Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) and Dogs

What Is Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) In Dogs?

ASMR, or Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response, is a relatively new buzz phrase in the field of mental health and human beings. However, the concept has recently crossed over to the well-being of animals, especially dogs. Holidays4Dogs looks into the subject of autonomous sensory meridian response and what it means in terms of helping our dogs stay healthy and happy.

What is the practice of Autonomous sensory meridian response?

ASMR refers to relaxing feelings described as, ‘tingles in the brain’. This response happens due to certain specific triggers. These triggers are usually things such as quiet whispering, slow hand movements and light tapping.

There are numerous ASMR videos available where people can experience the effects and, now, ASMR videos are made specifically for the benefit of pets, such as cats and dogs.

ASMR research

Scientific research into the subject seems to be fairly lacking. However, in the first study of its kind, researchers from the University of Sheffield and the Manchester Metropolitan University, claim that ASMR could provide benefits to both mental and physical health in humans.

One experiment was designed to discover whether there was any true merit in ASMR and its effects on people. Researchers from the psychology department of Sheffield University gathered two groups. One group had claimed to previously have experienced the effects of ASMR, and another group had never experienced such effects. Two different videos were chosen for each group to view. One ASMR video and one non-ASMR, (control video).

Researchers found that there was a significant decrease in heart rate when watching ASMR videos. However, crucially, this was only seen in the group that had reported a response to these triggers in the past.

Not everyone is a suitable candidate to benefit from ASMR. Some people might naturally feel relaxed by certain triggers such as whispers, or gentle tapping noises. However, others may find such noises irritating and distracting. Nevertheless, in the group that responded positively to ASMR, the participants experienced an increase in positive emotions, feelings of relaxation and social connection.

But – what about dogs? In the dog world, people are creating ASMR videos for dogs. One such company is a dog snack subscription service. They are trialling ASMR videos for dogs. The series of videos features sounds from all sorts of dogs of all sizes, scratching, eating, grooming, licking and drinking.

Conclusion

While some dog experts agree it is a fascinating concept, there is speculation on how this works with animals. There is little research that exists on the possible effect of ASMR on dogs. Many more studies still need to be carried out to establish the wider and long-term effects on people.

However, soothing tones and a calm demeanour can indeed benefit your dog. Any dog owner will surely have noticed this for themselves. The question is – do they respond to recorded trigger sounds in a way that makes them feel more calm? We have included below, links to two ASMR videos on youtube. See how your dog reacts?

If you want to read more about the Sheffield study you can click on the link below.

https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0196645