Sound Healing Tools for Pets: Singing Bowls, Tuning Forks & Chimes Explained
By Joann, Founder of Tending Pets
If you've ever wondered what sound healing actually looks (and sounds) like for pets, you're not alone. One of the most common questions I get is, What instruments do you use? followed closely by, Can I try this at home?
Whether you’re booking your first session or exploring tools for your own sound work, this guide will walk you through the best sound healing tools for pets, including how they work, why I choose them, and what to watch for to keep your animal safe and comfortable.
Let’s explore the beautiful world of singing bowls, tuning forks, chimes, and more—through the lens of your pet’s well-being.
Why Sound Healing Works for Pets
Sound isn’t just something animals hear—it’s something they feel.
Unlike humans, pets experience vibration through their entire bodies. According to MindfulStore.com.au, calming tones like singing bowls and tuning forks help regulate pets’ nervous systems by activating the parasympathetic response (aka “rest and digest”). These tools support relaxation, emotional balance, and even physical healing.
Recent features from Animal Wellness Magazine and The Independent highlight how sound-based therapies are being used more frequently in holistic pet care—particularly with rescue animals, trauma recovery, and nervous system overload.
Let’s break down the tools I use most often at Tending Pets, and how you can use them intentionally with your animal.
1. Singing Bowls for Dogs (and Cats!)
What They Are:
Singing bowls—either crystal or metal—produce long, resonant tones that create waves of vibration through a space. They’re ideal for calming overstimulation and promoting deep rest.
How They Work:
Crystal bowls tend to be louder and more expansive, great for open spaces and higher energy pets.
Metal bowls are softer and more grounding—my go-to for anxious or sensitive dogs.
Each bowl resonates at a specific frequency, often tied to an energy center (or chakra) in the body.
Best For:
High-energy dogs
Overstimulated cats
Sleep support
Dogs who bark at every sound
Shelter animals in loud environments
🐾 Tip: Always start with a low volume and one gentle strike. Watch your pet’s body language before continuing. Never place a bowl on or too close to the pet’s body unless you're trained in how to use it that way.
2. Koshi Chimes: The Elemental Soothers
What They Are:
Koshi chimes are hand-tuned wind chimes created to represent four elements: Earth, Air, Water, and Fire. The sound is soft, melodic, and perfect for sensitive or intuitive pets.
How They Work:
Their subtle resonance doesn’t overwhelm the space, which makes them ideal for cats or easily spooked animals.
I use them to open or close a session, or anytime I want to signal emotional safety.
Best For:
Shy or withdrawn pets
Cats that hide
Sensitive or intuitive animals
End-of-life or hospice sessions
🐾 Tip: Hang chimes near your pet’s resting spot or play them at a distance to avoid startling. Observe your pet’s ears and gaze—if they soften, it’s a good sign the chimes are welcome.
3. Tuning Forks for Pet Therapy
What They Are:
Tuning forks are metal instruments calibrated to a specific frequency. When struck, they emit a precise tone that can be felt in the air or on the body. I use both weighted and unweighted forks depending on the session.
How They Work:
128 Hz and 528 Hz are my go-to frequencies.
Weighted forks are often used gently around joints, paws, or the spine to support circulation and pain relief.
Unweighted forks are held near the ears (not touching) to support auditory calm.
Best For:
Older pets with joint stiffness
Pets recovering from injury or illness
Animals who respond to touch but are nervous about it
Energetic realignment
🐾 Tip: Never place a vibrating fork directly on an animal unless you're trained in safe handling. Always allow the pet to move freely and avoid the ears if they seem startled.
4. Steel Tongue Drums: Rhythmic Grounding
What They Are:
The steel tongue drum creates soft, rhythmic tones in a specific musical scale (often pentatonic or minor). I use it when an animal’s nervous system feels disorganized or scattered.
How They Work:
The repetition of rhythmic notes helps regulate the breath and heart rate.
The tones are mellow and deeply grounding—perfect for post-stimulation wind-down.
Best For:
Nervous rescues
Animals with trauma histories
Sleep and digestion support
Bedtime routines
🐾 Tip: Keep the rhythm slow and consistent. Too much variation or volume can cause tension instead of calm.
How to Know If Your Pet Likes It
Sound healing is all about listening—not just with your ears, but with your attention.
Positive signs your pet is enjoying the session:
Slow blinking or yawning
Stretching or lying down
Ears relaxing or turning toward the sound
Soft tail wagging or purring
Gentle approach or nuzzling
Signs to pause or change the approach:
Ears pinned back or flattened
Tail tucked or flicking
Leaving the room
Barking, hiding, or staring with tension
Start slow. Less is more. One chime can be more powerful than 20 minutes of bowls if it’s the right moment.
How I Use These Tools in My Sessions
Every sound bath I offer at Tending Pets is personalized based on your animal’s behavior, emotional needs, and comfort level. I choose tools like:
Koshi chimes to begin
Metal bowls or tuning forks to deepen the session
Tongue drum to ground and close
Whether we work together in person or over Zoom, I always follow your pet’s cues and adjust the tools accordingly.
✨ Curious about which tool is best for your pet? Book a session or contact me for a personalized recommendation.
Key Takeaways
Singing bowls, tuning forks, chimes, and drums all support pets differently depending on frequency, tone, and energy.
The best sound healing tools for pets are the ones matched to your animal’s unique personality and nervous system state.
Always start with low volume, short duration, and clear observation of your pet’s response.
Sessions with a certified practitioner can help you safely explore and integrate sound healing into your pet’s life.
The services provided by Tending Pets, including sound healing and energy work, are intended to support emotional and energetic wellness in animals and are not a substitute for veterinary care. Joann is not a licensed veterinarian, and these services do not diagnose, treat, or cure any medical conditions. If your pet is experiencing health issues, please consult your veterinarian. All content on this site is for informational purposes only.
