Dogs and cats have very similar vision to ours. Vision is the primary sense for dogs and cats, meaning they use it the most. Almost half of their brain is dedicated to processing vision.
Q. Can dogs and cats see color?
Yes! They are able to see color just like us, but they don’t see green as well as we do. Dog and cat eyes have a specialized area of the eye that also allows them to see better at night. In fact, cats can see in 10x less light than we can!
Q. How is pet vision different than ours?
Dogs’ and cats’ vision is very similar to ours, in general. Humans are able to see more detail than dogs and cats, but pets see movement better than humans. This is why dogs can spot squirrels from a long distance. Many dogs and cats are also able to catch objects in the air.
Q. How important is vision for pets?
Pets use their vision every day and rely on this sense more than any other. Although other senses are heightened if a pet is blind, the other senses do not “make up” for vision. Over time, if the environment stays consistent; however, many pets will do very well without vision. Some of this depends on the specific pet.
Q. How can I tell if my pet’s vision is decreased?
Many pets will become less confident in new environments, like the dog park or groomer. They may also sleep more because they don’t feel comfortable venturing out on their own. Pets may stay closer to you throughout the day because it gives them an “orientation.” They may be hesitant in bright or dim light conditions or if the lighting suddenly changes (e.g. “freeze” when the lights are turned off). Some pets will also trip on small objects on the ground or on stairs.
Q. What can I do if my pet’s vision is decreased?
Many conditions causing your pet to have decreased vision are treatable. It’s important to determine the underlying cause of pet vision loss. A full ophthalmic examination with a veterinary ophthalmologist (Dr. Davis) is the best way to do this. After the exam, we will discuss the cause of vision loss and treatment options.
We would love to meet your pets and talk with you about any eye condition your pet may have. Come visit us!
Common Animal Eye Conditions
Below is a list of common animal eye conditions. Click on each topic for more information.
- Abnormal Eyelashes in Dogs
- Cataracts in Dogs
- Corneal Ulcers in Dogs
- Dry Eye Disease in Dogs
- Entropion (Eyelid Rolling) in Dogs
- Glaucoma in Dogs
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) in Dogs
- Common Eye Disorders in Cats
