- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Have you ever tried to FaceTime your dog while you’re away, only to wonder if they actually see you on the screen? Whether you’re checking in during a trip or trying to introduce them to a friend over video, you’ve probably asked yourself: Can dogs really see phone or TV screens?
In this article, we’ll break down how dogs perceive digital screens, including their ability to recognize images and respond to your voice. We’ll also explore how their vision differs from ours and what that means for virtual interactions. Plus, we’ll hear from Dr. Theresa Fossum, a board-certified veterinary surgeon and CEO and Founder of Dr. Fossum’s Pet Care, to understand how you can make bonding moments with your dog more meaningful, even through a screen.
Can Dogs See Phone Screens?
Dogs can see phone screens—but they’re likely to have a hard time picking out a face on one.
That’s because a dog’s vision is built differently, which affects how they perceive digital images. Their eyes are more attuned to motion. In fact, dogs take in visual information at least 25% faster than humans do. According to Dr. Stanley Coren, the problem is this higher flicker sensitivity renders dogs unable to pick out specific images in all those shifts in brightness and movement on the screen.
“Phone screens may appear blurry or lack the definition needed for dogs to recognize specific images, especially because screens refresh at a rate that’s not as suited to their visual processing,” explains Dr. Fossum.
So, while your pup can detect movement on your phone during a video call, they might not clearly recognize who’s on screen. They can, however, recognize your face in person, according to a study published in the journal Animal Cognition.
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Dogs can detect movement, but probably not faces on a screen. LightFieldStudios via iStock
TV screens versus phone screens
When it comes to whether or not dogs can recognize faces on a smartphone or TV screen, size matters. Some dogs can recognize images on television, especially a large, high-definition set.
“TV screens, especially larger ones, refresh more slowly and may provide clearer visuals for dogs,” says Dr. Fossum. But phone and tablet screens are much smaller, and the images are much more compressed.
Dogs’ eyesight evolved for hunting, so they’re better at seeing movement from a distance, and they have strong peripheral vision. In other words, they’re good at catching the basic, big-picture idea of the object or scene in front of them. The bigger the screen, the better the odds your dog can spot a face on it.
Signs your dog is recognizing you on a screen
Signs that your dog is seeing you—or at least hearing you and recognizing your voice—could include tail wagging, perked ears, excitement, tilting their head, or direct eye contact with the screen.
On the other hand, if they seem confused, uninterested, or don’t react at all, they may not be making the connection.
Do Dogs Recognize Voices Over the Phone?
There’s good evidence that dogs can recognize voices over the phone. “Their strong sense of hearing allows them to pick up on familiar tones and vocal patterns, even when transmitted through a phone,” says Dr. Fossum.
However, the way sound is transmitted through a phone can distort frequencies and make it harder for dogs to recognize who’s speaking. Phones often lose certain high or low frequencies, which means the voice might not sound exactly like it does in real life.
Additionally, without the familiar context of their environment—such as your scent or physical presence—your dog may struggle to connect the voice with their memory of you.
Of course, on-screen and audio recognition can vary from dog to dog. Some dog sitters swear their canine clients perk up when they hear their owner’s voice over the phone! It all depends on the technology and the specific dog.
Interestingly, studies show that dogs recognize individual voices and are far more responsive to tone of voice than specific words. So if you call your dog on the phone, remember to use a happy, positive tone.
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Dogs use tone, pitch, and frequency to identify voices. whyframestudio via iStock
Can Dogs Recognize Us in Photos?
Research suggests that dogs can recognize familiar people in photographs. A recent study tested this with 12 Beagles. Each dog was assigned a handler who worked with them for two hours daily over six months. Afterward, they were given a visual test to distinguish between their handler’s face and a stranger’s in a photo. The result? The dogs correctly identified their handler’s face 88% of the time.
That said, dogs rely heavily on their sense of smell to recognize people and animals, so a static photo doesn’t provide all the usual cues they use for identification.
Additionally, dogs can only see a limited range of colors compared to humans. While we perceive a full spectrum of colors thanks to three types of color receptors (cones) in our eyes, dogs only have two types of cones. This means they see the world primarily in shades of blue and yellow, but they can’t distinguish between red and green. So your pup might have a hard time recognizing you in a super vibrant and colorful photograph.
What’s the Best Way To Stay in Touch With a Dog Long-Distance?
So if phone or video calls aren’t doing the trick, what’s the best way to let your dog know you’re still thinking of them when you’re away?
Leave behind something that smells like you
A well-worn T-shirt or blanket can provide comfort and remind them of you even when you’re miles away. It’s like giving them a cozy, long-distance hug. You can ask your dog’s caretakers to bring out the blanket or piece of clothing when your pup needs a little extra reassurance.
Give your dog some interactive toys or treat-dispensing gadgets
Some devices let you talk to your dog remotely and even toss them treats! You could also leave behind some favorite toys or new puzzle games that will keep them busy and mentally stimulated while you’re gone.
Exchange photos or voice messages
You might not be able to cuddle them yourself, but seeing them happy and well cared for can help you feel more connected. Plus, you can send back pictures or voice recordings to keep the bond strong. “Regular phone calls or messages where your dog can hear your voice might help ease separation anxiety while you’re away,” says Dr. Fossum.
