IT has long been used by humans to unwind from the stresses of the day and relax - and now it seems music can also help to sooth our beloved pooches.
A study by the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Scottish SPCA) has revealed that classical music can help to calm and reduce the stress levels in dogs.
The research, carried out in partnership with the University of Glasgow, showed that dogs at the Scottish SPCA's Dumbarton & West of Scotland animal rescue and rehoming centre spent less time standing and barking when the music was being played.
Further research is now going to be carried out to discover if the animals react differently to other music genres with a view to possibly introduce music in all of the charity's rehoming centres.
Research manager Gilly Mendes Ferreira said: "The average length of stay for a dog in our care can range from one to three weeks up to over a year.
"We want to make each dog's time with us as comfortable as possible and this research is at the very forefront of animal welfare."
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