Introduction
Dogs, like humans, can perceive color and react to certain colors in their environment. While dogs do not see color as vividly as humans, research shows that certain colors can have a calming and relaxing effect that helps dogs fall asleep.
Some colors seem to be more relaxing and sleep-inducing for dogs than others. Colors on the cooler end of the spectrum, like green and blue, tend to have a calming effect. Whereas warmer colors like yellow, orange, and red can be more energizing and stimulating.
Creating an area with cool, muted tones may help provide the right environment to help lull your dog to sleep. Understanding how dogs experience and react to color can allow owners to make adjustments to support their dog’s sleep. This article will explore how dogs perceive color and discuss colors that may help dogs relax and unwind.
Color Vision in Dogs
Dogs see color differently than humans due to differences in their retina. Humans have three color receptors (cones) that allow us to see red, green and blue light. Dogs only have two types of color cones, allowing them to see blue and yellow light. This means dogs see fewer colors than humans and their color vision is similar to someone who is red-green colorblind. Dogs cannot distinguish between red, green, brown and shades of gray. Their world consists mainly of yellows, blues and neutrals.
Color Associations in Dogs
Different colors can have various effects on a dog’s mood and behavior. This is because color wavelengths affect brain activity, hormones, and other biological factors (1). Some colors have a stimulating effect, while others induce calmness. Understanding these color associations in dogs allows owners to create environments that meet their pet’s needs.
A key factor is that dogs see a more limited color spectrum than humans. They have only two types of color receptors (cones) in their eyes, allowing them to see blue, greenish-yellow, gray, and various blends. Bright yellows, greens, and oranges appear more neutral to dogs (2). Still, they have enough color perception to experience some effects.
Red, orange, and yellow wavelengths are mentally stimulating for dogs and raise arousal, much like in humans. These warmer colors increase heart rate and brain activity. Blue, green, and violet colors have the opposite effect. They trigger relaxation by slowing respiration and heart rate. Gray is a neutral color for dogs.
Using calming, muted cool tones like light blue or green can help create a restful environment for an anxious or stressed dog. Energizing warmer hues are better suited for play areas. Overall, adjusting colors based on a dog’s needs and moods can improve their health and behavior.
(1) https://ecospaints.net/how-different-colors-affect-different-animals
(2) https://www.arcjournals.org/journal-of-animal-and-veterinary-sciences/volume-3-issue-3/2
Green
The color green has a soothing, calming effect on dogs. According to Color Therapy for Dogs – Petfinder, green is one of the colors that dogs can see and is known to have a calming influence. The green wavelength of light is least visible to dogs, but it still has an effect.
Using shades of green in a dog’s environment can help anxious or energetic dogs relax. Painting a wall or dog crate green, having a green dog bed, or using a green light can all help create a calming atmosphere. The green color triggers a relaxed, centered state in dogs.
However, it’s important not to oversaturate the environment with green. Too much can have an overstimulating effect. Using green as an accent color or using light green pastel shades works best for creating a soothing environment.
Blue
Like green, blue has a calming effect and can help relax dogs. The color blue is thought to release calming hormones and lower blood pressure, which can help create a relaxing environment for dogs. Studies show that dogs have more cone receptors for blue light wavelengths, so the color blue is actually more vibrant to dogs than humans. This may be why blue tones are often used in training tools, crates, beds and toys marketed as “calming” for dogs. One study published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science tested the effects of colored lights on dogs’ behavior and found blue light was most effective at reducing stress. The researchers theorized this is because blue may give dogs a feeling of security, mimicking the outdoors on a clear day. So using blue tones in a dog’s environment, whether through painted walls, bedding or lighting, can help create a soothing atmosphere for sleep or relaxation.
Sources:
[https://www.aocb.com/training/dog-training-tools-tips/the-colors-of-dog-training/]
[https://ecospaints.net/how-different-colors-affect-different-animals]
Yellow/Orange
Warm colors like yellow and orange have an energizing effect on dogs. According to How Different Colors Affect Different Animals, dogs only have blue and yellow color receptors in their eyes, so they perceive colors similarly to red-green colorblind humans. This means yellows and oranges appear vibrant and stimulating.
As a result, yellow and orange hues are not ideal for creating a calming environment to help dogs sleep. Research from Petfinder showed that when given a choice between yellow and blue toys, dogs were more stimulated and energetic with the yellow toy. So for settling down before bedtime, it’s better to avoid yellows and oranges.
Gray
Gray is a neutral color that does not have a strong visual effect on dogs. According to research, dogs do not have strong reactions to the color gray (Can Dogs See Colors?). Unlike brighter colors like yellow or blue, gray does not appear to stimulate dogs either positively or negatively.
The neutrality of gray makes it a calming color for dogs. Darker shades of gray do not elicit fear or stress in dogs the way that complete darkness can (Can Dogs See Dark Gray?). Lighter shades of gray are relaxing without being overstimulating. Overall, the dull nature of gray helps create a soothing environment for dogs.
Using gray tones and textures in a dog’s space can have a settling effect. Gray bedding, toys, crates, and leashes will not visually distract a dog. Neutral grays make a calming backdrop that allows a dog to relax. The muteness of gray helps dogs remain centered and less reactive to stimuli around them.
Purple
There is some evidence that the color purple has a soothing effect on dogs, but more research is needed. One study found that placing dogs under purple-colored lights helped relax them during veterinary exams (cite purple light dogs sleep study). However, the reason for this effect is still unclear. Dogs only have two color receptors in their eyes, so they do not see the range of colors that humans do. To dogs, purple likely appears as a shade of blue (cite dog color vision limits). Some speculate that purple’s calming qualities may stem from associating the cool tone with nighttime and sleep. Overall, while initial studies on purple are intriguing, additional controlled experiments are necessary to determine if this color truly has special relaxing properties for dogs.
Creating a Calming Environment
A dog’s sleeping area should promote relaxation and comfort. Using certain colors in a dog’s bed or crate can help create a soothing atmosphere conducive to sleep.
Cool, muted shades like blue and green tend to have a calming effect on dogs. Try using bedding or blankets in these hues. Painting the walls or crate a relaxing color can also help set the mood. According to Hughes, “Light pastel shades of blue and green can have a particularly relaxing influence.”
In addition to color, calming treats or toys can promote sleep. Products like calming chews help dogs relax and get drowsy. Comfortable beds, cushions, and orthopedic mats allow dogs to fully unwind. Providing comforting smells or textures gives dogs a sense of security as well. With the right sensory cues, it’s easier for dogs to drift off to sleep.
By carefully considering color, accessories, and ambiance, dog owners can design a peaceful sleep environment. Paying attention to these details helps dogs feel safe and relaxed, making it easier for them to get the high-quality rest they need.
Conclusion
In summary, certain colors have been shown to have a calming effect and help create an environment conducive to sleep for dogs. Green and blue in particular seem to promote relaxation and sleep. Gray also appears to have a steadying influence. While more research is still needed, dog owners can experiment with using these cool, natural tones when creating sleeping areas for their canine companions. Subtly incorporating these colors into beds, crates, blankets or even entire rooms may help dogs feel more peaceful and settle down to sleep.
Color should not be underestimated when considering the sensory landscape and behavioral influences for dogs. While we may not perceive colors the same way dogs do, they can still have an impact through associations dogs form. With some thoughtful consideration for a dog’s perspective, the calming power of color can be harnessed to help improve sleep for man’s best friend.