Why Do Dogs Like Laying in the Sun? Sunbathing Secrets Revealed

Are you wondering why do dogs like laying in the sun? And did you know how different is the absorption of vitamin D for dogs?

Have you ever caught your dog out in a patch of sunlight, looking like they’re living their absolute best life?

Chevy, my sweet senior dog, has his favorite sunbathing spots in our backyard and throughout the house. Look at him in this video below. Yes, he is sitting in a reclining chair. It’s not my chair anymore; it never was.

@lifewithchevy My dog loves sunbathing. 🐶 ☀️ @ntsinclair asked on Insta: What to do on Leap Years Day? 29th, the extra day with your pup. Chevy has voted “sunbathing”…. again. #makeeveryleapcount @leapyearsdogs #dogsunbathing #seniordog #seniordoglife #makeeverydaycount #dogenyoinglife #seniordogmom #seniordogsofinstagram #seniordogofinstagram #seniordogsoftiktok #anatolianshepherddog #anatolianshepherdmix #seniordoglovers #lifewithdogs #lifewithchevy ♬ Vintage – Cōrt

Summary

In this post, I will discuss two statements summarizing my research on sunlight and vitamin D for dogs. We’ll also talk about why dogs like lying in the sun, some myths and fasts, and I’ll share some tips to keep your dog cool in summer.

The first statement states that sunbathing is good for dogs, but they do not get vitamin D from the sunlight. Based on various clinical research.

And the second statement states that they do get some indeed.

Important Note: Always consult your veterinarian for personalized advice regarding your dog’s health and well-being, including any concerns about their sun exposure.

I’m not a veterinarian; I’m just a dog mom who is constantly researching information about dogs and loves to share my findings with fellow dog moms 🙂

I will also share my opinion on which statement makes more sense, so don’t go anywhere; let’s dive in!

Do dogs get vitamin D from the sun?

If you see your dog sunbathing and wonder, do dogs get vitamin D from the sun? Or how do dogs get vitamin D at all?

First statement: Dogs do NOT get vitamin D from sunlight exposure.

Dogs (and cats) cannot produce Vitamin D3 in their skin, even with sun exposure

Read more here: The Role of Vitamin D in Small Animal Bone Metabolism on the Health’s National Library of Medicine website (it’s a long article).

Here is a summary of the article:

• Dietary Intake Only: Unlike humans, dogs (and cats) cannot produce Vitamin D3 in their skin, even with sun exposure. This is because they have an enzyme that rapidly converts the necessary precursor into cholesterol.
• Absorption and Conversion: Dogs get their Vitamin D from their food. It’s initially converted to calcidiol in the liver, then to its active form, calcitriol, in the kidneys.
• Vitamin D Storage: Dogs can store some Vitamin D in their fat and muscle tissue.

I found another article on the AMC website that says:

Hence vitamin D is often referred to as “the sunshine vitamin.” However, the skin of dogs and cats lacks the ability to use sunlight to synthesize the vitamin D precursor in their skin. Their only source of vitamin D is their diet.

By Dr. Ann Hohenhaus, AMC.

Second statement: Dogs get some vitamin D from direct sunlight exposure.

Other sources on the internet say that dogs can get vitamin D under direct sunlight, just like us. However, because of their fur, vitamin D3 is not absorbed into their bodies like humans.

Vitamin D3 stays on their fur, and they ingest it orally when they groom themselves. Interesting, right?

Here is one of the articles I found that explains more about it: Read article

If I’m being honest, I don’t prefer any statement. Even if our dogs lay in the sun and get some Vitamin D from grooming themselves, getting them the right amount in their food is essential. What do you think?

But there is still the question: why do dogs like sunbathing so much?

Why Do Dogs Like Laying in the Sun?

• Feeling the Warmth: Dogs love the cozy feeling of the sun’s warmth on their fur. Just like us, it helps regulate their body temperature and offers pure doggy bliss.
• Good Mood Vibes: Did you know sunlight can boost a pup’s mood? It helps them make serotonin, a special chemical in their brain that makes them feel happy and calm.

So, sunbathing might be Chevy’s secret weapon for fighting those doggy blues 🙂

Dogs and the Sun: Myths & Facts

Busting The Myths:

• Myth: Dogs don’t need sunscreen.
• Fact: Hairless, short-haired, or light-furred dogs can get sunburned, just like us!

The only dog sunscreen FDA approved is available to protect those delicate areas. There are multiple options out there, but I would advise you to ask your vet first. That’s what I would do.

• Myth: Sunbathing gives dogs all the Vitamin D they need.
• Fact: While sunshine may help create Vitamin D, it’s not the primary source. A balanced diet packed with doggy-appropriate nutrients is still essential.

Tips to Keep Your Dog Cool in Summer

• Shady Spots: Make sure your dog has an easy way to escape the blazing sun. Shade trees, comfy patios, or cooling dog beds are perfect.
• Hydration Station: A full water bowl is a summer essential! Consider multiple water sources indoors and out.
• Timing is Key: Walk and play during the cooler parts of the day (early mornings or evenings) to avoid heatstroke.

Related Posts:

• Signs of Heatstroke in Dogs
• 13 Ideas of How to Spend This Summer With Dogs (one for every week)

Next time you see your dog sunbathing and grooming himself, remember that he’s not just doing it to look cute and relaxed; he may be getting some vitamin D!

This post was about why do dogs like laying in the sun.