Can a dog stay in the sun for how long?
People suffering from rheumatism know that painful processes worsen on colder days, and the same happens with dogs.
This occurs because when the body cools down, the muscles contract, causing a kind of overload on the joints.
Another issue is that the synovial fluid present in some joint structures becomes thicker in the cold.
In this way, the area becomes stiffer. The same happens with dogs. So, if your furry friend has any such problems or has broken a limb, he will want to stay in the sun even more.
Protection against mites
You may have heard your grandmother or someone else say that you should leave the bedding in the sun for a while.
Well, this has a basis, as mites, bacteria, and even parasites like fleas do not like direct sunlight.
Therefore, dogs can stay in the sun daily to avoid skin problems, such as mange, for example.
Of course, this is not enough to keep the dog protected against parasites, and the owner must always be vigilant about this issue, consulting a veterinarian whenever necessary to clarify some questions.
It is also essential to keep the place where the animal lives always clean and organized. But in any case, sunlight also helps.
The time a dog can stay in the sun regulates sleep and serotonin release
Knowing how long a dog can stay in the sun is crucial to ensure the proper release of serotonin and the regulation of the animal’s sleep period.
Serotonin specifically is a neurotransmitter synthesized in the Central Nervous System, which contributes to the animal’s well-being, as it reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Thus, the dog stays in the sun also because it is very beneficial for his mental health.
Sun exposure also helps control melatonin levels and its proper release.
This is a hormone derived from serotonin that acts more specifically on sleep regulation.
Dog can stay in the sun: Cautions
The time a dog can stay in the sun is around thirty minutes daily, but this is not a rule.
To expose the animal to light, it is necessary to take a series of specific precautions, also respecting the limits of each individual animal.
So, here are some tips when your dog is in the sun:
Pay attention to the time
Just as it happens with people, dogs benefit greatly from sun exposure.
However, it is essential to ensure the furry friend’s safety to avoid problems. And the sun during the hottest hours can be harmful.
Between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., the sun is more intense, and it can burn the animal. Moreover, the amount of radiation is also higher at this time, increasing the chances of the animal developing skin cancer.
So, now you know: do not let the dog lie in the sun for too long at noon, okay?
Dog can stay in the sun, but use sunscreen on your dog
Especially in dogs with shorter fur and light skin, it is crucial to be careful and use a specific sunscreen for pets.
Ask the dog’s veterinarian for help in choosing a suitable product that does not cause allergies or other problems.
Also, remember that some areas of the animals’ bodies are much more sensitive, such as around the eyes, ears, nose, and belly.
So, apply more sunscreen to these areas before the animal is exposed to the sun.
This also applies to daytime walks, right? Sunscreens are very effective in protecting the animal from burns caused by solar radiation.
Dog can stay in the sun, but be careful with overheating
The time a dog can stay in the sun also depends on the animal’s body temperature.
Overheating is potentially dangerous, so the owner must always be attentive to the dog.
The main signs that the dog is too hot are:
- Panting, showing fatigue;
- Excessive salivation;
- Prostration and apathy. The animal refuses to get up and move;
- The animal appears confused and sometimes even dizzy;
- Episodes of diarrhea and vomiting;
- Accelerated heartbeats.
If you notice that your dog is lying down or has spent a lot of time in the sun and now shows some of these signs, be alert.
Put the animal in the shade, offer water, and wait a few minutes. If you see that he does not improve, take him to the vet.
It is common for the dog to feel so good in the sun that he loses track of time and exaggerates.
It is also common for animals to expose themselves during periods of higher light and heat intensity.
Can a puppy stay in the sun?
Now that you know how long a dog can stay in the sun, you may be wondering if the same applies to puppies, especially the very young ones.
Well, as you may know, life depends directly or indirectly on sunlight, and that is essential.
This even applies to beings that live in totally dark places. In this case, they use organic matter from the processes of photosynthesis of phytoplankton and various plant species.
This is one of the cases that prove that living beings do not always need direct sunlight. And in some cases, exposure can even be harmful.
Regarding how long a puppy can stay in the sun, specific care is required.
Firstly, puppies are born with very thin and delicate fur that is not sufficient to protect the skin completely against sunlight. Therefore, the skin can end up burning.
In addition, when dogs are born, their eyes are extremely sensitive to light. In some cases, they remain closed for several days.
And to preserve vision and ensure comfort, it is essential to leave the puppies in a less bright environment.
Keep the puppy warm in other ways
Since puppies cannot stay in sunlight, alternative means must be found to keep the little ones warm.
It is important to know that under normal temperature conditions, simply letting the female dog stay with the puppies in a protected environment with warm cloths will not cause any problems for the newborn puppies.
Usually, the mother herself will take care of the initial care for the puppies. During care, contact with the mother’s body is sufficient to keep the puppies warm.
But if, for some reason, the female dog is not with the puppies, an alternative heat source must be sought.
Today there are many blankets and thermal mattresses specifically for dogs. They are safe and quite comfortable.
In addition, a heating lamp can be used, but in this case, a little more care must be taken with brightness and temperature.
The lamp must necessarily be at a safe distance from the puppy, avoiding skin and eye burns.
Anyway, if you are taking care of puppy dogs, it is ideal to seek professional help for the right guidance regarding care.
In addition to heating, small puppies also need light for the synthesis of vitamin D, which is essential to avoid problems with bone development.
Therefore, puppies usually need supplements for this vitamin. Inquire about this with the vet.
When can puppies go in the sun?
One of the most important points about exposing puppies to the sun is that it should only happen when the animal has good control of its movements.
This way, it can move to a shaded area whenever it feels uncomfortable.
When puppies are a little bigger, the fur is also denser and thus provides more efficient protection against solar radiation.
Attention to the time a dog can stay in the sun
When it comes to how long a dog can stay in the sun, other factors must be considered, such as the age and specific characteristics of the animal.
Therefore, more care should be taken with animals with light fur and skin, especially in cases
where the fur is short and less dense.
In addition, brachycephalic animals tend to suffer much more from overheating and can present serious problems.
Their breathing is inefficient, leading to poor body cooling. The same can happen with older dogs.
This group is more sensitive to temperature changes, in addition to having thinner and more sensitive skin compared to young animals.
But regardless of the age or breed of the dog, it is important to ensure thermal comfort and proper hydration to avoid problems.
Conclusion
As you have seen, the time a dog can stay in the sun depends on various factors, such as the time of day, breed, age, and the physical condition of the animal.
Therefore, even though the sun is beneficial to animals, follow the main recommendations and always be attentive to any problems with the dog.
