Ever wondered why your pupper loves laying out in the sun? I never really gave much thought about it but in light (pun intended) of the recent heatwave affecting most of Europe. It made me question why do dogs love sunbathing and whether too much sun exposure for my pupper would be borderline harmful.

Put simply, like humans, they just love the warmth of the sun on their skin and it makes them feel good. However, it does more than just that as the sun exposure also provides many other health benefits. So, I did some digging and here are some of the biggest reasons why dogs love to bask under the sun:

 

Sunlight promotes Vitamin D production

Does that sound familiar? Vitamin D is just equally as important for canine’s health as it does for us. Vitamin D in dogs promotes better absorption of calcium and phosphorus into their bodies which is pivotal for bone health and nerves regulation. For us, when the sun rays hit your skin, it breaks down the oils in our skin to produce vitamin D. While we synthesize vitamin D from ultraviolet light, it is not exactly the same for our pups. Dogs are able to convert sunlight into vitamin D however unlike humans and other mammals, they are not very efficient in doing so.

• Getting a sufficient amount of vitamin D is crucial as studies have also shown that are many benefits such as:
• Stronger immunity
• Prevent heart diseases
• Maintain healthy muscles and bones
• Prevent joint inflammation
• Prevent coat and skin issues

However, don’t start worrying, your pupper is still able to receive an abundance of Vitamin D from their food and their exposure to sunlight produces a sebaceous oil on their fur that is ingested and converted into Vitamin D when they lick their fur. So when your pupper licks his fur next time, remember that he is getting his daily dose of vitamin D.

 

Helps Relieves Joint Pain

Unfortunately, it is found that approximately 80% of dogs above 8 years old will develop arthritis while 20% of dogs by the tender age of 1 exhibit signs of arthritis commonly seen in larger dogs. Arthritis happens when there is an inflammation in the joints, causing more friction when the bones rub together making it painful for dogs to move.

Being exposed to sunlight stimulates the production of a hormone called endorphins which is basically the body’s natural painkillers. Sunlight also improves blood circulation to the joints which in turn provide temporary relief to some of the joint pains.

 

Improves Dog’s Mood

There is a reason why sunshine is typically associated with happiness. Turns out, there is scientific evidence that shows sunlight does bring happiness in our life. Exposure to sunlight helps you release a hormone called Serotonin. Now, does that sound familiar to you? Serotonin also known as the “feel-good hormone” helps to boost your mood and keep you calm and focused.

So when your pupper is basking under the glorious sun, he is most probably having a wonderful time. Some scientists argue that it is possible that dogs could also be easily affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder as with humans.  Shared in the Whole Dog Journal, Dr Basko, a Hawaii-based veterinarian argues that a dog could be grumpy, anxious or easily irritable when they don’t get enough light exposure. 

Fun fact: One of the treatments for winter depression (for humans) uses light therapy to boost serotonin levels due to the shorter window of daylight during the winter season. 

 

Helps Your Dog To Sleep Better 

Getting exposure to lights helps your pupper regulate his circadian rhythm. Circadian rhythm is basically your body’s sleep wake internal body clock. Sunlight has a powerful effect on our circadian rhythm as your body’s internal clock responds to light as a signal to be awake or asleep.

Similar to humans, dogs are able to produce melatonin. When sunlight enters your dog’s eyes, the body knows it is time to be awake by producing less melatonin. When it is dark, the body produces more melatonin to signal to the brain that it is time to sleep. To get optimal sleep quality, scientists suggest it is good to allow your pupper to get a sufficient amount of sunlight during daylight to improve chances of a deeper and higher quality rest. 

 

3 Safety Tips for Sunbathing 

 

1. Access to drinking water and shade 

Make sure your pupper is able to find drinking water and shade near him to encourage him to drink more and be properly hydrated. If they feel they have gotten enough light, their natural instinct will kick in and move themselves to a cooler place.

However, if you still think your pupper is spending too much time in the sun, perhaps purchasing a small dog tent will help ease your worries. The tent would be able to provide shade for your pupper and the tent’s elevated base will help keep your pupper more cool. 

2. Avoid midday sun

Typically, the hottest time of the day is around mid-day. That is when the sun-rays are at its strongest and it is safest to avoid it be it for humans and puppers alike. The most optimal time for your pupper to lay in the sun would be before 11 am and after 3pm. 

3. Use sunscreen 

Surprised? But yes, dogs require sunscreen as well, especially for breeds with white, light colored fur or pink skin. These breeds are the most susceptible to sunburn. You may also want to consider getting UV-protective dog clothes and dog-friendly sunscreen.

Some points to look out for- find a sunscreen brand that offers SPF30 protection and is safe for ingestion since your pupper will most likely lick some off. If these products contain toxic zinc oxide, PABA or octyl salicylate, it is highly recommended to stay away from them. And no, human sunscreen cannot be used on dogs as it contains zinc oxide that is harmful to dogs. 

Is sunlight harmful for my dog?

With every good thing, there is always another side to consider. It is important to remember even though dogs have fur, they do not have sweat glands so they are still susceptible to sunburn problems under too much sunlight. This can also cause serious health problems such as: 

• Skin cancer 
• Heatstroke 
• Dehydration 
• Heat exhaustion 

Don’t need to start panicking; let your pupper bask in the sun and get that wonderful vitamin D. Remember to stay close by while they are outside to ensure they are not getting overheated. 

 

How long should I let my dog out in the sun?

As a rough gauge, if you feel like you have enough sunlight, there’s a good chance your pupper  probably feels it too. For more specifics, according to Dr. Bassingthwaighte, it is recommended to get about 30-40 minutes of raw sunlight in the morning, late afternoon and evening or 15 minutes during mid-day to optimise their circadian rhythm. Of course, cut back on the time exposure if the sun is really intense that day. 

 

Final Thoughts

To wrap it up, there are many benefits to dogs sunbathing. To prevent potential sunburns, follow the safety tips and you should be fine. It is important to remember that even though there are upsides to lying in the sun, moderation is still key to make sure that  sunlight exposure is optimised for your pooch.

Frequently Asked Questions

[sc_fs_multi_faq headline-0=”h3″ question-0=”How much vitamin d is toxic to a dog? ” answer-0=”The recommended amount from The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) for adult dog food ranges from a minimum of 500 IU to maximum of 3,000 IU per kilogram of food a day in your canine’s diet. However, this amount only applies to commercial pet food. ” image-0=”” headline-1=”h3″ question-1=”My dog ate a 2,000 IU vitamin D pill. What should I do? ” answer-1=”Observe your dog very closely for 2-3 days and look out for symptoms of vomiting, lethargy, abdominal pain, excessive thirst etc. Alternatively, for peace of mind, bring your dog to the vet and get his bloodwork done to check for abnormalities in his calcium and phosphorous levels. ” image-1=”” headline-2=”h3″ question-2=”Is vitamin D3 safe to eat for dogs? ” answer-2=”Yes, it is when consumed in adequate amounts that your vet recommends. In fact, vitamin D3 is necessary for promoting the development of your pet’s bone and muscular growth. However, between the two different types of vitamin D- vitamin D2 vitamin D3, Vitamin D3 is more potent and has a narrower margin of safety. This could result in severe poisoning when eaten in small amounts so be careful what you feed your canine. ” image-2=”” headline-3=”h3″ question-3=”Can I feed my dog human vitamin D supplements? ” answer-3=”The safest way is to consult your vet on the recommended dosage for your dog. Some human vitamin D supplements may contain different concentrations of vitamin D and have added additives that might be harmful for your dog. So, check with your vet first. ” image-3=”” count=”4″ html=”true” css_class=””]