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Two dogs sit on a bed, watching a television screen that shows a group of six different dogs, almost like their own canine version of the Human League, with furniture and a lamp visible in the background.

The rise of pet TV — and why it’s not as crazy as it sounds

The rise of pet TV — and why it’s not as crazy as it sounds

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The rise of pet TV — and why it’s not as crazy as it sounds

The rise of pet TV — and why it’s not as crazy as it sounds


It might sound like something out of a sci-fi movie… but there’s a growing trend around the world — TV channels made specifically for pets.

From calming “puppy lullabies” to bird-filled visuals designed to grab a cat’s attention, more pet owners are leaving screens on while they head out for the day. But is it actually doing anything?

On HOT 1027 Breakfast, veterinarian Natasha Ross unpacked whether our furry (and feathered) friends are really tuning in — or just ignoring us completely.

And the answer? It depends. Some pets are genuinely engaged by what’s on screen, while others couldn’t care less. But beyond entertainment, there’s a more important reason vets are paying attention to this trend.

Two dogs, a small white terrier and a brown-and-white bulldog, sit side by side on a gray couch, attentively watching a Human League music video play on the television screen in front of them.
“It can be an important tool in managing conditions like separation anxiety, noise phobias, and even doggy dementia”

That’s where things get interesting.

Dogs, for example, don’t necessarily sit and “watch” TV like we do — but the background sound can provide comfort and reduce stress, especially when they’re left alone.

Cats? They’re more likely to engage visually — especially with fast-moving images like birds or small animals.

But it’s not just dogs and cats that respond to sound and visuals.

For birds, silence is actually the problem.

In the wild, they live in constant noise. Leaving them alone in a quiet house can be stressful

So whether it’s TV or radio, the key is understanding your pet — and what soothes them.

Because while your dog probably isn’t binge-watching an eight-hour series…that background noise might be making a bigger difference than you think.

🎧 Listen to the full conversation with Natasha Ross on HOT 1027 Breakfast to hear how to choose the right sounds for your pet.


More Posts for Show: HOT 1027 Breakfast with Parky, Bunny & Simon