Do you ever wonder, what does your dog see – when he looks at you?…

Have you ever thought about it?

I’m not referring to a scientific perspective, I mean, research tells us that –

dogs detect light. the high number of light -sensitive rods within the retina of their eyes send visual information to the brain, which puts together the pictures of what they see.

When I first started volunteering, I asked why we wore red polo shirts. I was told because dogs could see the color red and when I put on my hospital attire, Harley would know he was going to work. #not

DOGS SEE THE WORLD – 

from a different visual perspective. Think of it this way – 

dogs see like a color-blind human. For years, humans thought dogs saw everything in shades of gray.

Through the eyes of your dog

A dogs retina can –

• distinguish two colors – blue violet and yellow 
• differentiate between shades of gray
• not recognize green, yellow, orange or red.

SO WHAT DOES YOUR DOG SEE –

when he’s looking at you AND is it different than when he looking at someone else?…

Possibly! 

Dogs may recognize your presence by their outstanding sense of smell and/or hearing.

Motion sensitivity has been noted as a critical aspect of canine vision. Because of the large number of rods in their retina, dogs see moving objects much better than something (or someone) that is stationary. 

According to the American Kennel Club, just as I look at Harley & Jaxson with adoration in my eyes, they too can look back in the same manner expressing affection…

Mutual love glances between you and your canine companion can release oxytocin. This chemical plays a very important role in the human-animal bond relationship increasing the feelings of love and trust. 

BUT LET’S ALSO –

keep it real.

Often when Harley and I lock eyes from across a crowded room, I get all choked up about how much he means to me, blah, blah, blah – and then he turns abruptly and stands in front of the pantry door waiting for me to come over and get him a treat LOL

But it’s nice to know there is this finite possibility he might be trying to tell me how much he loves me AND that he wants a treat! #keepinghopealive

Dogs are the only mammals that will actually stare and look into a human’s eyes ❤️