Do you find your dog laying out in the sun on warm days in the backyard or under a window in the sunlight often? Ever wonder why? Sunbathing is a normal behaviour in dogs. This behaviour is both instinctive and reactive. When the environmental temperature is quite cold, dogs would prefer to lie in a warm sunny area.  

Beyond this, there are benefits to exposing your dog to sunlight. Some of them include
⦁ Stimulation of Vit. D production helps to regulate calcium and phosphorus in the body. 
⦁ Sunlight helps to reduce melatonin (sleep hormone) in your dog’s body, thus, keeping your dog active and happy during the day. 
⦁ Serotonin, a mood-boosting hormone is released on exposure to sunlight. This makes your dog feel good.

While sunbathing has its benefits, the UV rays from the sun can cause several problems such as 
⦁ Sunburn.
⦁ Skin Cancer.
⦁ Dehydration.
⦁ Overheating. 
⦁ Heat stroke.

As much as you want to indulge your dog when they curl up in their favourite sunny area, bear in mind that it can be harmful when it’s in excess. Ensure your dog is strictly monitored when sunbathing and ensure cool water is always available to regulate internal temperature.