Grand Rapids Business Daily

Does leaving a radio on really make a pet feel less lonely while its humans are away?

This is something I've often heard to be true, but my dog never seems to acknowledge either the TV or the radio. Is it a wasted effort, or is there something to it?

Public Comments

1. I dont believe it they always miss us, a picture would work. I would guess
2. I don't think it has ever been empirically studied, and I suspect it differs from animal to animal. It is my guess that the best thing it does is act as white noise and kind of neutralize all the sounds in the environment that might be frightening or upsetting.
3. Some animals respond to it, some don't. It is the sound of voices that calms them more than anything. If they hear things, they think they are not alone. My aunt has to play a radio for her dog when she leaves or it destroys the house. Another relative tried it for a dog that gets lonely- no effect whatsoever.
4. the noise keeps him calm when there is silence he can hear outside noises and then barks
5. Well it works for my dog but then again my dog barks when she scratches herself and her leg hits the hardwood floor =).
6. I've heard this, but it may be an old wives tale. I left music on for my dog once when I went out and he reacted the exact same way as he usually does when I return home -- just happy to see me!
7. I believe no. Your pets can sense when it has company. Don't fool them. You'll get them mad.
8. depends on the pet. at the clinic, when we leave for the night, especially if we have a very anxious animal, we flip the radio on. some of them it helps, some it doesn't make a difference.
9. I wouldn't know , there really hasn't been any studies to prove or disprove it. But I have tried it '- ) So I'll try anything once, call me gullible
10. Yes it does, we have to do this with my 3yo kitty as she stresses and frets without us around.