New data-led insights by Petplan reveals how our pets experience the world around them. By teaming up with their in-house experts, Petplan used the science behind pet vision to share tips on how to excite – and soothe – your pets’ senses by creating a pet-friendly home.

Just as we proactively design their environment for happiness, considering pet insurance is another proactive step for their health.

Dr Brian Faulkner, vet and Associate Professor at Nottingham Veterinary School, says: “When we understand how our pets see the world, we can adapt how we interact with them – whether that’s choosing the right coloured toys, designing play spaces that stimulate their senses, or understanding why they may not spot a treat right in front of them. It’s all about seeing the world from their point of view.”

The top dog-friendly colours to use in our homes

Unlike us, dogs only have two types of colour sensing receptors (we have three), so where we can see a full spectrum of colours, our furry companions can only see a limited palette of yellows and blues. Dogs are also believed to be red-green colour-blind, with these shades blending into browns and greys.

When choosing what toys to buy, always aim to select them in yellow or blue where possible as these are much easier for your dog to see, especially in the grass.

The same colour theory can be applied in other elements of your dog’s daily routine. For example, wearing a yellow or blue t-shirt or coat can also make it easier for your dog to spot you from a distance. This is particularly helpful when practicing recall training.

How to create a pet-friendly home?

It’s important that we take our pets into consideration when furnishing our homes, ensuring that there’s plenty of stimulants around them that cater not only to their vision, but their other senses as well.

Dr Brian Faulkner adds: “Whether it’s choosing the right coloured toys, adding comforting fabrics, or bringing natural scents and sounds indoors – these small details can make a big difference to your pet’s wellbeing.”

Petplan has shared five easy steps pet owners can take to help enrich their furry companion’s lives:

• Choose yellow and blue toys – whether it’s a yellow ball or a blue bone, these colours are more eye-catching for our dogs.
• Introduce different textures – soft blankets or new surfaces give pets variety and comfort appealing to their other senses. For example, a textured rug can help our dogs navigate a space.
• Stimulate their heightened sense of smell - dogs are incredibly sensitive to smell – (they can pick up smells from around 12 miles away!) – and are said to enjoy scents of lavender, mint and blackberries.
• Brings the outdoors in – dogs love outside aromas. Leave your windows ajar to bring in the great outdoors.
• Lower the lights – Dogs can see better in low-light conditions compared to humans, it’s worth lowering the lights when possible to help create calm surroundings.