Do dogs see colors?

Yes, dogs do see colors, but their color perception is different from that of humans. Dogs have fewer color receptors in their eyes than humans, which means they can only see two primary colors: blue-violet and yellow-green. This is a condition known as dichromatic vision. In contrast, humans have trichromatic vision, which means we can see the full spectrum of colors.

Because of their limited color vision, dogs see the world in shades of blue and yellow. Colors such as red, orange, and green appear as shades of yellow or gray to them. However, dogs have excellent visual acuity and can detect even subtle changes in movement and contrast, which is why they are such great hunters and trackers.

Do cats see colors?

Yes, cats do see colors.  Like dogs, cats also have dichromatic vision, which means they can only see two primary colors: blue and green. They do not have the ability to see reds or oranges, which appear as shades of gray or brown to them.

Despite their limited color vision, cats have excellent night vision and can see well in low light conditions. They also have a wider field of view than humans, with their eyes positioned more toward the sides of their head, giving them a 200-degree field of view compared to the human's 180-degree field of view. This wide field of view helps them to detect movement and avoid predators while hunting.

What is dichromatic vision in animals

Dichromatic vision is a type of color vision in animals that is characterized by the ability to perceive only two primary colors. In dichromatic vision, the eyes have two types of color receptors, also known as cones, that are sensitive to different wavelengths of light. The most common form of dichromatic vision in animals is the ability to see shades of blue and green.

This type of color vision is found in many animals, including dogs, cats, and most other mammals. Dichromatic vision is thought to be an evolutionary adaptation that allows these animals to see important visual cues in their environment, such as the contrast between a predator and its surroundings or the ripeness of fruit.

In contrast, humans have trichromatic vision, which means we have three types of color receptors in our eyes, allowing us to see a full range of colors. This is due to a gene mutation that occurred in early primates, which gave us an advantage in finding ripe fruit and detecting subtle changes in skin color that can indicate emotion or illness in other people.

Do birds see colors?

Yes, most birds have excellent color vision and can see a wider range of colors than humans. Birds have four types of color receptors, or cones, in their eyes compared to the three types found in humans. This means that they can see ultraviolet light and a wider range of colors, including colors that are invisible to humans.

Birds use their color vision to find food, attract mates, and navigate their environment. For example, some species of birds can see the ultraviolet patterns on flowers that guide them to nectar. Other birds use their color vision to recognize the bright colors of other birds and to distinguish between different species.

In addition to their excellent color vision, many birds also have sharp visual acuity and depth perception, which helps them to accurately judge the distance and speed of objects while flying. The combination of these visual abilities allows birds to thrive in their natural environments and play important roles in pollination, seed dispersal, and insect control.

Do horses see colors?

Yes, horses see colors.  Like dogs and cats, horses have dichromatic vision, which means they can only see two primary colors: blue and green. They do not have the ability to see reds or oranges, which appear as shades of gray to them.

Despite their limited color vision, horses have excellent night vision and can see well in low light conditions. They also have a wider field of view than humans, with their eyes positioned on the sides of their head, giving them a 350-degree field of view compared to the human's 180-degree field of view. This wide field of view helps them to detect predators and avoid obstacles while running.

Horses also have a special ability to see motion better than humans, which is thought to be an adaptation for detecting predators in their natural environment. This ability allows them to detect even subtle movements in their environment, such as the flicker of a predator's tail or the movement of a fly on their skin.

Can you keep a light on to calm a dog?

Keeping a light on can be helpful in calming some dogs, especially those who are afraid of the dark or have separation anxiety. Dogs are social animals and often feel comforted by the presence of their human family or other dogs. Keeping a light on can help them feel less isolated and anxious, especially if they are left alone for long periods of time.

However, it is important to keep in mind that dogs are diurnal animals, meaning they are most active during the day and sleep at night. Keeping a bright light on in the room where your dog sleeps can disrupt their natural sleep patterns and may cause them to have difficulty sleeping or resting properly. To avoid this, it is recommended to use a low-level night light or a dimmer switch to create a calm and soothing environment for your dog without disturbing their sleep.

