Do dogs see at night like cats? - briefly
Dogs do not see as well as cats in low light conditions due to differences in their eye structure and the presence of the tapetum lucidum in cats' eyes. While both animals have some ability to see at night, cats are generally more adept at it.
Do dogs see at night like cats? - in detail
Dogs, like cats, possess some degree of nocturnal vision, but their ability to see at night is not as developed as that of felines. This difference primarily stems from the structure and function of their eyes.
Cats have a higher concentration of rod cells in their retinas compared to dogs. Rod cells are specialized photoreceptor cells that are particularly sensitive to low light conditions. This allows cats to detect even the faintest amount of light, making them extremely adept at navigating in darkness. In contrast, dogs have fewer rod cells and more cone cells, which are responsible for color vision and operate best in bright light.
Additionally, the tapetum lucidum, a reflective layer behind the retina, plays a significant role in enhancing night vision. Cats have a well-developed tapetum lucidum that amplifies available light, improving their visual acuity in low-light conditions. While dogs also possess this reflective tissue, it is less prominent and less effective than in cats.
Moreover, the shape of the eye can influence nocturnal vision capabilities. Cats have a larger cornea relative to the size of their eye, which allows more light to enter and reach the retina. Dogs, on the other hand, have a smaller corneal diameter, limiting the amount of light that can be captured.
Despite these differences, dogs are still capable of seeing reasonably well in low-light conditions. Their ancestral history as hunters has equipped them with adaptations that support nighttime activities to some extent. However, when comparing the nocturnal vision of dogs and cats, it becomes evident that cats possess a more advanced and efficient system for navigating in darkness.