Here’s The Real Reason Why Your Dog Likes To Sunbathe
* This post contains affiliate links, and we will be compensated if you buy after clicking on our links.
Do you ever catch your dog just laying out (or inside) soaking up the sun? My dog Jack does this daily, and for years I just thought he was hanging out. I just assumed that lying in the sun felt good for him.
But did you know that there is a lot more to it. Dog’s sunbathing is more than just a nice warm feeling. We’ll take a look at why dogs enjoy lying in the sun and sunbathing in this one.
Why Do Dogs Love to Lay In The Sun?
Most dogs love to lay in the sun. Not only does it feel great, but there are tons of health benefits that come along with it.
Dogs enjoy laying in the sun because it is both pleasurable and beneficial to their health and It’s a good source of Vitamin D.
Humans love sunbathing, whether it’s at the local beach or in our own backyard. It’s one of the simple pleasures of summer. The warm sun feels nice on our skin, and it’s a nice healthy dose of vitamin D – in moderation, of course.
Dogs love to sunbathe as much as we do. My dog Jack can be found laying out all day. He even chooses to sleep in the sun if he can! He loves the outdoors and if he can’t be outside, he’ll settle for the sunlight that shines in the house.
Additional Reasons Your Dog Loves To Sunbathe
- Increase & Improved Mood – It’s no secret the benefits of serotonin. The natural antidepressant and a neurotransmitter is capable of generating a happy feeling and It is stimulated by exposure to sunlight. When our four-legged friends stretch out in the sun, their production of this substance increases, and they feel instantly happier, with a noticeable improvement in mood.
- Improve In Rest – The production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates the animal’s sleep cycle, is also aided by exposure to sunlight. By accumulating more of this hormone, the dog can improve the quality of their sleep hours and rest in greater peace.
- The Sun Warms Them Up – It may not seem that important, but the sun is our primary source of heat, just as it is for our pets. When the sun shines, especially during the cooler months, we should take advantage of it because it helps our pets warm up and avoid the most common diseases that afflict them during the winter. And in the warmer months, the sun can act as a pain reliever and can help your dog avoid rheumatism.
The Importance of Vitamin D For Dogs
Not only does sunbathing feel good, but it also produces vitamin D in the body. This has many health benefits because it is considered as a prohormone rather than a vitamin.
Calcium cannot be absorbed by the dog without vitamin D. Only direct sunlight allows the animal to survive.
So how does it work?
The Vitamin D produced is stored in the hair and fatty tissues. It helps to maintain the body’s phosphorus and calcium balance. This vitamin is essential for bone development.
It also aids in the control of nerves and muscles. Diet provides the majority of the Vitamin D required by the body. As with humans, a significant portion is created with the help of direct sunlight.
But, Vitamin D is produced a little differently for our furry friends. A big component of this is the fact that dogs have fur. With all that fur, Canines are unable to effectively absorb Vitamin D3 back into their bodies. The vitamin is still present beneath the fur, and when dogs lick themselves, they eat it orally.
Now, when it comes to the absorption rate of Vitamin D in dogs, it is inefficient. The majority of this vitamin is obtained from food. This is why your dog enjoys grooming itself.
And even though most of the vitamin D our dogs receive is obtained through their diet, they create it with direct sunlight, just like us.
Can Too Much Sun be Harmful to Dogs?
Yes, sunburn and skin cancer in dogs can be caused by prolonged exposure to the sun.
Certain breeds are more prone to getting sunburned than others. For example breeds with shorter/hairless breeds, breeds with thin coats, and dogs with white or light colored fur are the dogs most susceptible to sunburn.
Make sure your dog has access to a cool shady area. When they get too hot, they can go and cool themselves off. Even better, if you have a pool for them (and they like to swim), make sure they have access to that as well.
If you and your dog spends a lot of time outside, invest in some dog-friendly sunscreen. Do not give your pet human sunscreen as it contains ingredients that are toxic to pets, such as zinc oxide.
Lastly, if you’re outside and are hot, your dog will be too. They are out there with you, and have a coat of fur on them. Maybe they’re even running around like my Jack. When in doubt, it is usually hot for them, so make sure they have access to cool areas.
All dogs are different, and our info page will help you learn more about each breeds common practices.
Does Your Dog Love Laying in The Sun?
Almost every dog I’ve ever known has had their own special sun spot. Where they can just hang and soak up some rays.
Do you let your dog sit in front of the windows and doors to soak up some of the warmth? If not, give it a try. They might have a new favorite spot in the house.
Conclusion
Your dog loves the sun because it feels good and is allowing them to feel (and be) healthier.
It is helping your dog produce Vitamin D, warming them up, and relieving their stress. The sun is great for your dog, but like anything they should be monitored. Too much sun without a cool place will cause them to over heat.
