Most dogs enjoy lying in the sun and tend to be drawn to a sunny spot in the house or garden. Have you ever wondered why dogs enjoy sunbathing? Or whether it's okay for your dog to sunbathe?
Dogs, like humans, can suffer from excessive heat or heat-related injuries. If your dog spends too much time in direct sunlight, exposed areas such as their mouth, ears, or paws can burn.
Even dog trainers and veterinarians recommend not leaving your dog in a locked car in the sun. Because dogs lack sweat glands, they can easily become overheated if not given access to a cool or shady spot. Even mild temperatures are harmful to a dog's health. So, what draws them to lie in the sun? Well, the answer is quite simple and sensible. Dogs, like humans, require the metabolism of certain body fats and oils into vitamin D.
D complex is essential for mammals in order to strengthen their bones and maintain body mineral balance. Vitamin D is equally important for both humans and dogs. However, there is a distinction: vitamin D is produced in the human skin and is rapidly absorbed. On the contrary, It forms on the fur of canines, where body fats and oils are deposited. Because our furry friends cannot absorb vitamin D like we do, they lick their fur after sunbathing. In essence, dogs absorb vitamin D in the same way that humans do.
Can my dog be harmed by extreme sun exposure?
An overdose of anything can be harmful to anyone. Prolonged sun exposure, whether on your dog or on you, can result in sunburn and skin cancer.
Moreover, if your dog is a hairless breed or has extremely short, thinly coated fur, he is more prone to sunburn than other types. Also, if your dog has white or light-colored hair, you should keep an eye on how long he or she spends sunbathing. If you want to avoid sunburn, make sure he has access to shades at all times while lying in the sun. They’ll instinctively seek shade when the sun becomes too intense.
Advantages of Sunbathing:
Sunbathing has several advantages, including the ability to help regulate a dog's circadian rhythm. Melatonin levels rise in response to darkness, signaling that it's time for a dog to sleep, and fall in response to light, signaling that it's time for a dog to wake up. However, the circadian rhythm is more than just the sleep-wake cycle. The circadian rhythm of a dog regulates other physiological processes such as energy metabolism. A normal circadian rhythm is essential for good health.
Another benefit of exposure to sunlight is that it is thought to increase the brain's release of the mood-boosting hormone serotonin. Serotonin serves many purposes. It aids in mood regulation and is responsible for feelings of well-being.
Conclusion:
Dogs, like most people, enjoy taking time out to enjoy a lazy day in the sun. When it is not too hot, the sun is one of nature's sources of feel-good energy. You and your dog will benefit from just the right amount of sunlight for the right amount of time. Sunshine, in the right amounts, provides more than just a warm fuzzy feeling. So, don’t forget to take some time out of your busy schedule to sunbathe with your furry friend!
