When you walk into a grooming salon, you almost always hear music. It sounds quiet in the background or creates a light rhythm in the room. But have you ever wondered what it’s there for? Or is it just a way to make the atmosphere pleasant for visitors or perhaps it’s more than that? Music has a direct impact on animals, helps groomers work at the right pace and creates a sense of comfort. Let’s explore how sound and melody become part of quality service and why they play an important role in the grooming world.
Influence of music on grooming behavior
Music can make a noticeable difference in the behavior of dogs and cats during procedures. Studies show that classical tunes help to reduce arousal levels – animals become less restless, lie down more and are easier to groom. But loud or aggressive music, such as heavy metal, can cause the opposite reaction – anxiety, trembling and increased excitement. Therefore, the right background music can be a simple and affordable way to make grooming less stressful.
Interestingly, classical music has an “addictive effect”: if it is played every day without change, its calming effect diminishes. That’s why experts recommend combining calm genres – for example, alternate classical with soft rock or reggae. This rotation supports the effect of novelty and allows you to find the style that best suits your pet.
What frequencies soothe dogs and cats
Despite common myths about a “magic frequency” that guarantees calmness, science gives a different picture: animals do not respond to a single number in hertz, but to tempo, rhythm and familiar sound patterns.
Cats are particularly sensitive to the high frequencies and rhythms associated with their natural world. For example, purring has a range of about 25-150 Hz, and these are the sounds that animals often associate with relaxation and security. Music created specifically for cats, which uses motifs similar to their natural sounds, has shown a measurable reduction in stress during procedures.
For dogs, simple tunes with slow to moderate tempos and low volume are important. Classical, soft rhythms of soft rock or reggae help to calm the nervous system. All dogs are different, so it’s best to test a few playlists and keep the one that your pet behaves most calmly to.
Noise as a stress factor
Separately, you should consider the general noise background: loud dryers, barking of other dogs, echoing of the room. Increased noise levels increase fear and stress reactions in animals. It is important to control the volume of equipment, zoning the space and avoid trying to “block out” the noise with music that is too loud. A harmonious balance between sound levels and quiet music forms a comfortable environment for the Pet.
Does a groomer need music for rhythm and focus
Music affects not only the animals, but also the groomers themselves. Working with a dog or cat requires concentration, fluidity of movement and a sense of rhythm. Light melodies with a clear but unhurried tempo help to maintain an even pace of shearing, relieve stress and fatigue. Many experts note that background music allows you to be less distracted by extraneous noises and keep calm even in difficult situations.
Sound comfort in the salon is part of the service
Pets and their owners perceive the procedure much more positively if they are in a comfortable environment. Quiet pleasant music together with minimization of loud noises creates a feeling of safety, reduces anxiety and gives the client the impression that his/her pet is taken care of in a complex. This approach increases confidence in the salon and becomes a competitive advantage.
Relaxation playlists: myth or science
Today there are ready-made “zoo playlists” on streaming services – from classics to specially created tracks for animals. Studies confirm: there is indeed an effect, but it is individual. Slow strings are suitable for some people, while others calm down to reggae or even “white noise”. Therefore, it is worth having several playlists and observing the animal’s reaction, choosing the best one.
For groomers, music is also a psychological support: familiar tunes create a mood, help to keep the balance between concentration and calmness. Thus, properly selected musical accompaniment is not a myth, but a part of a comprehensive service that affects the result and the well-being of all participants in the process.
