Why do dogs watch TV

Many owners have noticed, when snuggle up on the couch with their dog in the evening to watch their favorite TV series, that the pet perks up, shakes its head, and stares at the screen as events unfold. She then barks and wags her tail. She is obviously happy, but what’s the matter? Do dogs see TV? 

To answer these questions, Hill’s reviewed scientific data about the vision of dogs and how they process visual information.

How do dogs see TV?

According to Stanley Coren, Ph.D., professor of psychology and author of several books about dogs, including How Dogs Think and The Intelligence of Dogs, it’s not uncommon for pets to show an interest in nature shows featuring animals. But in order to elicit their reaction, the animals on the screen must be real. “Cartoon characters don’t generate any interest in our four-legged friends,” Coren says. This testifies to the ability of dogs to accurately interpret what they see. When dogs watch TV, they see it differently. The visual perception of a dog is different from that of a human. 

Christopher Peary, a veterinary ophthalmologist at Tufts University’s Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, says a dog’s normal visual acuity is 20/60 compared to a human’s 20/20. Therefore, if a person watches TV from a distance of three meters, then the dog needs to be at a distance of no more than a meter from the screen in order to see the same thing that he sees. The farther the dog is from the screen, the more grainy and blurry the image will be. Perhaps that is why pets love to lie in front of the TV so much.

Dog eyes process colors differently than human eyes. For example, in the human eye, there are three types of cells responsible for determining color. Dogs only have two, which means they perceive fewer colors with less saturation than the average human. The furry friend’s color scheme includes dull blues, yellows, and greens. Evidence for the dog’s perception of this, albeit limited, range of colors disproved the notion that pets can only see in black and white.

Veterinary Vision, a California pet clinic that specializes in eye health, reports that a dog’s ability to see is determined by its field of vision and a number of other factors, including its ability to:

• Assess distance.

• Detect motion.

• Distinguish colors.

These abilities differ in dogs depending on their health, age and breed. For example, dogs with cataracts cannot see clearly. Their vision may deteriorate to the point where they only see the difference between light and dark, not colors. In this case, the dog’s other senses, such as smell and hearing, are sharpened, helping him to understand what is happening around him. Therefore, if a pet has cataracts, and he still perks up while watching movies, this is more likely due to his hearing, and not to his vision.

What do dogs think about when they watch TV?

Dogs can distinguish certain colors, hear sounds from the TV and notice movement. They respond very readily to such signals, but is it a good thing? Of course! Just like humans, dogs love to watch TV.

An article was published in The New York Times in which a veterinarian, a psychology professor and a number of other experts discuss whether dogs should watch TV. The article concludes that while sitting in front of a screen is not a substitute for outdoor play and exercise, it is okay for your dog to watch TV in moderation, especially if he suffers from separation anxiety. 

Leaving the TV on when the owner is away from home can stimulate the pet’s brain and help the dog get rid of boredom for a while, making him happier and calmer.

You can run the following experiment to see if your pet has a favorite movie or series:

1. Put him on the same level with the screen so that he can get as close as possible. You can put the tablet next to the dog’s cage, or allow him to climb into a chair that is at the same height as the TV.
2. Select a program that shows actively moving animals. These can be dogs, cats, squirrels, birds, or any creature that the dog is interested in in real life. To provide variety, you can include documentaries or channels dedicated to the life of animals. Pets do not like cartoons, so you should choose those shows that show real animals. Particular attention should be paid to the colors on the screen. Since dogs are best at distinguishing between blue, yellow and green colors, you can see how the pet perks up at the sight of nature scenes with blue skies and green grass or a dog playing with a yellow toy.
3. Observe the physical reactions and behavior of the dog. Does she follow the movement on the screen with her eyes? Does it wag its tail? Growling or barking? Starts running back and forth? Suddenly jumps up and perks up at the sight of what is happening on the screen? Is it waiting for approval? When you see a joyful reaction, you need to look at what is happening on the screen. If the dog shows irritation, this should also be paid attention to. Just like humans, animals have preferences about what they want and don’t want to see. It is better to choose those programs that cause joy in the dog, and it will become a satisfied viewer. Dogs watch TV and understand what is happening on the screen. Watching TV together can be a fun new way to strengthen the bond between the owner and their four-legged friend.

Watching your favorite show is a great way to relax after a busy day and spend time together. If the dog does not show interest in the TV, this is also normal. The pet and its owner will be quite happy if they just lie in an embrace on the couch.