Is your pet at risk for sunburn?

    Summer is here and we are all spending more time outdoors with our four-legged friends. This means that we must make sure they do not get too much sun and run the risk of sunburn or, worse, skin cancer.

    Your dog’s skin is a tell-tale – or tell-tail – sign that he has had too much sun exposure. If your dog is sunburned, his skin will look pinker than normal. It might be more sensitive to the touch too. Your dog’s sunburn is more than unsightly and uncomfortable; it’s harmful. Like people, dogs exposed to too much sun can develop skin cancers, including squamous cell carcinoma. In fact, skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in dogs.

    A DOLLOP OF PREVENTION

    It’s better to protect your dog’s delicate skin prior to sun exposure than it is to deal with the aftermath of sun damage. If your dog is outside during the day while you’re away, make sure he can take shelter in a doghouse, or under a covered porch or shade tree. But shade doesn’t offer total UV protection, so don’t forget to apply sunscreen lotion as advised below. There’s no need to hunt for special doggie sunscreen; use the same people products on your pet that you use for yourself. Just remember to:

    • Use child-safe SPF 30 to 50 and apply per the label instruction for people.
    • Apply to your dog’s most sensitive skin areas: nose, earflaps, belly, and any shaved or bare patches
    • Reapply if your dog goes swimming or rubs himself in the grass or sand, especially if the sunscreen is not waterproof.
    • Limit your pet’s exposure to the most harmful UV rays during peak sunshine hours.

    A dog's belly is particularly susceptible to sunburn because they have thinner hair on their stomachs. UV rays reflect up from sidewalks, beach sand and other surfaces and can easily burn your pet’s tender tummy. If your sun-worshipping pet loves to catch a good snooze on his back, be sure to apply sunscreen to his armpits and other exposed underside areas.

    BREEDS MOST LIKELY TO SUNBURN

    Although all dogs can sunburn, you need to be extra-vigilant about protection if you own a pink-skinned or thin-haired breed, such as: American Staffordshire Terrier; Boxer; Chinese Crested; Dalmatian; Greyhound; Weimaraner; Whippet; White German Shepherd.

    What can you do if your dog does get sunburned? Remove him to a shady or indoor space as soon as possible and apply cold compresses to his skin. See your veterinarian if his skin looks very red or blistered.

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