Why Dogs Enjoy Sunbathing
Many pet parents won’t find it surprising if they found their hound basking in the sun flooding through the window. Some dogs almost seem to love soaking up the sun just as much as many of their owners do. Some pups even have designated “sun-bathing” spots that you will often catch them laying in. As a dog owner, this probably doesn’t raise any red flags, and it shouldn’t – but you may also be assuming your pooch only practices this sunny habit because it feels good. Turns out though, there’s a bit more to this habit than we may realize.
The Importance of Vitamin D
Vitamin D happens to be considered more of a hormone than a vitamin – which can be confusing finding the word “vitamin” is in its name. The reason behind this substantial hormone association is due to our dogs manufacturing Vitamin D in response to direct sunlight exposure. This pro-hormone, though is still classified as a vitamin because your canine can’t absorb calcium without it.
Facts & Pros About Vitamin D for Dogs:
- Your pooch stores Vitamin D in the fatty tissues of their body and liver.
- Vitamin D helps regulate the calcium and phosphorus balance in our dog’s bodies.
- Vitamin D is significant in Fido’s bone formation, as well as their muscle and nerve control
- Our canines receive most of their Vitamin D through their diet.
- Dogs also though create Vitamin D from exposure to direct sunlight, just like their pet parents!
It is crucial to keep in mind that there is such a thing as Vitamin D Toxicity in Dogs. In a recent article by the FDA, it showed that this develops from your furry friend consuming dog food that contains too much Vitamin D. Accidental consumption of rodent-killing chemicals also causes Vitamin D Toxicity in Dogs. When in doubt, reach out to your veterinarian – it’s always better to be safe rather than sorry.
Breaking it Down with Science
Something we have in common with our canine companions is the oily chemicals our body produces on our skin. This chemical on their skin, when exposed to the suns rays, breaks down and creates vitamin D (just like us!). Unlike us though, dogs can’t efficiently absorb Vitamin D3 from sunlight due to their coat of fur. Because of this, Vitamin D3 instead remains on your pup’s fur until they groom themselves and in a result – finally digests the vitamin.
Due to the inefficiency of your pooch absorbing the Vitamin D they create from sun exposure, they get a majority of the vitamin through their diet and grooming habits. So next time you catch your furry friend grooming, know that it’s not just for cleaning purposes but for receiving their Vitamin D as well.
Is There Such a Thing as Too Much Sun?
Too much of a good thing usually results in something bad, which is accurate to sunbathing. Extended sun exposure can lead to a nasty sunburn or even skin cancer in canines. Hairless, short, or thinly coated dog breeds have a higher susceptibility, compared to other breeds, to these sun-related issues. Pooches with white or light-colored fur also face higher risks of these issues.
Helping your dog avoid getting sunburnt is very important no matter the breed though.
- Ensure your dog always has access to shade, because instinctively they’ll seek it out if the sun is becoming too intense for them.
- If you go on a lot of outdoor adventures with your four-legged friend, you should invest in some dog-safe sunscreen. Emphasis on the DOG-SAFE part, because human sunscreen contains ingredients that are incredibly toxic to canines.
Most dogs enjoy some sunbathing now and then – but it’s essential to allow Fido to be the judge of how much sun they receive by always giving them shady alternatives and sunscreen if applicable.
