Dogs

Can Dogs See in the Dark?

Nicole Groshek  |  August 16, 2024  |  3 minute read

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Dogs can see in the dark better than humans can, because your dog’s eyes have several features that give them better vision in low-light conditions:

• More rods (light receptors) in the retina
• Larger pupils that let in more light
• Reflective cells (called the tapetum lucidum) at the back of the eye bounce light back, increasing the amount of light the rods can capture—this is why your dog’s eyes “glow” in the dark
• Dogs’ eyes can process visual information more quickly than ours, so they can detect movement more easily, especially when there’s not much light
• Dogs’ eyes are oriented more on the sides of their head than ours, so they have a wider field of vision

But when it comes to seeing in the dark, cats have better night vision than both dogs and humans. A cat’s vertical pupils can open even wider than a dog’s round pupils can, giving them the edge in when light is scarce.

What a Dog’s Night Vision Looks Like

Dogs don’t have true night vision, so they can’t see in total darkness. But from studying their eye structure we know that dogs can see four to five times better than we can in low light, such as walking after dusk outdoors. 

Dogs can still see some colors (tinges of blue and yellow) when it’s dark, but colors are more muted and dull compared to how they look in bright light. The same is true for us – if you dim the lights in a room you can still tell the difference between colors, but they’re a lot less vivid.

Of course we can’t know first-hand what the world looks like to a dog in any amount of light. But the types of cones in a dog’s eyes give us a lot of information about which colors dogs can see.

Do Dogs Need a Light on at Night?

Your dog might be able to get around the house just fine at night without a light on. In cities, there’s a certain amount of ambient light coming in from street lights. Appliances with LEDs like stoves, microwaves and coffee makers also give off a small amount of light, so it’s rarelycompletely dark.

But every dog is different – some dogs have anxiety when it’s dark in the house, so a nightlight could be helpful.

Helping Your Dog Move Around Safely at Night

Your dog probably sleeps when you do, but if your dog is active after you go to bed, make sure it’s easy for them to navigate around the house at nighttime:

• Keep furniture in the same arrangement
• Don’t leave things lying around (toys, shoes, Amazon boxes)
• Use a baby gate to block stairwells or other hazards
• Provide a nightlight if your dog seems anxious

Keep an Eye Out for Sights of Poor Night Vision

When a dog develops vision problems, they often show up first in low light conditions. Here are some common signs to watch for:

• Clumsiness, bumping into objects
• Hesitancy before using stairs or jumping onto furniture
• Reluctance to go outside at night
• Difficulty playing catch or fetch
• Fear or confusion in new environments

If you notice these or other significant changes in your dog’s behavior, consult your veterinarian.

Support Your Dog’s Eye Health

Protect your dog’s vision by feeding them a healthy diet with essential nutrients and antioxidants for eye health:

• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• Zinc
• Selenium
• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Lutein
• Zeaxanthin

Good overall health also supports healthy eyes and vision, so keep up with regular wellness checks and learn more about key aspects of your dog’s health from a holistic veterinarian.