Why Does My Dog Lie in the Sun?

It's curious how even on the hottest summer days, dogs can spend long hours lying in the sun, since beyond how pleasant it is to feel the sun's rays, their body is wise and encourages them to stay in the sun to take care of itself.

When you see your pet peacefully lying in the sun, it's restoring certain deficiencies, physical or emotional, that only this powerful star can address. If you want to know why dogs lie in the sun, don't miss a single detail — we explain it below.

The 5 Reasons Your Dog Lies in the Sun

There are several reasons your pet will seek out the sun and choose to lie down to receive the warmth and benefits it provides. Pay attention.

1. It Needs to Build Up Vitamin D

As you know, since it happens to us humans too, sun exposure promotes vitamin D production, which in turn helps metabolize calcium and phosphorus. Essential minerals for developing and maintaining healthy bones and teeth, and for preventing bone conditions like, for example, osteoporosis.

Vitamin D is fat-soluble, meaning it's stored in fatty tissue and stays in the body longer than other vitamins. So, you don't need to offer foods rich in vitamin D or supplements to your dog. Moderate, regular sun exposure will be enough.

That said, unlike skin absorption in humans, dogs receive this exchange of solar radiation and vitamin D through their fur. This makes the process slower and insufficient to fully build up their reserves. So, you'll see them licking themselves to absorb more of this vitamin, which takes on an oily texture.

Other Benefits of Vitamin D

Besides strengthening bones and teeth, this vitamin is decisive for developing and maintaining healthy muscles, preventing atrophy. That said, daily physical exercise is its natural ally. Vitamin D promotes the nerve signal behind muscle contractions, especially relevant for bulkier breeds.

On another note, this vitamin is directly linked to the biological clock and the strength of the animal's immune system. The more regular the circadian cycles, the better shape its defenses will be in to fight off possible illnesses. This is one of the reasons morning walks in the sun are highly recommended.

2. It's a Way to Feel Better

Contact with solar radiation stimulates the release of serotonin, also known as the happiness hormone, since it acts as a neurotransmitter regulating mood. When your pet lies in the sun, it's seeking to feel better and maybe move past feelings of loneliness. It's an excellent natural resource for preventing depression.

3. To Fall Asleep

Sunbathing stimulates the release of melatonin, the hormone involved in falling asleep and sleep quality. That said, if your dog falls asleep in the sun for a prolonged time, it carries certain risks. It could get burned or suffer heatstroke.

4. To Warm Up

Especially short-haired breeds like, for example, Chihuahuas, will seek the shelter of the sun to warm their bodies on cold winter days.

5. To Ease Joint Pain

Elderly dogs have weakened coats, unable to fully complete vitamin D production after sun exposure. Because of this, they'll feel chilly and seek out the sun to warm up. If they suffer from rheumatic conditions like arthritis, sun contact will help ease that joint pain like a natural pain reliever.

Always in Moderation

Although getting sun exposure is a very healthy routine for your pet, it should always be done in moderation, especially during summer. In growing dogs, excess calcium from uncontrolled exposure can cause disruptions in the nervous system, the muscular system, or mouth malformations.

So, it's a good idea to limit prolonged sun exposure and avoid the midday hours during summer, as well as apply sunscreen, especially for white-coated or short-haired dogs. Here are other guidelines to help prevent heatstroke and sunstroke in your best friend:

• Always leave water available for it.
• Wet its head periodically if temperatures are very high. This gesture is crucial, since untreated heatstroke could develop into sunstroke and end fatally.
• Don't shave its fur. Breeds with a double coat manage to adapt to temperature changes thanks to it, while dogs with very short fur are more vulnerable to UV rays. For the former, it's essential to watch the time and wet the coat. For the latter, use dog-specific sunscreen.

Don't Skip Walks in the Sun

In short, your dog enjoying sunbathing shouldn't worry you, since if its basic needs are met, this behavior doesn't indicate any health issue. That said, you should make sure it doesn't exceed 2 consecutive hours, and that it doesn't do so when sunlight is most direct and intense.