What is a Dog Vision Filter for TV?
A dog vision filter for TV is a setting or feature that adjusts the colors, contrast, and brightness displayed on a television screen to approximate how dogs see the world. Dogs have dichromatic vision, meaning they see primarily in blue and yellow hues, whereas humans have trichromatic vision and can perceive red, green, and blue light. This means dogs see fewer colors than humans, and their color vision is shifted towards blues and yellows compared to what we see.
Dog vision filters work by shifting the colors on a TV to be more blue and yellow dominated, and increasing contrast, which dogs are more sensitive to. This helps compensate for dogs’ limited color perception and makes what’s on screen more discernible and engaging for canine viewers. The filter settings may be built into new smart TVs designed with pet owners in mind, or available as an add-on accessory or app that works with existing TVs to apply a dog vision overlay to the video output.
Using a dog vision filter allows owners to choose shows, movies, or other content to watch ‘with’ their pet. The altered colors and enhanced contrast helps dogs better see what’s happening on screen, keeps their interest, and creates a shared viewing experience between owner and pet. It’s a way technology can be used to strengthen the human-animal bond through a mutual activity like TV watching.
https://www.tiktok.com/@susanxl/video/7308747419699744002″>Shopping for dog toys with the dog vision filter so I can pick
How Does Dog Vision Differ from Human Vision?
There are several key differences between human and dog vision:
Color perception – Dogs are essentially red-green color blind compared to humans. They have only two types of color receptors (or cone cells) in their eyes, allowing them to see blue and yellow shades. Humans have three types of cone cells, permitting us to also see red and green hues. This means dogs see a more limited color spectrum.
Field of view – Dogs have a much wider field of view spanning around 250-270 degrees. Humans have a field of view of around 180 degrees. This allows dogs to more easily detect motion and objects beside and behind them without having to turn their heads like humans.
Visual acuity – Humans with perfect vision can make out clear details at distances over 50 yards away. Dogs generally have visual clarity up to around 20/75 vision. Their eyes are better adapted for detecting motion and changes in light than discerning fine details and static objects.
Low light vision – Dogs see better than humans in low light due to a reflective tissue layer behind their retinas that allows more light to reach photoreceptor cells. Their vision is monochromatic rather than color in very low light conditions.
Motion detection – Dogs excel at detecting and tracking movement due to a higher proportion of rod photoreceptor cells which are more sensitive to changes in light. This contributes to their ability to chase and catch moving objects.
Why Use a Dog Vision Filter for Your TV?
Using a dog vision filter when your dog is watching TV can provide several benefits. According to a viral TikTok video that uses a dog vision filter, dogs see the world very differently than humans do (https://www.tiktok.com/@coffeeismyonlyvice/video/7238991714214513966?lang=en). Their vision is dominated by blues and yellows, while other colors are muted. Applying a dog vision filter to your TV can enhance the visual clarity for dogs and reduce eye strain by boosting the colors they see best.
Additionally, viewing TV through a specialized dog vision filter allows for more mental stimulation and enrichment for dogs. They are better able to perceive what is happening on screen, making watching TV more engaging and entertaining. The improved visuals can help hold their attention for longer. An enriched viewing experience provides dogs with needed mental exercise when they are relaxing at home.
Overall, using a filter optimized for dog vision allows dogs to get the most out of watching TV. Their improved visual perception and mental engagement makes for quality bonding time between owners and pets.
Examples of Dog Vision Filters
There are a few popular dog vision filter products and apps on the market today that allow you to see TV and videos as your dog sees them. Here are some examples:
DogVision
DogVision (https://dogvision.app/) is an app created by veterinary professors at the University of Helsinki that applies a dog vision simulation filter to videos and photos. According to the creators, it adjusts colors, reduces frame rates, and adds blurriness based on academic research on canine vision. Key features include options to adjust settings like color blindness and level of visual acuity.
TikTok Dog Filter
TikTok introduced a popular augmented reality dog filter in 2022 that shows you what your videos would look like to a dog (https://www.tiktok.com/@coffeeismyonlyvice/video/7238991714214513966?lang=en). It converts colors to shades of blue and yellow, reduces quality, and adds a vignette effect around the edges. The filter went viral as many realized how drastically different dog vision is.
Snapchat Dog Lens
Snapchat offers a dog lens that overlays a dog nose, ears and eyes on your face and modifies colors to mimic canine vision. Similar to the TikTok filter, it shows how dogs see fewer colors and details. The lens is popular for letting users get a first-hand immersive view of how their dogs perceive the world (https://www.newsweek.com/dog-vision-color-blind-viral-tiktok-filter-1804575).
How to Set Up and Use a Dog Vision Filter
Setting up a dog vision filter on your TV is a straightforward process. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- First, make sure your TV is compatible with custom filters. Most smart TVs have options to adjust color settings and enable specialty modes. Check your TV’s menu and settings.
- Next, determine if you need a standalone dog vision filter app or if your TV has a built-in dog vision mode. Apps like Dog Vision Plus can be downloaded directly to many smart TVs. If your TV has a preloaded setting, enable the “Dog Mode” in your picture settings.
- Adjust the filter settings for color and brightness. Dog vision filters typically shift colors to shades of blue and yellow and boost contrast. Adjust these settings so the picture looks intense and saturated.
- Consider turning off motion smoothing or other video processing. These may distort the dog vision filter graphics. Set your TV to basic, standard picture modes.
- Test the filter with dog-friendly shows! Try animated movies or nature programs with bright colors and contrast. See if your pup responds to the enhanced images.
- Keep an eye on your dog while using the filter. Make sure they don’t get overstimulated or anxious. Take breaks from watching the enhanced picture.
