Autotrader’s new Spotify playlist is doggone relaxing
For the 11th year, Autotrader is celebrating National Dog Day with ideas to help dog owners make their pets more comfortable in the car.
This year’s tip sounds good — in more ways than one.
Cox Automotive’s third-party car listings platform has created a Spotify playlist aimed at relaxing dogs and helping everyone enjoy their time on the road.
The playlist, available on Autotrader’s Spotify profile, is inspired by autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR), a pleasant sensation felt by many in response to certain sounds that is associated with relaxation and stress relief.
In a news release, Autotrader said the playlist is “filled with tracks that can help ease dogs’ car anxiety and transport them to some of their favorite memories, like long walks on the beach, snowy Christmas mornings or warm naps by the fireplace.”
According to Veronica Higgs, veterinary services manager of pet supply company Chewy, “Rhythmic or repeating sounds can help ease stress and anxiety with dogs, especially puppies, during road trips.”
A Cox Automotive survey of 600 consumers for National Dog Day found 52% of dog owners experience moderate stress when managing their dog’s anxiety during car rides.
“Car anxiety can be portrayed differently depending on the dog,” Higgs said, “including refusal to get into the car, hiding when it’s time to travel and even physical responses including whining, crying, barking, shaking, pacing and more.”
Autotrader has teamed with country singer Walker Hayes, who is known for taking both his family dogs and all six kids on the road with him whenever he’s on tour, in its National Dog Day celebration.
“Traveling with our dogs has always been a big part of our family’s life, but it can definitely be a challenge,” he said. “We always want to make sure they are relaxed and safe while on the road, and Autotrader’s ASMR playlist is helpful for pet owners like us who want to make travel as stress-free as possible.”
Autotrader is also sharing dos and don’ts for traveling with dogs, as well as the best automotive accessories for dogs’ car safety and comfort and top car brands for dog owners to consider — according to the Cox survey, 85% of dog owners think about transporting their dog when shopping for a vehicle.
“Our pets are more than just animals. They are family, and their safety and comfort on the road are paramount,” Autotrader executive editor Brian Moody said. “At Autotrader, we are committed to providing a variety of resources to give customers the confidence to travel safely and comfortably with their dogs. With detailed travel tips, recommended car accessories and now an ASMR playlist, every member of the family can enjoy the ride.”