How do our animals see ?

3 January 2023

The dog’s vision

Dogs perceive movement at a distance correctly, but have difficulty distinguishing fixed elements. This ability is adapted to their diet and predatory behaviour in the wild. Their night vision is more developed than that of humans (but less developed than that of cats). Their eyes concentrate light information better.

Dogs vision is different depending on the breed. Depending on their “work” over time, their angle of vision has adapted. For example, herding dogs have a wide field of vision, which allows them to keep an eye on a herd, with their eyes located more to the sides. Hunting dogs, on the other hand, have a narrower field of vision, which allows them to focus on the prey, so their eyes are located on the front part of the head.

The vision of the cat

Cats are the mammals with the largest eyes in comparison to the size of their skulls. Their field of vision is directed forward and the two visual axes overlap, giving them very good stereoscopic vision. Cats have a greater field of vision than humans: 260° versus 180°. Also, their retina has a large tapetum lucidum – larger than the dog’s – which increases the reflection of light beams towards the light-sensitive cells – the rods. This feature makes them champions of vision in the dark – they need 6 times less light than humans to see -… provided that there is still some light. Cats cannot see in total darkness. Thanks to their slit pupils (dogs have round pupils), they protect their retina from too much light and therefore from glare.

Cats, on the other hand, have fewer cells specialised in colour vision – the cones. They therefore have dichromatic vision, i.e. they only perceive blue and yellow correctly, and cannot distinguish between green and red.

Sight is therefore a sense that has evolved to adapt to the lifestyle and diet of our pets.

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The importance of diet for skin and coat quality in dogs and cats

The skin is the body's largest organ, representing between 12% and 24% of the animal's weight, and its surface area in a dog weighing around thirty kilograms is close to one square meter. It's hardly surprising, then, that the quality and quantity of the dog's diet can have an impact on this organ, and in the event of a deficiency can lead to problems that go far beyond a simple visual appearance.

Key nutrients for healthy skin and coat

Among the macro-nutrients, proteins play a crucial role. They provide amino acids, including sulphur amino acids, which are essential for the structure of the skin and coat. These are the main components of collagen, which gives the skin its suppleness and resistance, and of keratin, which plays a part in the effectiveness of the skin barrier. Lipids are also important; they make up the bulk of cell membranes and, in the skin, contribute significantly to the effectiveness of the cutaneous barrier. Among lipids, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids help maintain healthy skin, modulate inflammatory mechanisms and promote a shiny, soft coat. Vitamins and minerals are also involved. Vitamin A is necessary for cell renewal, as is vitamin D, which also plays a part in the skin's natural defences. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, while B vitamins and biotin are essential co-factors in the synthesis of various skin elements such as ceramides, keratin and collagen. Among the minerals, zinc is involved in synthesis, protection against free radicals and immune defence mechanisms.

Disorders linked to inadequate nutrition

Inadequate or poor-quality food can lead to skin problems in our pets. A deficiency in essential fatty acids leads to dry, flaky skin, a dull coat and brittle hair. When it's the vitamins and minerals that are in short supply, synthesis is affected, the skin barrier can be less effective and the breeding ground for infections and inflammations that can lead to itching. On the other hand, these nutritional benefits can be used to compensate for individual sensitivities and improve the quality of the skin and coat in the event of dermatological disorders or diseases.

Conclusion

The quality of a dog's skin and the beauty of its coat are directly influenced by the quality of its diet. However, some dogs and cats have increased needs, and it is therefore necessary to provide them with greater quantities of useful nutrients. This is particularly true in the case of certain dermatological disorders, to help compensate for imbalances and accompany the medical treatments prescribed by your vet.