Does TV overstimulate dogs?
Tess Renner
2025-05-18 12:12:03
Count answers: 2
Dogs absolutely can see TV, and many seem to enjoy it. There are a number of features about television shows that dogs find attractive. Some of these are visual, such as motion, while others relate to the sounds coming from the TV. Dogs also have more rods in their eyes than people, which means that dogs see very well in the dark and are very sensitive to motion. Dogs will also perceive the image itself differently, especially on older TVs, humans don’t notice any flickering of images if the screen refresh rate is faster than 55 hertz, however, dogs have better motion perception—they will see flickers up to 75 hertz. So, if we are watching an average TV show at 60 hertz, it will look smooth to us, but the image will appear to flicker for dogs. Fortunately, newer TVs are refreshed at a higher rate, and laptops and desktops have higher refresh rates, so not only do we enjoy a better picture, but so do our pups. Dogs do often respond to the sounds made by animals on TV, and this clearly communicates information to them, even across species lines. So it might be wise to avoid shows involving distressed animals when your dog is sharing screen time.
Dustin Bechtelar
2025-05-18 11:19:56
Count answers: 3
Studies suggest that you can turn the TV on to help your dog settle down and relax when they’re over-stimulated. Of course, you’ll want to avoid turning on an action movie. A soothing nature documentary, like Planet Earth, works much better. Every dog owner knows that utter chaos ensues when their pets get a little too much stimulation. Dogs need mental stimulation just as much as they need physical exercise. Leaving the TV on for your dog while you’re at work or out running errands gives them something to focus on while you’re away. Put yourself in your dog’s shoes; wouldn’t you rather have the TV on than sit at home in silence.
Austyn Bartell
2025-05-18 08:20:46
Count answers: 1
Dogs do not watch TV in the same way as we do – a box-set binge means sofa time with their favourite person rather than catching up on the latest hit drama. Movement on screen can be detected by dogs and there are plenty of reports of dogs watching and reacting to moving animals, cars or other objects on TV. For breeds and types that are stimulated by chasing objects, movement on TV can create interest and perhaps even activity – you might want to be careful about what is around your TV though, just in case your dog’s interest becomes more animated. Dogs have very sensitive hearing. They are adept at orienting themselves to the origin of sounds. Certain noises and frequencies will also either excite or soothe our dogs – my own spaniels react excitedly to the sound of pheasant calls common in TV period dramas. Having a radio or TV on can give the impression of “normality” and a presence in the home, which can be reassuring. Dogs who are physically and mentally stimulated tend to be happier, better behaved and have better relationships with us. By making their world an interesting and enriching place, with opportunities to learn about the world and make positive associations with sights and sounds, we can help them relax and reduce any anxiety which life may bring. Another common method is to leave on the radio or TV for your dog when they are alone, to minimise disturbances from outside.
Edwin Langworth
2025-05-18 07:17:43
Count answers: 3
While it’s generally OK for dogs to watch television, the colors, sounds and content can make some dogs feel anxious. Sounds from the TV can also overstimulate your pet. For example, some dogs listen to, rather than watch, the television, and if there’s a loud noise or dog barking, it could make them anxious. Sometimes overstimulation can cause pups to lunge or jump at the television and may result in injuries, Dr. McCullough says. Pups process images much faster than humans, too, so instead of seeing the true image, television often looks like random flickering, bright movements. When it comes to colors, Dr. McCullough explains that dogs only see in yellow, blue and green — so certain shows could be either boring or confusing to them as they can’t differentiate shades. Dogs may react differently to different types of shows, and pet parents should watch their pet closely when evaluating whether their pet should watch TV. Signs that dogs may not enjoy TV are if they leave the room when the TV is on or actively avoid it, appear stressed and lunge or jump at the TV.
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