Is light useful for separation anxiety for a dog?

Light can be used as part of an overall strategy to help manage the condition. Separation anxiety is a common behavior disorder in dogs that can cause them to exhibit a range of destructive or anxious behaviors, such as barking, chewing, or trying to escape when left alone.

To help manage separation anxiety in dogs, it is important to create a calm and predictable environment for them. This can include providing them with a comfortable and secure place to sleep, such as a crate or a designated area of the house, and leaving familiar toys, blankets, or other items that have your scent on them.

In some cases, leaving a low-level light on in the room where your dog sleeps can also help reduce their anxiety and make them feel less isolated when you are not there. 

Can light be soothing to cats?

Yes, light can be soothing to cats, especially natural sunlight. Cats are crepuscular animals, which means they are most active during the dawn and dusk hours and often rest during the day. Exposure to sunlight during these times can help regulate their natural sleep-wake cycle and promote relaxation

Changing lights 

If you are considering using changing lights to entertain or stimulate your pet, it is important to monitor their behavior and response to the lights. If your cat seems to enjoy the changing lights and is not showing any signs of stress or discomfort, then it may be a harmless way to provide them with some visual stimulation. However, if your pet is showing signs of stress, such as hiding or becoming agitated, it may be best to discontinue the use of changing lights.

In general, colored soothing lights can be helpful in calming pets, including dogs and cats. Soft, muted colors such as blue, green, and purple can create a relaxing and calming atmosphere, especially when used in conjunction with other calming strategies such as music or aromatherapy.

Colored lights can be used in a variety of ways to create a calming environment for pets. For example, a soft blue or green light can be left on in a quiet room or sleeping area to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety. Similarly, a color-changing lamp or LED strip can be used to create a calming and visually stimulating environment for pets.

It is important to note, however, that some pets may be sensitive to bright or flashing lights, and exposure to these types of lights can cause overstimulation and stress. If you are using colored lights to calm your pet, it is important to monitor their behavior and response to the lights. If your pet seems to enjoy the lights and is not showing any signs of stress or discomfort, then it may be a harmless way to provide them with some visual stimulation. However, if your pet is showing signs of stress or agitation, it may be best to discontinue the use of colored lights.

Overall, colored soothing lights can be a helpful tool in promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety in pets, but it is important to use them carefully and in conjunction with other calming strategies to ensure the best possible results.

Introducing an advancement in pet care!

PET TUNES PRO

A multisensory speaker to balance behaviors in dogs and cats

PET TUNES PRO - Veterinary, Kennel, Home

Pet Tunes Pro is a multi-sensory speaker that calms dogs and cats with Pet Acoustics® music, light, colors, and nature sounds. Proven through biometric studies, Pet Acoustics® proprietary sound design relieves pet stress for wellness in veterinary, kennel and home environments.

Pet Tunes Pro by Pet Acoustics- New!

Dogs identify hues of blue-violet and cats hues of yellow-green. Light colors can help reduce stress levels in dogs and cats. Easy Touch tap on the speaker changes color choices. Useful for veterinary and kennel settings.

Dogs hear twice as much as humans and cats three times more. Our Pet Tunes Pro's 360° omni directional speaker helps to balance canine and feline behaviors in their listening environment with volume capacity from small to large spaces.

PET TUNES PRO INCLUDES:

• Pet Acoustics® preloaded Micro TF Card with calming music for dogs and cats

• Pet Acoustics® Nature Calm TF Card for dogs and cats

• Pet Acoustics® White Noise TF Card

• Nature Sound Built-in Mode (8 Choices)

• Multicolor Touch Light Choices

• Home Pet Hearing Test

• USB Charging cord

• AUX IN cable

Bluetooth® compatible - plays any music from device

Multiple RGB color choices to soothe pet environments 

Digital LED alarm clock timer for scheduling prompts

Why the word PRO after Pet Tunes?

From Latin pro (“in favor of, on behalf of”) Pet Acoustics’ products are in favor of pet wellness and on behalf of providing the best products for your pet.

