Have you ever wondered why do dogs lie in the sun?
You may have noticed that your puppy often looks for that little piece of ground where the sun is shining or goes to the backyard to lie in the sun. But what is the reason why he does this?
Your dog instinctively knows that sunbathing is important for his health, but it’s up to us to pay attention to some details, such as the best times, and whether or not to use sunscreen.
Why do Dogs Lie in the Sun?
Vitamin D absorption
Just like humans, the dog’s body also synthesizes vitamin D from sunlight, and this vitamin is very important for the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, preventing problems such as canine osteoporosis. This explains why dogs lie in the sun so often.
Relief from joint and muscle pain
Usually during the winter, the dog’s muscles are more contracted due to the temperature drop, overloading the joints. In addition, the fluid present in these structures becomes more viscous and increases your friend’s joint stiffness, which can cause pain and discomfort. Sunbathing helps your dog relieve these symptoms.
Read more: Why Do Dogs Wag Their Tails?
Partial protection against mites
If you or a family member suffers from rhinitis, someone must have told you to shake the sheets and leave them in the sun to eliminate the mites.
In fact, mites, fleas, bacteria, and some other parasites cannot tolerate sunlight. So when your dog lies in the sun, he is also helping to prevent diseases like mange.
But for your friend to be fully protected against skin and coat diseases, it is always important to maintain hygiene such as regular baths, grooming, and periodic visits to the vet.
Read more: How to Teach your Dog to Sit
Regulate sleep
Several studies point out that walking your dog in the sun can help release serotonin, which contributes to the feeling of well-being, reducing anxiety and depression.
In addition to serotonin, sunbathing helps release melatonin, which helps regulate sleep. If you live in Astoria and don’t have time to walk your dog during the day, sign him up for our daily Group Walks!
Sunbathing precautions
Even with all these benefits, your puppy’s sunbathing requires some care. Too much sun or sometimes even sunbathing when the UV Rays are too strong can increase the risk of skin cancer and burns. See below for the main care:
– Avoid the hottest hours.
– Try to use sunscreen in areas of lower hair density (eyes, ears, muzzle, belly, and spine).
– Pay attention to the duration of sunbathing. Do not let your dog sunbathe for too long on very hot days, especially in summer.
Dog Walker Astoria
Buster and Whiskers is The #1 Dog Walking Service in Astoria, NY. If your dog needs more exercise or social interaction, enroll your pup in daily Socialization Walks with us. Contact us for a professional and reliable Dog Walker in Astoria! Follow us on Instagram!