Always supervise your pet when using a dog vision TV filter. Monitor their behavior and adjust settings to their comfort level. With the right precautions, it can be an engaging experience!
For more, see this guide: How to Set Up a Dog Vision Filter on Your TV
Tips for Getting Your Dog to Watch TV
Many dogs are initially indifferent or even wary of television. However, you can train your dog to watch and enjoy TV with some persistence and patience. Here are some recommendations for getting your dog engaged with television:
Start by placing your dog in the room with the TV while it’s on. Keep the volume low and don’t force your dog to watch. Let them adjust to the presence of the TV at their own pace. Have treats or toys on hand to reward any interest in the screen.
Once your dog seems comfortable with the TV being on, try showing engaging content like animals or dog shows. Excite your dog by pointing at the screen and using an enthusiastic tone. Offer treats when they look at the TV.
Gradually increase the volume as your dog gets used to the sounds from the TV. Loud volumes can frighten dogs at first. Keep sessions short at first, then extend viewing time as your dog relaxes.
Make watching TV a positive experience with pets, praise and rewards when your dog pays attention to the screen. This reinforces the behavior. Consider feeding meals near the TV so your dog associates it with something enjoyable.
Avoid punishment or scolding if your dog doesn’t watch at first. Forcing interaction will likely have the opposite effect. Patience and positivity are key to getting your dog engaged.
Once your dog shows consistent interest in TV, you can leave appropriate programs on for them when home alone to provide comfort and distraction.
Best TV Shows and Movies for Dogs
Research suggests that dogs are particularly drawn to shows with other animals, familiar sounds and environments, and movement on screen. Some of the best genres and shows for dogs include:
Nature documentaries – Dogs seem especially interested in watching other animals on screen, like those featured in BBC’s Planet Earth and Blue Planet series. The animal sounds and movements captivate them.
Dog shows – Programs that feature dogs, such as DogTV programs, the Westminster Dog Show, and dog training shows truly get dogs’ attention. They recognize their own kind on screen and want to watch.
Cartoons – Fast-paced cartoons with simple plots, such as Looney Tunes or Tom and Jerry, provide dogs with movement and sounds that grab their interest. The animated characters also appeal to them.
Reality TV – Shows featuring people and pet dogs interacting in real-life settings, like The Dog House or Dogs Behaving Badly, also appeal to dogs with their combination of human and dog stimuli.
Slow TV – Slow, gentle shows with soothing scenery and sounds, like relaxing nature footage, can also capture dogs’ attention and have a calming effect.
Additional Ways to Enrich Your Dog’s Life
Besides watching TV, there are other ways to provide mental enrichment for your dog. Some options include interactive dog puzzle toys, scent work activities, and regular obedience training sessions.
Interactive puzzle toys like the Benebone Wishbone Dog Chew Puzzle encourage dogs to use their intelligence and problem solving skills. As they manipulate the toy to access the treats inside, it provides mental stimulation. Scent work is another great brain game for dogs. You can hide treats around the house or yard and have your dog search for them using their powerful sense of smell.
Training sessions are a form of mental exercise as well. Practicing basic obedience commands keeps your dog engaged and challenged. Consider signing up for a dog training class to work on skills like sit, stay, come, heel, and more. The training will strengthen the bond with your dog and provide much needed mental enrichment.
Signs Your Dog May Have Vision Problems
There are several symptoms that could indicate your dog is having visual difficulties and needs a vet exam. These include:
Bumping into objects or walls, trouble navigating familiar areas. As dogs lose vision, they may have difficulty maneuvering around furniture or through doorways they used to navigate with ease. Sudden clumsiness or bumping into things may signal a visual decline.
Disorientation, appearing lost or confused. Your dog may seem unsure of where they are or have trouble finding food, toys, or their bed. This confusion and disorientation can point to vision issues.
Dilated pupils, cloudy eyes, redness or discharge. Obvious changes to your dog’s eyes like cloudiness, redness, dilated pupils or discharge/tearing can indicate medical issues requiring veterinary attention.
Reluctance to go up/down stairs. If your dog used to take stairs confidently but now seems reluctant or fearful, it may mean they’re having trouble seeing and are hesitant to navigate steps.
Slow reactions to stimuli. If your dog seems slow to react to sounds, thrown toys, or sudden movements in their vicinity, it could be an early sign of declining eyesight.
Changes in behavior like anxiety or clinginess. If your normally confident dog seems anxious or wants to be close to you at all times, this behavioral shift could reflect vision difficulties leaving them insecure about their surroundings.
Excessive sleeping. Dramatic increases in sleep may signal that your dog is having vision issues impacting activity levels or leaving them tired from straining to see.
If you notice any of these signs, schedule a veterinary ophthalmologist exam to determine if your dog is experiencing vision declines or problems with their eyes. Early detection and treatment can often restore or preserve vision.
When to See a Veterinary Ophthalmologist
If you notice any sudden changes or ongoing issues with your dog’s eyes or vision, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment with a veterinary ophthalmologist. Here are some signs that warrant having your dog’s eyes thoroughly examined by a specialist:
- Squinting or excessive blinking
- Redness, swelling, or discharge in the eyes
- Cloudiness or color change in the eye
- Rubbing or pawing at the eyes
- Apparent vision loss or clumsiness
- Dilated pupils or droopy eyelids
- Bumping into objects or hesitation navigating stairs/steps
- Avoidance of bright lights
- Holding head in an unusual position
- Sudden increase in night time activity
Some breeds like Retrievers and Poodles are prone to inherited eye diseases, so it’s especially important to monitor their eye health. Any sudden change in your dog’s vision warrants prompt vet examination to diagnose the cause. Don’t delay – early treatment can help manage many eye conditions and prevent total vision loss in dogs.