* Shop additional SD cards for dogs, puppy, cats, horses or birds available

Over the past 14 years, Pet Acoustics has set out to show on a biometric basis how our products affect the state of dogs, cats and horses. These studies prove that in their listening environment of Pet Acoustics species-specific music the physical response results in lower cortisol levels, lower pulse rate, higher heart rate variability (HRV) and calmer activity level. The following Pet Acoustics’ biometric study was published and peer reviewed in the International Animal Health Journal. For all of our Pet Acoustics biometric publications, please visit: https://www.researchgate.net/search.Search.html?query=pet+acoustics&type=publication

Horses experience stressful events every day, both big and small. Prolonged periods of stress can lead to undesirable side effects such as equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS).1 Relax Trax is specifically designed to relieve stress in your horse by mimicking the rhythm of a horse's gaits and using string instruments. Listen to animal sound behaviorist and creator of Relax Trax, Janet Marlow talk about the science behind the music with Sarah Reuss, VMD, DACVIM, Equine Technical Manager at Boehringer Ingelheim and Kelly Graber, Associate Director Equine Marketing at Boehringer Ingelheim.

You can download the Relax Trax music track here. To access the music track, veterinarians and horse owners can visit https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoekmWDxfuaOGuL1ELoPIGQ/videos. Visitors will be able to play the music track and video, as well as gain access to additional resources on stress, EGUS, and ways to help prevent it. The audio only version can be accessed at: https://equinerelaxtrax.buzzsprout.com/1835303/9061146-equine-relax-trax.

The musical arrangement features soothing music designed with the horse in mind. The track was created by Janet Marlow, sound behaviorist, composer, researcher and founder of Pet Acoustics Inc. Marlow focused on creating rhythms and melodies composed for the listening comfort of the horse, including specific pitch, tone and frequencies. Studies show that playing music can help balance equine behavior because it helps mask outside sounds and vibrations, as well as provide a positive and relaxing effect.

“When Boehringer Ingelheim expressed an interest in doing something to help manage stress in horses, I was extremely interested based on my research in this area,” said Janet Marlow, founder of Pet Acoustics. “It’s all about composing music and modifying the decibel and frequency levels of each note for the comfortable hearing range of the animal. Using this process, we have tested music through clinical studies at veterinary hospitals, barns, etc. to see the music elicit a release of physical tensions and stress behaviors.

Rabbits are highly sensitive animals and can easily become stressed. Causes of stress in rabbits can include changes in their environment, lack of socialization, poor diet, and lack of exercise. Signs of stress in rabbits can include changes in behavior, such as lethargy or aggression, changes in appetite or weight, and changes in grooming habits. To prevent stress in rabbits, it's important to provide them with a stable and comfortable environment, regular socialization and interaction, a healthy diet, and plenty of opportunities for exercise and exploration. If you suspect your rabbit is stressed, it's important to consult with a veterinarian who is experienced with rabbits to determine the cause and develop a treatment plan.

Rabbits have a keen sense of hearing and are able to hear a wide range of frequencies. They are able to hear sounds as high as 42kHz and as low as 360 Hz, (Rickye S. Hefner, Department of Psychology, University of Toledo,) which is much higher than the range of human hearing which the highest at 20kHz. This allows them to detect sounds that are not audible to humans, such as the ultrasonic calls of predators. Rabbits can also hear sounds at a distance of 1.8 miles. Their ears can be rotated 270 degrees to help detect the source of a sound, and can revolve independently to monitor different noises.

It's important to note that rabbits are sensitive to loud or sudden noises, which can cause them stress and fear. To minimize the risk of stress, it's important to keep the rabbit's environment as quiet and peaceful as possible, and to avoid exposing them to loud or sudden noises.

There are several illnesses and conditions that can cause stress in rabbits. Some examples include:

1. Gastrointestinal issues: Gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea, constipation, or gastrointestinal stasis can cause discomfort and stress in rabbits.

