Veterinarian debunks myth that dogs see only in black and white

Dogs do not see in black and white; they perceive the world in color but with a more limited range than humans. According to veterinary ophthalmologist Laura Muñoz, founder of Ocularvet, dogs have dichromatic vision, meaning they only have two types of cone cells, allowing them to distinguish primarily blues and yellows, while reds and greens appear similar Source: La Vanguardia.

Key facts about canine vision:

• Dogs' vision resembles red-green color blindness in humans; a red toy on green grass does not stand out to them.
• They have superior night vision due to a higher proportion of rod cells and a reflective layer behind the retina called the tapetum lucidum, which amplifies available light Source: La Vanguardia.
• Despite these visual capabilities, a dog's most important sense is smell, followed by hearing; they rely less on vision than humans do Source: La Vanguardia.

The ophthalmologist emphasizes that understanding canine vision can help owners choose toys in blue or yellow tones and interpret their pet's behavior. Routine eye check-ups are also recommended to maintain ocular health.