If you're a dog lover then chances are you'll have spotted your good boy or girl soaking up rays in the sun, looking just as contented as can be.
Now many dog owners have been left feeling overwhelmed with emotions after learning exactly why their beloved pooches love basking in the sunlight so much.
In a sweet TikTok video that asks users, "is your dog a sun worshipper?", an adorable, silky-eared dachshund can be seen looking quite happy and relaxed while lying in a golden pool of sunshine. It's a look many pet owners will be very familiar with indeed in the summer months.
In the vid, the proud dachshund owner, who goes by the username @digitdax, explained: "Do you know the real reason your dog loves to sunbathe?
"Of course, they love the extra warmth and temperature regulation but it also has some hidden benefits."
They then went on to list some of these healthful benefits, which included Vitamin D production: "Did you know? Vitamin D3 resides on their fur and gets consumed when your pup licks and grooms themselves?"
The dog-loving content creator continued: "The sun can also help with pain relief, skin and coat health, promotes good sleep, boosts serotonin (happiness chemical) so let them lap it up!"
One emotional follower wrote: "Don't. I had to let my 14-year-old dog go over the bridge the other day. We did it in the sunshine as he was so relaxed. Heartbreaking and beautiful."
Another commented: "My girl was a sun worshiper. Miss her every day."
According to the petcare website PetCareRx: "Without Vitamin D, the dog cannot absorb calcium. The animal can only make it in direct sunlight.
"The generated Vitamin D is kept in the hair and in fatty tissues. It assists to regulate the phosphorus and calcium balance of the body. This vitamin is a must for bone formation."
PetCareRx went on to confirm that sunlight exposure can also help boost serotonin, lifting dogs' moods and allowing them to sleep better. It can also promote the production of natural oils, helping to improve the condition of a dog's skin.
The website does go on to warn however that dogs shouldn't be allowed to sunbathe excessively, as this could lead to sunburn and even skin cancer, with some breeds being more vulnerable than others.
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