Well, you must’ve seen your pooch enjoying the joys of life on a sunny day. But have you ever wondered why do dogs lay in the sun? Most of the time, they act similarly to their owners.
Just like we love sunbathing, dogs love it too. It helps in the production of Vitamin D. However; they can get heatstroke and sunburn. There are plenty of other risks. Hence caution is necessary in this regard.
You will see your dog lying in the yard in the scorching heat of June. They love to soak up all the rays as if on vacation.
But it doesn’t make sense to see a dog lying in the sun panting. If they do like it, it doesn’t seem comfortable or harmless for them.
But why do they love it so much? Do they enjoy the warm feeling? Or we have more to find out about this interesting behavior?
Plus, is sunbathing safe for dogs for a longer duration? Does it create health complications? Should your pooch lay in the sun all day?
There are plenty of other questions that pop into our minds. And, in this article, we are going to discuss all. Keep reading to find out if the Vitamin D benefits outweigh the risk or not.
Do Dogs Love to Lay In The Sun?
Yes, dogs enjoy lying in the sun for hours. The sensation is so good that dogs cannot get enough of it. The sun rays on their fur and skin make them feel a lot better. It improves their mood and relaxes their mind.
You lay in the sun, ask yourselves, what’s not to like?
In our houses, there are hot places during the summers. The areas where sunlight falls the brightest are the yard or garden.
Sunbathing or sleeping in sunlight has health benefits too. It assists in the regulation of body temperature. This helps them to warm up when they are feeling cold or under the weather.
Not only the summer season is for sunbathing. Whichever the season is, you’ll find your pooch outside lying in the sun. Even in winters, your pooch will lookout for a place where the sun rays can fall on their body.
The windowsills are the perfect spot for small dogs like poms to cuddle in. Larger breeds like GSD love to laze around in direct sunlight. They usually sit in front of rays coming through glass doors or large windows.
You will enjoy your sunbathing sessions as well. You’ll feel delighted to have a companion who enjoys the sun as much as you do. So, keep your fun pup by your side every time you do such fun activity.
It might sound strange, but such sessions can boost up the feelings of companionship. It is a good way for you to strengthen your bond with your doggo.
Moreover, dogs feel safe when they are close to their owners. They also act as an extra set of eyes as they keep watching out for any potential hazards.
You also don’t need to worry about what to feed them because you can check our complete guides on feeding them Cheetos, Sour cream, Cream cheese, Olives, Raw bacon, Tea & Basil, Prunes but with proper cautions.
1) Is Sunbathing Safe for Dogs In Extreme Hot Days?
There are days when the scorching sun becomes unbearable for us. But, dogs can get benefits out of it.
The sun aids in the formation of vitamin D in dogs. Just like we need Vitamin D for bones, canines need it too. It is in charge of helping them to absorb phosphorus and calcium into their bodies.
Both of these minerals are vital for the dog’s health. They help to strengthen the bones. They also prevent dogs from getting deep wounds. And also promote faster healing if required.
Moreover, puppies need plenty of Vitamin D.
Hence; sunlight is a good source for them to grow and form their skeletal structure correctly.
For older dogs, Vitamin D also has several benefits. According to researches, adequate levels of vitamin D can:
- Helps in the prevention of heart diseases
- Reduces skin and coat problems
- Reduces joint inflammation
- Eliminates inflammatory bowel disease
- Keeps depression, infections, and dental issues at bay
- Eliminates the risk of kidney disease, hyperparathyroidism, and cancer.
However, precautions are necessary. You can set up a dog bed with a shade that you can find easily anywhere. In this way, your dog won’t get sick in the extreme sunlight and heat.
Keeping all the points in mind, we should know how sunlight is beneficial for their body. Most importantly, how do dogs absorb this Vitamin D?
2) How Does A Dog’s Body Take Up Vitamin D?
You’ll find this information quite interesting! As they take up vitamin D in an exciting way. But first, we need to know how the process works in humans.
When direct sun rays fall on human skin, the oil in their skin reacts to the UV rays. This interaction breaks down the chemical bonds and creates vitamin D3.
Vitamin D3 is then absorbed back into the body. It enters into the bloodstream after absorption. The whole process takes around 15 to 20 minutes to reach completion.
But, for dogs, the Vitamin D from the sun doesn’t do wonders alone. They will need more through their diet.
The absorption process is the same, but they face issues because of their fur. The thick coat acts as a barrier that blocks almost all the vitamins from getting absorbed in the skin.
Instead of the skin, the formation of vitamin D3 is on their fur. When the dogs lick and clean themselves, the vitamin is orally ingested. You must have probably seen your pooch do this multiple times, but you haven’t had paid much heed.
