Pet behavioural studies show that slow-tempo music (50 – 60 beats per minute) helps reduce stress in dogs [2], meaning high BPM Christmas music may have the opposite effect.

Music experts at Fanatix analysed 90 iconic Christmas hits to reveal which beloved festive songs are likely to leave your furry friends feeling frazzled.

Which Christmas songs are most stressful for your pets?

Title	Artist	Tempo / BPM
1	Last Christmas	Wham!	206
2	Merry Christmas Everyone	Shakin’ Stevens	203
2	Mele Kalikimaka (Merry Christmas)	The Andrews Sisters	203
3	It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year	Andy Williams	202
4	Santa Tell Me	Ariana Grande	192
5	Christmas Eve / Sarajevo 12/24 – Instrumental	Trans-Siberian Orchestra	186
6	Please Come Home for Christmas – 2013 Remaster	Eagles	183
7	Driving Home for Christmas	Chris Rea	180
8	What Christmas Means to Me (feat. Stevie Wonder)	John Legend, Stevie Wonder	170
8	Holiday Road – Spotify Singles Holiday	Kesha	170
9	We Wish You The Merriest	Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, and Fred Waring	169
10	Where Are You Christmas?	Faith Hill	168

It’s not just humans who’ve had enough of Wham!… your pets are over it too.

“Last Christmas” claims the title of the most stressful Christmas song for your pets, say Fanatix. The festive chart topper has a frantic BPM of 206, the highest of all. If you want a peaceful household this December, it’s best kept off the playlist.

In second place is “Merry Christmas Everyone” by Shakin’ Stevens (203 BPM). Despite racking up millions of listens this year, this department store favourite might be driving your dogs up the wall. Tied with it is “Mele Kalikimaka” by The Andrews Sisters, also at 203 BPM.

Following in third place is the enduring holiday classic, “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” by Andy Williams (202 BPM). 

Ariana Grande’s hit “Santa Tell Me” ranks fourth, at 192 BPM. Rounding off the top five is Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s epic “Christmas Eve / Sarajevo 12/24” at 186 BPM.

Which Christmas songs are most pet-friendly?

While no popular festive hits fall within the ideal 50-60 BPM range, some Christmas classics are far gentler on your pets’ nerves than others.

	Tiitle	Artist	Tempo / BPM
1	Carol of the Bells (From “Home Alone” Soundtrack)	John Williams	47
2	Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree	Brenda Lee	67
3	Do You Hear What I Hear?	Bing Crosby	73
4	The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas To You)	Nat King Cole	73
5	Christmas Time Is Here – Vocal	Vince Guaraldi	75
6	Frosty The Snowman	The Ronettes	77
7	Sleigh Ride	The Ronettes	77
8	Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane)	Gene Autry	80
9	The Prayer	Celine Dion, Andrea Bocelli	82
10	O Holy Night – Spotify Singles Holiday	Ravyn Lenae	84