If you think your dog enjoys watching TV, you’re not wrong. A recent study by Petorra in 2025 has revealed that dogs are among the most popular viewing companions. The study found that 80% of pet parents let their pets watch TV at home for company.
Many dog parents even use a streaming device to keep their dogs entertained when they leave home. This practice is now commonplace, with multiple TV shows, channels and platforms, including YouTube and Roku, offering content specifically for dogs to watch.
Do Dogs Actually See What’s on TV?
According to research, dogs are huge fans of the screen, with 93% of dogs included in the study reacting to what they see. However, how dogs process what’s happening on screen is different from humans.
Dogs see television differently due to their vision and motion perception, so the type of screen and content matters. Some pet parents may not be aware of potential drawbacks and should understand their pet’s TV habits.
What Do Experts Say About Dogs Watching TV?
An expert spoke about whether television is a good idea for dogs. While some pets seem to enjoy it, their engagement depends on content type. A survey of 1,246 dog owners across the world, including the US, Canada, UK, and Australia, provided insights.
Researchers asked about screen types, how dogs interacted with screens, and what kinds of content they reacted to most. Factors like a dog’s age, sex, breed and where they lived also influenced their TV habits.
What dogs like to watch on TV:
- Other dogs (93%)
- Car-related shows (82%)
- Animated cartoons (76%)
- Nature and wildlife documentaries (65%)
- Dog sports and agility competitions (63%)
- Equestrian events (53%)
- Football and soccer matches (50%)
- Tennis matches (32%)
- Video games and digital animations (18%)
Freya Mowat, the lead author of a study, believes its findings could inform future research on visual capabilities in dogs. As dogs grow older, understanding their sight could help vets diagnose sight issues earlier, improving their pleasure and well-being.
We know that poor vision negatively impacts the quality of life in older people, but the effect of ageing and vision changes in dogs is still largely unknown. Since dogs can’t accurately assess their own sight, experts need better ways to evaluate it, she says.
Like people, dogs are living longer, so we want to find better ways to support a healthier life. The method currently used to assess vision is a very low bar—it’s the equivalent of asking a human yes or no if they are blind. Instead, there is a need for more sensitive ways to check a dog’s eyesight, such as a dog eye chart equivalent that doesn’t make them feel guilty.
We speculate that videos might help by sustaining a dog’s attention long enough to measure their visual function. However, we didn’t know what type of content is the most engaging and appealing to dogs, making this an area for further study.
Dog TV Channels & Shows for Your Couch Pup-tato
Looking for television shows to play for your dog? Try streaming dog TV shows on dedicated dog TV channels—there are plenty to check out!
DOGTV: DOGTV offers stimulating and relaxing videos designed for every mood and pup interest. With DOGTV programming, you’ll find dog videos for every type of canine, keeping them engaged and calm.
Happy Dog TV: It is a dog television channel available on Roku that aims to relax dogs with videos filmed from a dog’s viewpoint, accompanied by soothing music and calming sounds.
Paul Dinning: Paul Dinning is a YouTube content creator who caters to both dogs and cats. His channel provides an assortment of videos, including virtual dog walk clips that make your pet feel out for a walk as they watch them.
Animal Planet: It is a top pick for lots of dogs, offering content like the Puppy Bowl and shows featuring wild animals that keep them entertained.
Healing Mate – Dog Music: YouTube channel that presents relaxing music with snoozing dog images for dogs who need less stimulating visuals. It’s a great option for background noise while they watch or rest.
Dogs’ TV Preferences & Engagement
Dogs’ preferences vary, but they don’t find news items or election night interesting. They engage more with shows that entertain them through movement and sounds.
What Can Dogs See When They Watch TV?
Dogs see TV differently than humans due to their vision, which is likely blurrier and has a limited color range. According to Iram Gladan, DVM, a writer for Breed Atlas, dogs sitting in front of the screen may not process every picture clearly.
Their color vision is different too—since dogs are red-green color blind, they mostly see blues, yellows, and grays. However, they make up for this with a superior ability to detect motion, so even if the image is unclear, they can still recognize moving shapes.
Since dogs watch TV by focusing on quick movements, a higher flicker fusion rate of 70-80 frames per second helps them process the action. This means they can pick up fast-paced visuals that humans might miss. Sounds play a big role too—familiar noises like barking dogs or meowing cats on TV instantly grab their attention.
Is Watching TV OK for My Dog?
Dogs absolutely enjoy watching TV, especially when fast-moving objects appear on the screen. According to Gladan, they are naturally drawn to motion and can definitely capture attention when they see animals or sudden movement. While some dogs are fascinated, not every dog reacts the same way since each has a distinctive, individual personality.
Certain breeds are drawn to TV more than others. Herding breeds like Border Collies and Australian Shepherds love movement and action on screen, while guarding breeds such as German Shepherds and Rottweilers stay alert and enjoy keeping an eye on TV. Sight hounds like Greyhounds and Whippets, which rely heavily on vision, are more inclined to watch TV, Gladan added.
Regardless of breed, every dog is different—some give TV a second glance, while others ignore it. Gladan said that while a few dogs are couch potatoes, others don’t care about TV, no matter how stimulating the show might be.
How do dogs behave when watching TV?
Some pets get super interested in the TV, while others stay relaxed, just lying down or sitting. Owners have noticed different behavior, like barking, jumping, or even running around when they see living dog toys on the screen. Some dogs stay engaged, while others completely ignore it. Interestingly, a few even despised shows like the Muppets, reacting differently compared to other programs.
Are There Any Drawbacks To Putting TV On for Dogs?
Turning on videos for dogs to watch can provide several benefits. Gladan said it can give them much-needed mental stimulation and entertainment, especially when a dog is home alone. Some programs are designed specifically for dogs, using calming music and visuals to help reduce anxiety.
However, Gladan cautioned that it’s important to monitor your pet’s reaction to the TV. Some dogs may show signs of sensory overload and become overstimulated or anxious with too much TV time.
Of course, TV should never replace old-fashioned playtime and exercise. A pup needs plenty of interaction and physical activity to stay happy and healthy, Gladan added.
Other Activities for Your Dog
If you find your dog getting triggered by sounds from outside the home, using white noise machines can help minimize unwanted noises that attract their attention. Creating a quiet space with calming toys is a great option to promote relaxation, especially for dogs with separation anxiety.
Remember, while watching TV can be entertaining for your dog, every pet is unique and it ultimately doesn’t replace exercise or companionship. A check-in, a walk during the day, or some doggy-themed programming in the interim can make them happier and more relaxed—a little screen time might not hurt!
TV & Its Influence on Dog Behavior Beyond Screen Time
Some dogs show a strong reaction to videos of a wolf howling, as the sound can trigger their instincts. If a dog has watched such content before bed, it might even affect its dreams and subconscious behavior during sleep. The impact of TV goes beyond screen time, shaping how dogs respond to their environment, even at night.
Further Reading
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