Animals, even domesticated animals, rely on a whole different set of features than humans do. While humans may have used to rely on their senses more, animals always do. Nowhere is this more important than in many different animals having their night vision. A dog’s night vision is very important to them, as they use it to defend their property as well as perform their everyday function. Continue reading to learn more about how good your dog’s night vision really is.
How do dogs use night vision?
Night vision for dogs is incredibly important, as they spend many hours awake in the darkness. While domesticated indoor dogs do not require their night vision anywhere near as much as outside dogs do, it is still very important for their functions. Dogs are very reliant on their night vision for the tasks that they are instinctively going to perform. For most species of dogs, and especially outside dogs at night, this means keeping an eye on the property. If a dog cannot see what other creatures or animals are approaching your yard, it will not be alerted in time, which is why they rely on its night vision so heavily. In addition to more serious uses of night vision, dogs also need it to simply navigate around your yard and home in the darkness.
How good is a dog’s night vision?
This question can be answered in a variety of ways, depending on various factors at play. One important factor in this question would be the age of the dog. If your dog is getting older, its night vision is likely not what it once was, and could be steadily decreasing. In addition to night vision, a dog’s normal vision also tends to start slipping with age. Beyond the age factor, one other important factor is your dog’s species, as each species of dog has certain genetics that lends better to night vision or other biological traits. As a general rule of thumb, however, dogs can see much better during the night than humans can. While they may not have the strongest night vision in the animal kingdom, they do have very good night vision.
How can you tell if a dog’s night vision is getting worse?
Since your dog likely has great night vision, to begin with, you may be concerned that it might start slipping in the future. While this seems very dangerous to your pet’s health, your dog would likely adapt to it fairly quickly. One thing to be aware of is that when your dog begins experiencing night vision problems, this could also be pointing to a problem with your dog’s normal vision as well. With that being said, there are some important ways in which you can spot the problems sooner rather than later, which can be beneficial for your dog’s long-term vision health.
One of the ways that you can tell if your dog’s night vision is declining is if they start hesitating to go outside when it is dark. This is not so much fear on their part as it is uncomfortable since they cannot see as well. There are some symptoms that you can be on the lookout for that could point to night vision decline, as well as normal vision decline. If your dog’s eyes are cloudy, inflamed, or discolored, this is a big warning sign. Another very obvious symptom of a dog’s vision declining is if they begin bumping into things and become more clumsy than normal. If you notice any of these signs, it might not be a bad idea to take your dog to the vet.
What should I do if my dog has vision problems?
No matter whether your dog is experiencing problems with its night vision abilities or its normal vision, you are likely very concerned. It is important to begin looking for a vet that you can trust to take care of your pet’s problems. You might begin by typing into a search, “vet near me for dogs”, or something similar. This can give you local options for your dog’s eye care. There are some important factors that you can use to help you select the proper vet. Many people are most interested in the location of the vet office, as well as the price. Some people opt for a closer, more affordable option, whereas others might want to spend more at a pet hospital or similar establishment. Either way, you can rest assured that you are providing your dog with the eye care it needs.
