Why Dogs React to Wham!’s Last Christmas | Sound Sensitivity Explained

Holiday Harmonies or Holiday Hassles? Which Christmas Songs Stress Your Pets

As the holiday season reaches its peak, festive music fills homes and public spaces. But while humans revel in beloved Christmas hits, a new analysis reveals that certain songs may be causing undue stress to our furry companions.

A recent study by the music experts at Fanatix, informed by research from the BBC and the Natural Library of Medicine, investigated the impact of Christmas music on pet anxiety. The findings suggest that high-tempo songs are more likely to irritate pets, while slower, less percussive tunes are generally better tolerated.

Decoding the Stressful Sounds

Fanatix analyzed 90 popular Christmas songs from Spotify’s Christmas Hits playlist, identifying the top 10 most distressing tunes for animals. The most significant factor? Beats per minute (BPM). According to the research, songs with a higher BPM are more likely to cause agitation in pets.

Topping the list of stressful songs is Wham!’s “Last Christmas,” clocking in at a brisk 206 BPM. Following closely behind are Shakin’ Stevens’ “Merry Christmas Everyone” (203 BPM) and The Andrews Sisters’ “Mele Kalikimaka (Merry Christmas)” (203 BPM). Here’s a complete rundown of the top 10 most stressful Christmas songs for pets:

1. Last Christmas – Wham! (206 BPM)
2. Merry Christmas Everyone – Shakin’ Stevens (203 BPM)
3. Mele Kalikimaka (Merry Christmas) – The Andrews Sisters (203 BPM)
4. It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year – Andy Williams (202 BPM)
5. Santa Tell Me – Ariana Grande (192 BPM)
6. Christmas Eve / Sarajevo 12/24 – Instrumental – Trans-Siberian Orchestra (186 BPM)
7. Please Come Home for Christmas – 2013 Remaster – Eagles (183 BPM)
8. Driving Home for Christmas – Chris Rea (180 BPM)
9. What Christmas Means to Me (feat. Stevie Wonder) – John Legend, Stevie Wonder (170 BPM)
10. Holiday Road – Spotify Singles Holiday – Kesha (170 BPM)

A More Harmonious Holiday: Pet-Friendly Alternatives

Fortunately, the research didn’t stop at identifying the problem. Fanatix also curated a list of Christmas songs that are more likely to create a calm and enjoyable atmosphere for your pets. The key? A slower tempo, ideally between 50 and 60 BPM, and minimal percussion.

Here are 10 Christmas songs that are generally well-tolerated by animals:

1. Carol of the Bells (From “Home Alone” Soundtrack) – John Williams (47 BPM)
2. Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree – Brenda Lee (67 BPM)
3. Do You Hear What I Hear? – Bing Crosby (73 BPM)
4. The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas to You) – Nat King Cole (73 BPM)
5. Christmas Time Is Here – Vocal – Vince Guaraldi (75 BPM)
6. Frosty the Snowman – The Ronettes (77 BPM)
7. Sleigh Ride – The Ronettes (77 BPM)
8. Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane) – Gene Autry (80 BPM)
9. The Prayer – Celine Dion, Andrea Bocelli (82 BPM)
10. O Holy Night – Spotify Singles Holiday – Ravyn Lenae (84 BPM)

While some holiday classics may need to be toned down, the pet-friendly playlist offers plenty of options to keep the festive spirit alive without causing distress to your animal companions. Consider incorporating these gentler tunes into your rotation – your pets may thank you for it.