While it has been proven that pets act as stress-relievers for their owners, many pet experts believe that our furry friends also need to de-stress. I

n a novel effort, the veterinarians and pet-lovers of Nagpur, India have decided to apply music therapy as part of the treatment for pets, which, they believe, will “rid the pets of stress and provide a sense of wellbeing among them.”

Like humans, pets also have good and bad days. And the veterinarians and pet-lovers in India seem to have understood this.

“The therapy aims at ensuring a sound mindset for the pets through light music. During the course of treatments, we have discovered that Western songs, which have harmonic music with pleasant piano and string chords, can create joy and happiness among pets. Even Eastern melodies, including classical numbers, can serve the purpose,” according to Pradney Taksande, VMD.

Taksande further adds that, under the project, scientists outside the city would be consulted to study the behavioral pattern of the pets.

“An Alsatian’s behavioral patterns may not be the same as a golden retriever's. Similarly, the behavioral patterns of a bullmastiff will differ from those of a bull terrier. Scientists and senior veterinarians will study these behavioral patterns along with the lifestyle of the pets. They will then decide on the form of music that will suit the pets,” says Taksande.

In addition, Taksande says that music helps pets to release certain hormones, ridding them of stress. Such experiments have already achieved success in cities like Kolkata and Mumbai, India.

Music CDs will be available at a low cost in all 25 pet clinics across Nagpur.

Taksande says that such treatment should be done at home instead of at clinics, as the pets will find their homes cozier and more relaxing. He adds that a monthly journal on this will be distributed to pet owners across Nagpur to make them aware of the facility.

However, Taksande believes that more sensitization programs are needed for pet lovers.


Source: Krishnendu Mukherjee/The Times of India