75 Incredibly Adorable Photos Of Animals Sunbathing That Might Heal Your Soul (New Pics)

Unlike humans, animals don’t sunbathe to get a nice golden tan. Oftentimes, they do it out of necessity. One such reason is to maintain their body temperature at a stable level, a process called “thermoregulation.” 

As National Geographic explains, this is common among cold-blooded animals like amphibians, reptiles, and fish like carp and ocean sunfish.

For these animals, a cold environment slows their body’s chemical reactions that regulate vital processes such as immune function and muscle performance. They then need to seek out heat to “jumpstart” their bodies, and basking in the sun is one way they do it. 

As Penn State University evolutionary biologist Tracy Langkilde explains to National Geographic, the amount of time these animals spend under the sun will depend on their size, needs, and their body’s ability to absorb sunlight. 

“As temperature increases, the rate of all these processes will usually speed up. It’s critical for their survival,” she said.

However, it’s also worth noting that sun exposure may pose dangers to animals, particularly to pets. According to the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA), white cats and dogs (particularly Dalmatians and Bull Terriers) also get sunburned and experience red, peeling inflammation of the affected skin. 

Pets may also develop skin cancer due to prolonged sun exposure. According to the CVMA, it typically manifests as squamous cell carcinoma on the tips of the ears of white cats. 

To avoid such health issues, the CVMA advises keeping animals indoors or in shaded areas, especially during the hottest parts of the day. This also helps reduce the risk of heatstroke.