Why Dachshunds Love Sunbathing: The Reason Behind This Sunny Habit
Have you wondered why do dachshunds like to sunbathe? As dachshund owners, we all know dachshund sunbathing, especially if you live in an area where the weather is cold. We think they show this behaviour to just feel warmth, but you are not completely right. They show these types of behaviour for various causes; the main cause for this is their instinct. They are bred to hunt badgers and other burrowing animals; they are dogs with high energy needs, especially during hunting time. Because of this, their body is made to store energy, and sunbathing works as an energy supplement for them. Not just that, there are many reasons for this. In this blog, I will share some of the main reasons for dachshund sunbathing.
Why do dachshunds like to sunbathe?
We all know our dachshunds tend to lie in sunlight. Dachshunds are dog breed that is bred for hunting burrowing animals like badgers. When they sunbath we all just think they feel cold and need warmth, but they show this action also for mood boosting and feel relaxed. Here are some of the main reason why dachshund likes to sunbath.
Warmth & Comfort
Dachshunds have a short coat, especially in smooth-haired dachshunds; they are susceptible to the cold easily. When they feel the need for warmth, especially in winter, they tend to lie comfortably and enjoy sunlight. Warm sunlight helps to regulate their body temperature and feel cosy.
Instinctual Behavior
Dachshunds, like all dogs, like to sunbathe instinctively. They are hunting dog breeding to hunt badgers in Germany. Hunting dogs need high energy during hunting time; for that reason, they lie and let their bodies absorb the sunlight. Another leading reason for that they love sunbathing because sunlight works as an energy saver for them. Staying warm with body heat alone burns calories (energy), which is really important for them during hunting.
Soothing Achy Muscles or Joints
Another reason they love sunbathing because of warmth present in sunlight gives a soothing effect to muscles and joints because sunlight dilates blood vessels, which increases circulation to muscles and joints. Better blood flow brings more oxygen and nutrients to the tissues, helping reduce pain and stiffness. When they feel pain and stiffness in their muscle and joints, they are likely to prefer sunbathing.
Mood Boost & Relaxation
Like human, they have they have a mood booster chemical in the brain called serotonin. This helps to boost their mood; vitamin D present in sunlight gives them a serotonin boost. That’s why they prefer sunbathing, and you may also notice that when your dachshund is much happier after sunbathing, this is a reason behind this.
Vitamin D Production
When your dog’s skin is exposed to sunlight, UVB rays hit the skin and produce vitamin D in small amounts. Unlike human, they can’t absorb enough vitamin D through their skin because of their fur and skin type, but all essential vitamins and minerals are already present in quality dachshund feed. You don’t need to depend on sunlight for vitamin D.
Dachshunds may be domesticated today but but their behaviours are deeply rooted in their ancestry. When they spend too much of their time outdoors relying heavily on natural sunlight just for warmth and comfort, but also for certain health benefits.
Vitamin D also helps to increase serotonin in their brain, which boosts their mood and reduce stress.
Territorial & Observational Habit
Dachshunds were originally bred for hunting badgers and other burrowing animals; their nature is deeply rooted in their brain, therefore, they are alert, observant, and highly aware of their environment. Sometimes they lie on the windows and watch what is going on in their territory, people walking by, birds flying, and other pets moving. It gives them mental stimulation and satisfies their territorial instinct by monitoring their surroundings.
How long do dachshund dogs stay in heat?
The time your dachshund can stay in heat depends upon heat of the outer environment, Generally, we can keep them 30- 60 minutes in a medium temperature, like 25–30°C.
Conclusion
Dachshunds were bred as hunting dogs; the sunlight captivates them, especially in cooler seasons. They love to sunbathe for various reasons; the main reason is to satisfy their instinct, and another main reason can be to avoid coldness. Regardless, this is an important activity that helps to provide a sense of satisfaction.
Have you wondered why do dachshunds sunbathe? As dachshund owners, we all know dachshund sunbathing, especially if you live in a cold weather area. We think they show this behaviour to just feel warmth, but you are not completely right. They show these types of behaviour for various causes; the main cause for this is their instinct. They are bred to hunt badgers and other burrowing animals; they are dogs with high energy needs, especially during hunting time. Because of this, their body is made to store energy, and sunbathing works as an energy supplement for them. Not just that, there are many reasons for this. In this blog, I will share some of the main reasons for dachshund sunbathing.
Why do dachshunds like to sunbathe?
We all know our dachshunds have a tendency to lie in sunlight. Dachshunds are a dog breed that is bred for hunting burrowing animals like badgers. When they sunbathe, we all just think they feel cold and need warmth, but they show this action for mood boosting and feel relaxed. Here are some of the main reasons why dachshund likes to sunbathe.
Warmth & Comfort
Dachshunds have a short coat, especially in smooth-haired dachshunds; they are susceptible to the cold easily. When they feel the need for warmth, especially in winter, they tend to lie comfortably and enjoy sunlight. Warm sunlight helps to regulate their body temperature and feel cosy.
Instinctual Behavior
Dachshunds, like all dogs, like to sunbathe instinctively. They are hunting dog breeding to hunt badgers in Germany. Hunting dogs need high energy during hunting time; for that reason, they lie and let their bodies absorb the sunlight. Another leading reason for that they love sunbathing because sunlight works as an energy saver for them. Staying warm with body heat alone burns calories (energy), which is really important for them during hunting.
Soothing Achy Muscles or Joints
Another reason they love sunbathing because of warmth present in sunlight gives a soothing effect to muscles and joints because sunlight dilates blood vessels, which increases circulation to muscles and joints. Better blood flow brings more oxygen and nutrients to the tissues, helping reduce pain and stiffness. When they feel pain and stiffness in their muscle and joints, they are likely to prefer sunbathing.
Mood Boost & Relaxation
Like human, they have they have a mood booster chemical in the brain called serotonin. This helps to boost their mood; vitamin D present in sunlight gives them a serotonin boost. That’s why they prefer sunbathing, and you may also notice that when your dachshund is much happier after sunbathing, this is a reason behind this.
Vitamin D Production
When your dog’s skin is exposed to sunlight, UVB rays hit the skin and produce vitamin D in small amounts. Unlike human, they can’t absorb enough vitamin D through their skin because of their fur and skin type, but all essential vitamins and minerals are already present in quality dachshund feed. You don’t need to depend on sunlight for vitamin D.
Dachshunds may be domesticated today but but their behaviours are deeply rooted in their ancestry. When they spend too much of their time outdoors relying heavily on natural sunlight just for warmth and comfort, but also for certain health benefits.
Vitamin D also helps to increase serotonin in their brain, which boosts their mood and
Territorial & Observational Habit
Dachshunds were originally bred for hunting badgers and other burrowing animals; their nature is deeply rooted in their brain, therefore, they are alert, observant, and highly aware of their environment. Sometimes they lie on the windows and watch what is going on in their territory, people walking by, birds flying, and other pets moving. It gives them mental stimulation and satisfies their territorial instinct to monitor their surroundings.
How long do dachshund dogs stay in heat?
The time your dachshund can stay in heat depends upon heat of the outer environment, Generally, we can keep them 30- 60 minutes in a medium temperature, like 25–30°C.
Conclusion
Dachshunds were bred as hunting dogs; the sunlight captivates them, especially in cooler seasons. They love to sunbathe for various reason, the main reason is to satisfy their instinct, and another main reason can be to avoid coldness. Regardless, this is an important activity that helps to provide a sense of satisfaction.
