Through the Eyes of Our Furry Friends: Exploring Animal Vision, with a Focus on Dogs

Animals see the world in very different ways than humans. Their vision can vary depending on factors such as their species, environment, and lifestyle. For example, nocturnal animals have a sharper vision in the dark, while diurnal animals have sharper vision during the day.

Dogs are popular animals as pets and loyal companions. But how do dogs see the world? In general, dogs have less acute vision than humans, but they have a greater ability to detect movement and dim light.

According to Dr. Gary Weitzman, President of the San Diego Humane Society, "Dogs have much more blurry vision than humans, but can detect movement at a much greater distance than we can." He also points out that dogs have greater sensitivity to dim light, which allows them to see better in low-light conditions.

In addition, dogs have limited color vision. While humans can distinguish between a wide variety of colors, dogs can only see shades of blue, yellow, and gray. According to Dr. Weitzman, "Dogs can see some colors, but not the same ones as humans. Objects that are bright colors for us, such as red or orange, appear very washed out to dogs."

Dogs' vision is also designed to adapt to their lifestyle. As natural predators, dogs have a very wide peripheral vision, which allows them to detect potential prey at a wide angle of view. They also have a greater depth of field, allowing them to focus on objects at different distances with ease.

In conclusion, while dogs have a different vision than humans, their vision is perfectly adapted to their lifestyle and needs as animals. As pet owners, it is important to consider how our furry friends see the world and adapt our behavior accordingly. And while we may not be able to experience the world exactly as our canine friends do, we can still enjoy their company and unconditional love in all ways.

Reference: 

Weitzman, G. (2017). What Do Dogs See? Retrieved from https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/what-do-dogs-see

Dr. Zeyad Zaben

Optometrist, Spain