How leaving the television on influences pets when home alone, according to recent animal behavior research

The familiar click of the remote as the door shuts behind you might feel like a tiny kindness to your pet left alone. Yet, does the TV really fill the empty room with comfort, or could it be adding more stress? Recent research in animal behavior gives us some interesting insights into this modern dilemma.

How television creates a “fake company” for pets home alone

When you leave, that glow from the TV might mimic human presence just enough to ease your conscience. Many owners swear by it as a way to soften the edge of solitude their furry friends face. Science, though, says the story is more mixed than it seems.

Researchers at the University of Bristol used heart-rate monitors on dogs left alone with the TV on. The sound of human voices lowered stress early on, but only if the programs weren’t too noisy or sudden. Explosions, shouting, or fast cuts actually jolted the dogs’ nervous systems back into anxiety.

Why not just any TV will do for pets

Pets’ sensitive ears catch what we barely notice. A rapid scene change or a sharp sound that’s barely noticeable for us can feel like an alarm for them. Dogs and cats prefer calm scenes: slow-moving animals or soft human voices gently murmuring are much more comforting than a loud action flick.

This aligns with an Austrian study where dogs were drawn more to gentle animal documentaries than to noisy entertainment. Cats, famously indifferent, perked up particularly at high-pitched animal sounds but then went right back to snoozing. The key is that gentle noise serves as a subtle “presence marker,” not a replacement for company.

TV as a tool to help, but not a cure for loneliness

At a shelter near Berlin, looping soft shows with human voices helped anxious dogs settle faster at night. One beagle stopped whining after just minutes when the TV was on. But these improvements stopped short of erasing their sense of isolation entirely.

Experts stress that loneliness comes from lack of social interaction, not silence alone. The TV acts like an aural cushion, masking noises from outside that could trigger barking or stress. Yet, a screen’s chatter prevents the deep rest pets need, disrupting their lighter sleep cycles repeatedly.

How to choose TV content that soothes pets well

The takeaway for owners wanting to leave some background noise is to be choosy. Keep the volume moderate—like normal human conversation in the next room—to avoid overwhelming them. Opt for slow-paced nature shows, or dedicated pet-friendly channels designed with calming visuals and sounds.

For sensitive animals, some behaviorists even suggest shifting from video to just gentle audio, like soft talk radio or relaxing natural soundscapes. And beware: turning on the TV as a kind of “bribe” can backfire if your pet reads more anxiety in your rush to leave than comfort in the noise.

Beyond the TV: what pets really need during alone time

Pressing play feels like a simple fix, but the real comfort is in the routine: walks, play, and calm goodbyes build security more than any background noise. Pets crave predictable patterns and your presence far more than flickering pixels or static voices.

A balanced day with safe resting spots, favorite toys, and occasional pet sitters means more than just keeping the TV on. Remember, pets’ needs are sensory, emotional, and physical. The screen might distract, but it cannot replace the warmth of a true companion’s presence.

Fiona Godlee

At 38, I am a proud and passionate geek. My world revolves around comics, the latest cult series, and everything that makes pop culture tick. On this blog, I open the doors to my ‘lair’ to share my top picks, my reviews, and my life as a collector