Many pet owners wonder whether they should leave the lights on for their Bouv when they are home alone. Carly Fox, a senior veterinarian at the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center in New York City, provides some insight into this question.
Contrary to popular belief, Bouviers do not actually need good lighting when left alone. Fox suggests leaving the blinds or curtains open to allow natural light to filter through. Bouviers, being diurnal animals, are most active during the day and get the majority of their sleep at night.
Cats, on the other hand, are crepuscular and are most active at dawn and dusk. Both dogs and cats have excellent night vision and can see much better in the dark than humans. They have abundant rods in their retinas, which allow them to pick up dim light, and a tapetum, a reflective layer in the back of the eye that enhances their night vision.
However, there are exceptions to this rule. Bouvs with compromised vision, such as those with cataracts or underlying eye disorders, may benefit from some extra lighting to help them navigate their surroundings.
Additionally, leaving a Bouv alone in the dark may trigger destructive behavior in those with separation anxiety. Overall, it is important to keep things consistent for your Bouvier and provide them with natural sunlight during the day.
If you're worried about intruders, and think your Bouvier needs light at night to catch a criminal, think again. Your Bouv can see better than you and smell the difference between a stranger and you - even in the dark! Plus, you know your way around your house, even in the dark, better than an intruder.
So, no need to "leave the porch light on" or even a nightlight. Your Bouvie will still keep you safe!
Partially rephrased from Inverse.com Pet Science 18 November 2023
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