Alexa, help my dog relax - DOG NEWS

“ALEXA, HELP MY DOG RELAX”
Classical music for stressed dogs on Bonfire Night New Alexa ‘Press Paws’ routine plays Amazon Music’s Classical for Dogs playlist when dog barks

 Amazon Alexa also releases specially composed music and tips from Anita Kelsey, feline behaviourist & author of ‘Let’s Talk About Cats’ to help cats combat firework-induced stress

Our four-legged friends are often scared and stressed by the loud sudden noises and bright flashes of light bonfire night each year.
Classical music has been proven to be among the most powerful tools for helping to calm pets, particularly dogs, and many owners report its miraculous effects. A recent study by Queen’s University Belfast concluded that classical music was better than audiobooks or silence for calming our furry friends while other research has proved that dogs show less stress and anxiety when exposed to classical music.
To play the specially curated playlist of soothing classical music, Classical for Dogs available for Amazon Music customers - including Prime members, and Amazon Music Unlimited customers, dog owners can now ask “Alexa, help my dog relax”. Alternatively, “Alexa, help my cat relax” will play an all-new piece of music composed specifically to relax cats on what’s normally a particularly stressful night for them too, available exclusively through Alexa-enabled devices. 

The music, which was composed following scientific research showcasing that cats prefer species-appropriate music, is accessible by simply saying “Alexa, help my cat relax”, which will then prompt the four-minute track to kick in and help put your furry companions at ease.
Additionally, with the new ‘Press Paws’ routine, Alexa will play Classical for Dogs whenever it hears your furry friend bark, helping them to self soothe. Dog lovers can set up the simple shared Alexa routine which utilises Sound Detection. The routine is customisable to play at specific times of day or you can adjust the suppression time to control how long Alexa will wait before running the routine again.
Veterinary surgeon, writer and TV personality, Rory Cowlam, better known as Rory the Vet, says:
“At this time of year it’s important to help dogs cope with the trauma of fireworks and classical music really can help to soothe them. The Classical for Dogs playlist on Amazon music is an ideal tool. It works for me too!” 

This new feature has been set up for Bonfire Night, but pet lovers can enable it whenever they have to go out and leave their furry friends at home, safe in the knowledge that there’s something that will help to relieve stress and comfort their pets.
Of course, Alexa customers can simply ask “Alexa, play Classical for Dogs” at any time.
Rory the Vet says there of obvious signs of fear and distress to look out for. In dogs, among the symptoms are hiding, urinating, pacing, trembling, barking and panting.
As well as classical music, his other recommendations for keeping anxious pooches safe and secure at this time of year include: 

Be patient and calm, making sure not to punish nervous behaviours. Offer gentle comfort but don’t seek them out if they are happy in their bed! 

Walk dogs during daylight hours and keep them indoors when you expect fireworks. 

Close windows and curtains when it gets dark and put on calming music such as Classical for Dogs. 

Make a safe space for your dog, with their favourite toys, a blanket, and a long-lasting chew. 

Keep pets indoors and ensure they can’t escape and that microchip details are up to date in case they do.