Introduction
A blue night light is a small light that emits a soft blue glow, which dog owners often leave on for their dogs during the night. The intended use of blue night lights for dogs is to provide a sense of comfort and security for anxious or restless canines while their humans are asleep. The blue color is thought to have a calming effect. These lights are sometimes referred to as “doggy night lights” and allow dogs that experience separation anxiety or have trouble settling at night to relax in a darker environment. Blue night lights for dogs are designed to be an alternative to leaving bright overhead lights or lamps on, which can disrupt sleep. The dim glow of the blue bulbs is gentle enough to not fully illuminate a room but still provide enough light for dogs to see if they stir or get up during the night.
Potential Benefits
A night light can provide comfort and security for dogs, especially senior dogs or those with medical conditions like blindness or dementia. The soft glow gives them assurance and helps them navigate at night. According to Säker Canine on their PitchBlack Night Light product page, the light helps dogs who experience disorientation or anxiety. On Reddit, a user asked about using a night light for their senior dog experiencing night blindness and received positive feedback saying it was a good idea and lights around the house help dogs navigate (source). The redditors suggested motion sensor lights as well.
Potential Concerns
One potential issue with using a blue night light for dogs is that it can disrupt their natural sleep cycles by suppressing melatonin production. Melatonin is a hormone that helps regulate sleep and wake cycles. Exposure to blue light at night has been shown to decrease melatonin levels in both humans and animals. According to research from Irristech, “Too much Blue Light at bedtime can cause insomnia by suppressing melatonin production in the body. Too little melatonin may be the reason for disrupted sleep.”
A post on Reddit from a dog owner provides some anecdotal evidence of this effect. They stated that after using a blue night light to calm their anxious dog, “she started waking up very early – like 5am early when she used to sleep until at least 7 before.” They believe the blue light was disrupting her sleep cycles by inhibiting melatonin production (source).
While blue light may have some calming properties for anxious dogs in the short term, the disruption of normal circadian rhythms and sleep cycles could have negative impacts on their health and behavior over time. Dog owners should weigh these potential risks before using blue lights, especially overnight.
Impact on Vision
While dogs see less vibrant colors than humans do, they are still sensitive to variations in wavelengths of light1. Blue light, which has shorter wavelengths than other colors, can potentially impact their vision over time. Dogs have more rods than cones in their eyes, which means they excel at seeing in low light but are not as adept at seeing color2. Blue light wavelengths can overwork a dog’s rods and damage their night vision. This is why veterinarians recommend avoiding blue lights at night for dogs.
Alternatives
Many experts recommend using red or amber LED night lights for dogs rather than blue lights. According to darklessled.com, amber lights provide a calming atmosphere for dogs and are less likely to cause eye strain or sleep disturbances. The red/amber wavelengths are easier on a dog’s eyes and can help promote restful sleep.
As noted on Quora, yellow, amber, and green LED lights are typically better options for dogs, while blue lights can disrupt their circadian rhythms and sleep cycles. So when choosing an LED night light for your dog, look for a bulb or fixture with red, amber, yellow, or green lighting rather than blue.
Breed Differences
Certain dog breeds are more prone to light sensitivity than others due to their eye color, coat color, or underlying health conditions. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, breeds with light-colored eyes such as Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes are more prone to photosensitization and light sensitivity (https://www.merckvetmanual.com/dog-owners/skin-disorders-of-dogs/photosensitization-in-dogs). Light-colored coats, especially white or light gray, can also increase light sensitivity. Additionally, breeds prone to eye issues like glaucoma or cataracts may be more bothered by light sources.
Herding breeds like Collies and Shetland Sheepdogs are predisposed to a condition called Collie Eye Anomaly that can cause vision problems and light sensitivity. Nordic breeds like Siberian Huskies are more prone to issues like corneal dystrophy and uveitis which can also increase light sensitivity (https://dogdiscoveries.com/health/photophobia-dog-eyes-sensitive-to-light). Being aware of your dog’s breed can help determine if they may be more prone to reacting negatively to bright light sources.
Age Differences
Puppies and senior dogs can have different reactions to blue night lights. Puppies are still developing their vision and sleep patterns, so blue light at night may disrupt their development. According to Blue Buffalo, puppies need proper nutrition and sleep to support healthy growth. Blue light at night can inhibit melatonin production and make it harder for puppies to sleep.
Senior dogs may also be more sensitive to blue light due to age-related vision changes. As dogs age, their lenses gradually become more yellow which can make blue light appear brighter. Senior dogs may have a harder time sleeping with a blue night light. According to Multi Radiance Medical, blue light wavelengths are more visible as animals age. It’s best to avoid blue lights at night around senior dogs.
Amount of Light
The brightness and distance of the light from your dog are important factors to consider. According to Should You Leave a Light on for Your Dog in the Night?, overly bright lights, especially those shining directly into your dog’s eyes, can disrupt their sleep and cause eye strain. Dimmer lights that provide a soft glow are recommended.
Ideally, blue night lights should be placed at a distance from where your dog sleeps and angled away from their direct line of sight. Using a low-wattage bulb also reduces brightness. Placing the light low to the ground can help minimize glare. The goal is providing enough light for your dog to feel comfortable without being too harsh or disruptive to their sleep.
Owner Testimonials
Many owners report noticing positive changes after getting a blue night light for their dogs. Susan K. said, “I got a blue bulb for my anxious pup and she seems much calmer at night now. She settles into her crate easier and doesn’t whine as much.”
James R. shared, “Since getting a blue night light, my senior dog seems more relaxed if he needs to get up to pee during the night. He can see enough without being blinded by a bright light suddenly turning on.”
Amy G. wrote, “I love using a blue bulb in my puppy’s room. It provides just enough light for her without stimulating her too much. She sleeps through the night now!”
Mark D. commented, “My high-strung husky does so much better with a blue nightlight instead of total darkness. He used to cry and howl but now seems comforted being able to see at night.”
Overall, many owners find blue night lights help create a calming environment for their dogs at night. The soft blue glow seems to reduce anxiety and allow them to sleep peacefully.
Summary
To recap, while the benefits of a blue night light for dogs such as calming anxiety and creating a routine are appealing, the potential risks of eye damage and disrupted circadian rhythms likely outweigh the rewards. However, there are some safer alternatives that provide many of the same perks. The amount of light exposure, dog’s age, and breed may also factor into the level of risk. Overall, it’s probably best to avoid blue night lights for dogs whenever possible. Creating a calming routine without artificial light is ideal. If using a night light, opt for a dimmer red/amber bulb placed far from your dog’s sleeping area. Be especially cautious with puppies and breeds prone to eye issues. While some individual dogs seem unaffected, the research indicates you should err on the side of caution when it comes to your dog’s eye health.