We’ve had a few dogs over the years, I’ll tell you.
And we’ve had a few TVs.
All of them have been different, each with their own personality.
Both the dogs and the TVs.
In recent years, I’d say Samsung far outreaches any other TV brand.
As for dogs, each one outreaches all the others in its own unique way.
But do the two mix?
If you’ve ever wondered whether dogs watch TV and which shows they like best, you’re in the right place. I’m here to tell you the truth about Show Dogs.
So, the big question has been asked many times.
Do dogs watch TV?
The answer is basically a yes. It is obvious in our home. We have two dogs. Ollie and Louis. Ollie watches TV like an addict. Louis doesn’t pay much attention, one way or the other.
In a recent article I read, Cherice Roth, DVM, Chief Veterinary Officer with the pet healthcare company Fuzzy, confirms this. Our pup’s apparent TV-watching habits are indeed the real thing.
“Some dogs do watch TV,” said Dr. Roth, adding that dogs can actually become engrossed by what’s on the tube. “Much like with humans, a dog’s interest will vary based on their attention span and attention to motion.”
Ollie is not picky. When another dog is on the TV, she pays immediate attention. But any animal attracts her curiosity.
Dr. Roth went on to say that it is OK for dogs to watch TV, and that many pet owners use this as a tool for separation anxiety. But, as with anything, too much of something isn’t necessarily good. Dogs would rather be with their humans.
The doctor highlighted another potential issue: Some commercials or programming may emit sounds that are distressing to dogs. Typically, bothersome noises for dogs include explosions, gunshots, sirens, and crying, and TV sounds that are loud to us are even louder for dogs, thanks to their more sensitive ears. Sounds that are barely perceptible to us might really bother them. So if you’re leaving the TV on when you’re not at home, it’s a good idea to keep the volume low.
Whether or not the dog believes TV is the real thing or not is a mystery. Only the dog knows what her perception is.
So. Why does Ollie watch TV and not Louis? Dr. Roth says this mostly comes down to attention span and personality. Dogs with a strong prey drive (think Dobermans and other dogs that like to chase cats) “are sensitive to small environmental movements and are more likely to react to the movement on TV. Calm dog breeds,” she adds, citing Golden Retrievers as an example, “are less likely to be reactive and have their attention captivated by the TV.”
So there it is. An overview on dogs watching TV.
Now, for all you cat lovers / owners out there. You may be wondering the same thing.
And the short answer is: If a cat wants to watch TV, she will. And if she doesn’t, she won’t.
And that’s the end of that.
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“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” – Anatole France
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“Pets are humanizing. They remind us we have an obligation and responsibility to preserve and nurture and care for all life.” – James Cromwell
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“The more I see of men, the more I like dogs.” – Madame de Staël
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Pass the remote, Fido.
