want to put on a CD.
You might overlook some other situations your pet may find stressful. How about when you have a get-together at your house? Don't forget that animals are territorial, and if you have a bunch of new faces and feet—even those they already know—trooping through, Rover might experience some post-celebration agitation.
And don't forget yourself. There are plenty of studies to show that music benefits humans, too. I'm sure you already have your favorite music that you break out on occasion and listen to. I recommend you keep an "emergency kit" nearby for both you and your pets.
You can go to www.google.com and type in "music for pets" for more ideas.
