Are there benefits to dogs getting sun exposure when they have a cold?

Yes, it is beneficial for dogs to get some sun exposure during their cold treatment. Ultraviolet light can kill bacteria and parasites on the dog's body. Sunlight promotes the absorption of nutrients in the dog's fur and calcium in their bodies. It also accelerates the dog's absorption of vitamins and other nutrients in their food. More sun exposure is helpful for the growth of the dog's hair and a healthy black nose.

What to do if your dog has a cold

If your dog indeed has a cold and shows symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as sneezing and coughing, give them oral medications to stop coughing and reduce inflammation. In severe cases, dogs may need injections. If the cold causes gastrointestinal problems, such as vomiting and diarrhea, it is recommended to give the dog treatment to stop vomiting and reduce inflammation.

Sun Exposure Time

In winter, it is best for dogs to sunbathe for one to two hours in the middle of the day when the sun is warm. However, excessive exposure can be harmful to the dog's eyes. In summer, when the weather is not too hot, dogs can sunbathe for half an hour to an hour, which promotes calcium absorption. For dogs over one year old, daily sun exposure is not necessary. Three to five times a week is sufficient.

Possible Consequences of Continuous Sun Exposure

Continuous sun exposure can cause heatstroke and solar dermatitis in dogs with thick fur, such as Alaskan Malamutes, Siberian Huskies, Samoyeds, and other double-coated breeds. In severe cases, it can lead to kidney failure, especially in Brachycephalic breeds such as French Bulldogs and English Mastiffs, which are more susceptible to heatstroke. Therefore, it is not recommended to expose dogs to the sun continuously. Sun exposure should be limited and appropriate.