Updates On 26th Sep 2017

Can Too Much Sun be Harmful to Dogs?

Humans get Vitamin D by being in the sun. The sun�s rays break down oil in our skin to create Vitamin D. It is then absorbed back into the skin and enters the blood stream.

Dogs have the same oil on their skin. Laying in the sun converts that oil to Vitamin D for dogs, as well. Unlike humans, however, Vitamin D isn�t absorbed back into your dog�s skin due to all his fur. When dogs lick their fur after sunbathing, they are ingesting their Vitamin D.

Vitamin D is technically not a vitamin, but more like a hormone. It helps regulate the mineral metabolism in your dog�s body. This maintains the calcium balance in bones.

Prolonged exposure to the sun can lead to sunburn and skin cancer in dogs. When it comes to sunburn some dogs are more susceptible than others. The dogs most at risk from sunburn are hairless breeds, those with short, thin coats, and dogs with white or light colored fur.

The next time you see your dog laying in a sunbeam; relaxed or twisted up like a pretzel, you know that an important chemical reaction is going on that will help maintain your dog�s health!

Source: https://www.facebook.com/SarawakSPCA/photos/a.10151839329759..

Tweet

SPCA Sarawak

The Sarawak Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals believes that animals, as living creatures, have value beyond economic measurement, and are entitled to legal, moral and ethical consideration and protection. The Sarawak SPCA's mission is to act as an advocate on behalf of animals and as an enforcer of their rights; to provide for the well-being of the animals of the State of Sarawak who are abandoned, injured, subjected to unfair or cruel treatment, or otherwise in need; to cultivate in the people of our community an awareness of the animals whose world we share; to promote a bond of mutual assistance between people and animals; and to instill respect for and appreciation of all living things.

More Articles   |   Website