A roundup of foreign songs about pets
When it comes to songs about pets, if we’re talking Japanese music, a few tracks might come to mind right away.
But if we limit it to Western music, being able to name some off the top of your head probably means you’re pretty well-versed in it.
Even when words like “DOG” or “CAT” appear in the title or lyrics, they’re often used as some kind of metaphor.
In this article, I’ve researched Western songs about animals, with a focus on pets, and compiled them across different eras and genres.
You don’t see many articles with this kind of theme, and the content is quite interesting—so please take a look!
A Collection of Western Songs About Pets (1–10)
How Much Is That Doggie In The WindowPatti Page
Set to a retro string sound with a cheerful vocal, “How Much Is the Doggie in the Window?” made a striking impression.
It was released in 1952 by singer Patti Page.
The song tells the feelings of a woman who stops by a pet shop, meets a dog she likes, and daydreams, “If only I could keep it at home.” Many who want a pet but can’t have one will relate.
Patti Page later spoke out against the pet industry and the animal abuse that increased with puppy mills.
It’s a song that makes you want to cherish animals even more than before.
Man Of The HourNorah Jones
“Man Of The Hour,” with its mellow clavinet tone, creates a laid-back atmosphere.
It’s a song by singer-songwriter Norah Jones, known for her airy vocals and jazzy tunes.
The track is included on her 2009 album, The Fall.
Realizing there aren’t any decent men around, the protagonist chooses a dog as her fleeting companion.
It’s a song that lets you revel in the unhurried time flowing between the protagonist and her dog.
I Love My DogCat Stevens
I Love My Dog has an appealing, country-tinged acoustic guitar tone.
It’s a song released in 1966 by Cat Stevens, a British singer-songwriter who has been active since the late 1960s.
The combination of “Cat” singing about a “Dog” became a talking point.
As the title suggests, the song uses a variety of expressions to convey just how much he loves his dog.
It’s a track that really lets you feel the depth of affection he has for his dog!
sammyChloe Moriondo
Even if you don’t understand the English lyrics, anyone who hears this song’s warm melody will likely realize it’s a heartfelt tribute to “Sammy,” as the title suggests.
Chloe Moriondo, a young singer-songwriter born in 2002 and hailing from Detroit, Michigan, released “sammy” in March 2022 as a song dedicated to her beloved dog, Sammy.
With its ensemble centered on simple guitar, Chloe’s tender, resonant vocals and melodies, and the occasional joyful laughter you can hear, the track overflows with love for Sammy, just as I mentioned at the start.
In fact, the EP that includes this song, “puppy luv,” is a collection themed around dogs, featuring tracks such as a cover of Florence + the Machine’s “Dog Days Are Over.” Be sure to check it out along with “sammy”!
Old ShepElvis Presley
Old Shep features a gentle singing voice directed toward a beloved pet.
It’s a song released in 1958 by legendary rock ’n’ roller Elvis Presley.
He sings about the days he spent with Shep, a German Shepherd who had been with him since childhood.
It’s a song that anyone can empathize with, capturing the sorrow the protagonist faces when Shep grows old.
The piece was written by songwriter-lyricists Red Foley and Arthur Willis, but it’s Elvis’s heartfelt vocals—conveying his feelings for Shep—that make the song even more moving.
There’s also a film, Elvis, that shines a spotlight on Elvis Presley’s life! If you’re interested, be sure to head to the theater and check it out!
The Dog SongNellie McKay
“The Dog Song,” with its jazzy sound and compelling husky vocals, was released in 2004 by New York–based singer-songwriter Nellie McKay.
The debut album featuring this track, “Get Away From Me,” is said to be a play on the title of Norah Jones’s debut album, “Come Away With Me.” “The Dog Song” tells the story of a protagonist living a rough, lonely life who has a fateful encounter with a dog at a shelter and rediscovers the joy of living.
It’s a song that makes you hope for that kind of destined meeting when you’re looking to spark a change in your life.
Martha My DearThe Beatles
The Beatles’ “Martha My Dear” is a song that Paul McCartney wrote about his feelings when he got his first pet, an Old English Sheepdog named Martha.
No matter how mischievous she was or what she did, he just found her irresistibly adorable.
The lyrics convey the affection of a devoted owner, paired with a beautiful, quintessentially Beatles melody—both major charms of the song.
Although it was cut from the 2009 remastered version, the piano played by Paul, who is said to have taught himself the instrument, is another wonderful highlight—so be sure to compare the versions and give it a listen!