Keep in mind, a dog’s diet is a game-changer to meet the need for nutrients. Thus, for Vitamin D, the sun is not the only source for our pups. Moreover, precautions are necessary. Because overexposure to the sun can sometimes cause harm to dogs.
Nonetheless, a balanced amount of vitamin D with sunlight and diet can only benefit. Plus, improve your dog’s life.
3) What to Look At While Giving Vitamin D to Your Dog?
Sometimes, dogs need vitamin supplements. Some dogs produce less Vitamin D than they need. For this reason, commercial supplements are available.
However, make yourselves aware of the fact that Vitamin D is oil-soluble. It means that excessive Vitamin D can build up in the body.
If you aren’t sure if your pup needs it, ask your vet to add a Vitamin D level test. Adding this test to your dog’s regular testing will help to determine if your dog needs a supplement or not.
There are few cases when dogs need supplements. Regular sunlight and a proper diet are all that they need.
For proper Vitamin D formation, dogs need exposure to the ultraviolet B range of sunlight. It is often called “UVB.” Our windows have a tint, so; they block UVB to some extent. The modern window designs have such glass fitted in them that keeps the rays away from the house. Thus, direct sun exposure is better.
Are There Any Risks Of Dogs Laying in The Sun?
Despite the benefits, there are a few risks overexposure can have on dogs. The fur cannot protect the skin for an extended period.
1) Severe Sunburn:
Dogs can get tanned, burned, or in severe cases, a sunstroke. Plus, increased exposure also leads to painful sunburn and severe dehydration.
Till now, you know why do dogs lay in the sun. But, if they lay for too long, they will pant excessively. They also carry the risk of severe sunburn and sunstroke.
Common Areas of Sunburn
Common areas that usually burn in canines are:
- Ears
- Nose
- Belly
- Eyelids
- The area around the mouth.
Dogs with short or thin coats or light-colored fur are at high risk of getting sunburnt.
Dogs with thick coats, like Huskies or Labradors, are at risk of getting dehydrated. But, this isn’t always true. Any breed can suffer from this condition.
2) Skin Cancer:
Skin cancer is a rare risk due to increased exposure to the sun in certain breeds of dogs. You should still take precautions. Because any cancer can potentially become life-threatening for your pooch.
How to Prevent the Risks of Overexposure to Sun In Dogs?
Sunburnt is quite common in humans and dogs too. Throughout the years, plenty of ways are present to prevent overexposure to sunlight.
Shaded areas are an excellent way to protect from extreme rays. Install a few green shades or umbrellas in the yard to avoid any health issues.
Not all dogs have such a nature. Some of them will search for shade if they are at risk of burning or feel overheated. Dogs with a thinner coat are at risk of such conditions. So, you can constraint the time they are at exposure to the sun during the hotter months.
You can also find dog-safe sunscreens at any pet store or online. Ensure that you never use a sunblock that is for humans on your dog. Our skin products contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs.
If your dog spends hours sunbathing, it will get dehydrated too. Being an owner, take responsibility for your dog’s needs too. And, don’t let them get exhausted more than their capacity.
To eliminate this risk while enjoying sunbathing, keep plenty of water for them to drink. Dogs living in the colder region can get dehydrated quickly. So, it would help if you kept them indoors in extremely high temperatures.
If we talk about skin cancer in dogs, it isn’t always immediately evident. It is hard to diagnose, especially in the earlier stages.
However, some signs of skin cancer can look like:
- Rubbery inflamed sores
- Strange colored bumps
- Raised wart-like blemishes
- Lumps on your dog’s mouth, lips, or feet
Why Do Dogs Lay In The Sun? How Much is Too Much?
You shouldn’t let your dog lay in the sun for more than 20 minutes. If you extend the duration, their body can get overheated.
Make sure you have a shady place too. If your pet wishes to rest, they can. If they start to pant a lot, bring them inside immediately.
Why Do Dogs Lay In The Sun – Final Words:
Picture this!
It’s a bright sunny day, and you open your backdoor to let the rays fall in your lounge. Meanwhile, your dog pounces out to have a fun freshly manicured lawn. You will see your dog rolling and soaking up the rays.
That’s how you know your dog loves the sun. But why do dogs lay in the sun?
It’s because they love the warmth. Plus, it provides the benefit of vitamin D to your dog’s overall health.
However, this fun can cost your dog in the form of suntan or dehydration. So, keep a check on your dog’s condition throughout the day.
Excessive panting means your pooch is done for the day. Don’t let them dehydrate, and keep a water bottle for them every time.
