If you turn on the TV for your pet to watch when you’re not at home, you’re in good company. According to a 2021 study of pet parents by Rover, nearly 80% of dog parents say they keep their TV or streaming device on for their dog when they leave their home. In fact, the practice has become so commonplace that there are now multiple streaming TV shows and channels on platforms like YouTube and Roku that are made specifically for dogs to watch.
But can dogs even see television and process what’s happening on the screen? Are there any drawbacks pet parents should be aware of? We spoke to an expert about whether television for dogs is a good idea, plus what we know about pets and their TV habits.
What Can Dogs See When They Watch TV?
Can dogs see TV? Yes, but a dog’s vision is likely blurrier and more limited in colour, Iram Gladan, a DVM and writer for Breed Atlas, told Rover.
“When dogs watch TV, they’re mostly seeing moving shapes and some colours, like lots of blues and yellows. They can recognise animals and quick movements, but the picture is not as clear as what we see,” she explained.
Dogs are also red and green colourblind, so those colours would likely come across as grey to them. However, what dogs lack in colour vision, they make up for it with a superior ability to detect motion.
They have “a higher flicker fusion rate (around 70-80 frames per second), which means they can pick up on quick movements that we might miss,” Dr Gladan explained. “Sounds play a big role too; barking dogs, meowing cats, and other familiar noises on TV can grab their attention.”
Do Dogs Like Watching Television?
“Absolutely, some dogs do enjoy watching TV,” said Dr Gladan. “They’re naturally drawn to motion, so when they see animals or fast-moving objects on the screen, it can definitely capture their attention.”
Although every dog has a distinctive and individual personality, it’s possible that some breeds may be more drawn to TV than others.
“Herding breeds like Border Collies and Australian Shepherds, who are all about movement, might find the action on the screen fascinating. Guarding breeds such as German Shepherds and Rottweilers, always on alert, might also enjoy keeping an eye on the TV. And let’s not forget sight hounds like Greyhounds and Whippets. They rely heavily on their vision, so they might be more inclined to watch TV than other dogs,” added Dr Gladan.
Keep in mind that, regardless of breed, not every dog will care for TV, no matter how stimulating the show might be.
“Just like us, every dog is different. Some dogs might be couch potatoes, while others might not give the TV a second glance,” said Dr Gladan.
Are There Any Drawbacks To Putting TV On for Dogs?
Turning on videos for dogs to watch while you’re away can provide several benefits, said Dr Gladan.
“It can [give] much-needed mental stimulation and entertainment, especially if your dog is home alone for a while. There are even programs designed specifically for dogs, with calming music and visuals that can help reduce anxiety.”
However, Dr Gladan cautioned that it’s important to monitor your pet’s reaction to TV and watch for any signs of sensory overload.
“Some dogs might get overstimulated or anxious with too much TV time. And of course, TV should never replace good old-fashioned playtime and exercise. Your pup still needs plenty of interaction and physical activity to stay happy and healthy,” she added.
Ирина Мещерякова via iStock
Dog TV Channels & Shows for Your Couch Pup-tato
Looking for television shows to play for your dog? Check out these streaming dog TV shows and dog TV channels:
- DOGTV: from relaxing videos to stimulating ones, DOGTV’s programming has dog videos for every type of pup interest and every mood
- Happy Dog TV: available on Roku, this dog television channel aims to relax dogs with videos filmed from a dog’s viewpoint that are accompanied by music and sounds
- Paul Dinning: while this YouTube content creator caters to cats, his channel also provides an assortment of shows for dogs to watch, including ‘virtual dog walk’ videos that will make your pet feel like they’re out for a walk when they watch them
- Animal Planet: from the Puppy Bowl to shows about wild animals, Animal Planet’s content is a top pick for lots of dogs
- Healing Mate – Dog Music: this YouTube channel presents relaxing music for dogs against a background of snoozing dog images, making it a great option for dogs who need less stimulating visuals to watch
Other activities to consider
If your dog isn’t into TV, you may want to consider other options when you leave the house. Puzzle toys, especially treat-dispensing ones, can be a great distraction for bored pups. Or, if you find that your dog is triggered by sounds outside the home, white noise machines can also help minimise noises that might otherwise attract your dog’s attention in a quiet space. For dogs with separation anxiety, calming toys that promote relaxation are a great option to try.
Remember: watching TV could be entertaining for your dog, but every pet is unique. Ultimately, TV doesn’t replace exercise or companionship. Even one check-in or walk during the day = a happier and more relaxed dog. In the interim, a little doggy-themed programming might not hurt.