2. Respiratory issues: Respiratory issues such as pneumonia or bronchitis can cause difficulty breathing and stress in rabbits.

3. Dental issues: Dental issues such as overgrown teeth or abscesses can cause pain and difficulty eating, leading to stress in rabbits.

4. Parasites: Parasites such as mites, lice, or fleas can cause itching and discomfort, leading to stress in rabbits.

5. Reproductive issues: Female rabbits can experience stress when they are in heat or are pregnant, and male rabbits may experience stress when they are unable to mate.

6. Painful conditions: Any painful conditions such as arthritis, tumors, or injuries can cause stress in rabbits.

7. Environmental stressors: Unfamiliar surroundings or changes in the environment can cause stress in rabbits.

It's important to note that stress can also cause or exacerbate other illnesses, as well as make recovery from illnesses more difficult. If you suspect your rabbit is stressed or ill, it's important to consult with a veterinarian who is experienced with rabbits to determine the cause and develop a treatment plan.

The ear of a rabbit functions in several ways to help them detect and locate sounds in their environment.

Rabbit Calm Music Expansion

$40.00

1. Pinna: The pinna, or outer ear, is a large, movable ear that rabbits can rotate to pinpoint the source of a sound. This allows them to quickly locate potential predators or other threats in their environment.

2. Auditory canal: The auditory canal, or ear canal, is the pathway that leads to the eardrum. It is lined with fine hairs and wax that help to protect the eardrum from dust and other foreign particles.

3. Eardrum: The eardrum, or tympanic membrane, is a thin, sensitive membrane that vibrates in response to sound waves. These vibrations are then passed on to the middle ear.

4. Middle ear: The middle ear contains three small bones called the ossicles, which amplify and transmit the sound vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear.

5. Inner ear: The inner ear contains the cochlea, which is responsible for converting the sound vibrations into electrical signals that are sent to the brain. The cochlea is also responsible for detecting the different frequencies of sound, allowing the rabbit to hear a wide range of sounds, including ultrasonic calls of predators.

Did you know the most cancelled appointments are pet parents not being able to get their cat into the carrier to go to the vet exam? Listen to Janet Marlow, Sound Behaviorist on Cat Anxiety solutions on how to get your cat to the veterinarian visit from the carrier, to the car to the exam room easily without stress. Click on image to Listen to this Podcast on any device.

https://on.soundcloud.com/t2ZC5

Janet Marlow, M.A., Sound Behaviorist, founded Pet Acoustics and invented the science of species-specific music in 1997. She is world renowned for her contribution to the understanding of pet hearing and how sound and music affects behaviors. Her scientific studies are peer reviewed and published in veterinary science publications detailing clinical studies proving the effects of species-specific music for behavioral balance and well-being. She is an author, speaker, and consultant to organizations and veterinary practices on this new field of understanding. Janet Marlow continues to innovate products for the welfare of animals for pet parents, veterinarians, shelters, trainers and breeders through proven scientific methods.

What is sound behavior?

Sound behavior is a new field of study that describes the way in which an animal or person acts in response to a particular situation or stimulus from sound  as a sensitivity to an external or internal stimuli.  

A sound behaviorist is a person who specializes in the study of behavior in response to auditory perception and acoustics.

Contact us at hello@petacoustics.com

Dog Walks

“Dogs teach us to observe the path along the way. It is one of their greatest gifts to us as pet parents.”

Walking with your dog is one of the most beautiful and valued parts of your relationship because it is a time that balances you and your dog’s partnership. A walk activates both human and canine senses while you share the fresh air, the exercise and nature. If a dog's life span is an average of fourteen years, you will walk your dog over 10,000 times! 

Dogs look forward to walks with you whether on the road, on the city street, or on the nature trail. This is where your dog enjoys your company while happily activating his senses.  When dogs walk, their most active senses are their noses and ears. When we walk, we are usually in our thoughts. A human has twelve thousand  to sixty thousand thoughts a day. Dogs help us get out of our inner monologue of thoughts by perking up to a sound, catching a whiff of an interesting scent, or stopping to analyze a foreign object. Taking a walk is an agreement between you and your dog and deepens companionship.  

