Can Dogs Watch TV?
It’s happened to most dog owners – you glance over mid-Netflix episode to see your dog staring intently at the TV, and you wonder, “are they really watching this?” The answer is slightly complicated! Read on to find out more about your dog’s TV habits and how you can make watching TV more enjoyable for your furry friend.
Why Your Dog is Barking at the TV
If your dog seems to be barking at another dog on the television, the disappointing explanation is that they may just be responding to lots of sounds in their environment. Barking can occur as a reaction to loud sounds. Other possible explanations are that your dog has seen some sort of movement on the TV and is investigating whether it’s a fellow furry friend. If they don’t get a bark in response, they may assume it’s not another dog and give up.
What Is My Dog Seeing on TV?
Dogs have great senses of smell, but their vision is not quite as impressive. When your dog is watching television, they’re only seeing static images in shades of yellow and blue. This doesn’t sound very entertaining to us! However, your dog’s brain is wired to process certain forms of motion that they associate with other dogs. If they see a horse galloping or a dog running onscreen, circuits in their brain will fire, alerting them to the possibility that there is another dog nearby. This could grab your dog’s attention and could very well be why they look glued to the screen!
Dog-Friendly TV
DogTV is a dog-friendly television provider that produces content designed with your canine companion in mind! If you’re unsure exactly what your dog would like to watch, pay attention to what your dog reacts to. If they seem to perk up when the mailman arrives but cower away from the vacuum, you can filter the content your dog watches accordingly. DogTV is designed to soothe your dog’s anxieties and gradually train them to handle upsetting sounds and situations. It could also be a great way to minimize feelings of loneliness while you’re away!
No Couch Potatoes Here!
Unlike humans, dogs are unlikely to enjoy binge-watching television. While it may keep them occupied for a short period of time, dogs are incredibly social creatures! They will likely seek out other forms of entertainment. Remember that your dog needs plenty of exercise to stay healthy! There are also plenty of other ways to keep their mind sharp. Try to avoid spending too much time with them on the couch.
While your dog may not see much onscreen, dog-friendly television could be a great option to help them deal with anxiety and stress. If your dog shows no interest in television, don’t fret! They probably just enjoy a more active form of mental stimulation. Quite frankly, we should follow our dog’s’ examples and get off of our couches every so often, too!