Many dog owners think of lighting as a purely human convenience, but, according to experts, the way we illuminate our homes could have a bigger impact on pets than most people realize.
Dr. Laurie McCauley, a veterinarian and board‑certified specialist in canine sports medicine and rehabilitation, told Newsweek how dogs perceive light and why certain types may be quietly stressing them out.
Why Dogs Experience Light Differently From Humans
McCauley said dogs see the world through a different lens—literally. She added that canines have dichromatic color vision, meaning “they see mostly blue and yellow,” unlike humans, who detect red, green and blue. This doesn’t just change how colors appear to pets; it also affects how they respond to light sources inside the home.
Canines also pick up flicker in lights that appear steady to humans. Their stronger ability to detect flickering means that bulbs we barely notice could be irritating or overstimulating for them.
The Specific Types of Lights Vets Flag As Stressful
McCauley said that lighting can influence a dog’s behavior and comfort. She says canines in shelters are typically more active under fluorescent lighting than LEDs, though “that does not necessarily indicate stressed.” Even so, different lighting types can produce different responses.
Blue light at night has a well‑known effect on sleep in both humans and animals. As McCauley said, “Blue light at night suppresses melatonin in all animals, which changes the circadian rhythm and disturbs sleep.” Flickering or glaring lights can also heighten stress. In contrast, she added that red light “does not affect dogs the same as white or blue and is better for calming.”
Subtle Signs Your Dog May Be Affected
Light‑related discomfort doesn’t always look dramatic. Many signs are easy to miss or mistake for personality changes. Dogs may seem restless or unable to stay settled for long, and some become “more easily frustrated, think ‘wired but tired.’” They may pace, appear grumpy or agitated, eat less, or pull back from affection.
Even hesitation when walking into a brightly lit or very dark space could be linked to lighting. As McCauley said, if one sense declines, then others may take over, leading to heightened sound sensitivity or behavior that resembles hypervigilance.
Why Nighttime Lighting Can Be Especially Disruptive
Some pets may cope well, but others react strongly to light after dark. McCauley said certain dogs “may be more sensitive to nighttime lights,” even if they don’t show obvious signs of sleep disturbance.
How Vets Recommend Making Lighting More Dog-Friendly
Simple changes can help. McCauley recommends using “a warm red light” as a night‑light and replacing old fluorescents with quality LEDs. If a dog avoids a particular room or brightness, she suggested adjusting the setup to see if it helps.
Interior light placement also matters. Night‑lights installed at human hip level may sit directly at a pup’s eye line, so raising or lowering them could make a difference. She also encouraged offering pets a dark, cozy sleeping space. “My dog sleeps under the covers in my bed,” McCauley added.
When Lighting Stress Is Most Likely To Affect Dogs
Canines may struggle most with bright or flickering lights when they are trying to rest. During long days under harsh lighting, stormy conditions, shelters or tense environments, dogs already prone to anxiety or seizures may be particularly vulnerable.
One final tip from McCauley: city dwellers should pay attention to bright outdoor light spilling through windows, as it might disrupt where their dog sleeps.
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