Since we take thousands of walks with our dogs, I’d like to offer a musical perspective while you walk together. Walks are truly like a musical composition.  Walking together has phrasing, tempo, dynamics and form.  Phrasing has a beginning, a hi-point and an end. There is always one interesting point in the middle of a walk, like meeting a friend and their dog for a conversation. 

Tempo is the pace at which you and your dog walk. Some days are energetic, and some days require a slower pace. Whatever your pace, your dog is aware of your energy level and will adjust to your tempo. You are partners in harmony.

Dynamics are the volume levels experienced along the way. You may encounter a noisy construction zone or have a chance to pause for a quiet moment in a park, with an offered dog treat of course

Form is the route that you take. In Native American folklore, it is said to complete a journey, instead of returning the same way, find a different route home to complete the circle.

Puppy Walks

When you teach your puppy to walk on leash make sure to use your voice along the way. Your puppy is imprinting the inflection of your voice to learn and understand your training communication.  Keep your voice in a high pitch which is best for their high frequency hearing.

Establish a rhythm to your walk and keep your dog at that pace. As a simple training exercise, count a certain number of steps in a pattern and then stop to request a sit-stay. Repeat the counting pattern and then release into free-form walking, then go back to the pattern.  Use puppy walks for training, socializing and confidence in creative ways.

Listening Walks

When we walk alongside our dogs, they are not only sniffing and seeing where they are going but they are also hearing our footsteps. Tune in to hearing your own footsteps and then walk a little faster and watch your dog pick up the pace. Spend the walk listening to you and your dog’s immediate surroundings.

Imagine your dog and cat who lives about 2 to 4 feet off the floor of your house. They have a sense of safety in your normal day with the comings and goings of the family, daily scents, sounds, treats mealtime, walks and communications. Now it’s the holidays and their home is filled with family and friends. Dogs and cats feel calm when they have their routines. It’s wonderful to have a merry household for the holidays but just being aware your pet’s world of acute sensory perceptions on a different level will help you help them feel less stressed. So Pet Acoustics has produced holiday music with a dual purpose. Pet Tunes Holiday will provide a festive mood to your home while helping your pets remain calm with music sounds that elicit calm behavior. Want to know what this sounds like listen to this video presentation of Pet Tunes Holiday. Now add some toys of a squeaky Santa and feathery mouse for fun and frolic.

How many times have you seen a dog left in a car while waiting for their person to return? You can see this in parking lots and in front of store parking. It always tugs at the heart string especially seeing the dog in freeze behavior mode, staring intensely for the first glimpse of his person or family. Pet parents know to leave windows open, not to leave them in a car on a hot day at all and to keep the time short. Whether one or several dogs, the look and behavior is the same…a frozen stance. If a dog is feeling the need to freeze or be still, it means that they are experiencing a high level of unease. In some instances when a dog is still, the situation may not escalate further; the freeze may mean the dog is so uncomfortable or stressed with the situation that he feels he has no option but to shut down. Since you are the person away from your dog even if it’s to pop into a store or post office for a short period of time, it’s important to address what your dog is feeling during these moments.

We may think these short moments of anxiety dissipate as soon as your dog sees you return with a waggy tail and settles down, however please note that the physical response of pulse rate and cortisol levels takes some time to lower to your dog’s baseline or normal levels.

Perhaps your dog barks excessively until you return? Some dogs may jump back and forth from the back seat to the front seat as a stress anxiety behavior. These short time periods in the car are signs of stress. Stress behavior in dogs is the focus of Pet Tunes Canine calming music which we hope you already have for your dog. We wanted to underline the portability and stress-modifying tool of Pet Tunes music that it is not just for separation anxiety at home but to be used also for these moments of anxiety and stress while in the car or other places you take your dog.

OTHER PLACES WHERE DOGS FEEL STRESS

CAR TRAVEL, VET VISITS, GROOMING SESSIONS, KENNEL STAYOVERS, POST SURGERY RECUPERATION