Most dogs prefer a sunny spot in the house or yard to lie in. Have you ever pondered why dogs like to sunbathe? Or whether your pup can sunbathe?
Even though we can't know for sure, it's safe to presume that dogs enjoy a good sunbathing session for the same reason we do.
Dogs seem to enjoy the warm, relaxing feeling of sunlight on their bodies. The sun’s warmth helps a dog heat up, stay warm on a cold day, and dry off when wet.
Exposure to sunlight helps regulate a dog’s circadian rhythm. Melatonin levels rise as it gets dark, signaling that it’s time for sleep, and are suppressed in response to light when it’s time for a dog to be awake.
However, the circadian rhythm is more than just the sleep-wake pattern. The circadian rhythm of a canine regulates other physiological functions such as energy metabolism. A normal circadian rhythm is essential for optimal health.
Some dog breeds develop a disease known as light-responsive alopecia or seasonal flank alopecia in regions of the world with dark winters. Affected canines experience hair loss in patches, most commonly on the flanks.
Hair loss is frequently uniform. The illness usually has a seasonal pattern. Affected dogs begin to lose hair in the autumn, with regrowth in the spring.
The cause of the condition is unknown, but it is believed to be a lack of sunlight exposure to the pineal gland. Melatonin may be useful in treating this disease.
Sunlight may also boost serotonin production in the brain. Many processes depend on serotonin. It regulates moods and promotes well-being.
Vitamin D has been called “the sunshine vitamin,” but dogs, unlike people and many other animals, are not efficient at synthesizing vitamin D in their skin through sun exposure.