Humans are sensitive beings, they often take protection from the harmful rays of the sun. But have you ever considered if those rays could harm your canine and if they could be sunburned. Yes, just like humans, dogs are prone to sunburn and other skin diseases and conditions if exposed to sun. Taking a few precautions will lessen your pets risk of developing medical issues. Using a sunscreen that’s formulated for your canine.
Dogs are prone to sunburns, other skin, and health complications like humans when exposed to the sun. This is why you should take a few safety measures when venturing out on a hot day with your pet pooch.
Don’t ever apply sunscreen made for humans to your dog because it can contain potentially dangerous ingredients like zinc oxide or para-aminobenzoic acid.
The above sunscreen constituents are toxic to dogs if consumed, so store them in places inaccessible to your puppy. Also, consider purchasing the best pet insurance so that dealing with unanticipated dog medical aid need not be an arduous task.
Puppy insurance equips you with a medical financial backup, so it is easier to handle unplanned vet bills. Contemplate buying a pet policy. Meanwhile, read this article for answers to four FAQs on dogs and sunscreens.
1.Do all dog breeds need sunscreen?
All dogs are vulnerable to heat and therefore require sun protection, so they are less likely to be sunburned during an outing on a hot day. White and light colored dog breeds with short coats, including Boxers, Greyhounds, Dalmatians, and Pit Bulls, are more susceptible to damage due to extreme temperature than dogs having darker skin and thicker coats.
Irrespective of your dog’s breed and coat, most vets advise using sunscreen on puppies during summer.
2. Do dogs need additional protection apart from sunscreens?
If you want to take your puppy out during peak hours of the sun, consider suiting up your puppy in accessories like shirts, bodysuits, coats, and hats to block ultraviolet radiation. You can also check out dog goggles that help protect your puppy’s eyes from the harsh sun. It greatly helps if your puppy is diagnosed with eye conditions.
3. How do I apply sunscreen to my dog?
Test the product by applying it to a small area on your puppy’s body and check for reactions. You can use it over your puppy’s body if there are no adverse reactions. Also, be careful while applying it to your puppy’s face; it shouldn’t get into the eyes.
After application, allow your puppy to soak in it for a couple of minutes. At the same time, watch your frisky pup so it doesn’t lick off the applied lotion/cream.
4. Which dogs are more prone to sunburns?
Mostly white canines with short hair, like Pit Bulls, Bull Terriers, Dalmatians, Greyhounds, French Bulldogs and Boxers are more likely to sunburn than dogs with thicker coats and darker skin. Even though these are the breeds more prone to burns, all pet parents should apply sunscreen for their canines in the summer.
- Precautionary measures for additional sun and heat protection for dog
If by any reason your dog has to be out in the sun during the peak hours, you can also make use of accessories like shirts, bodysuits and hats with UV protection to prevent sunburns. Customized goggles for dogs can be used to protect their eyes, which is even more important if your canine is diagnosed with an eye disease.
6. Where Should You Apply Sunscreen To Your Dog?
Sunscreen can be applied everywhere on your canine. But it’s most important to apply it on the parts that are exposed to the sun. Areas where there is less fur, face, lips, ears, snout and groin regions should be more focused upon. If your canine has light skin or pink skin around the snout and the nose, pay more attention to those areas.
While it’s a brilliant idea to add sunscreen to your puppy’s summer skin safety routine, you should take extra care to guard your puppy against heatstroke risks. So, provide plenty of fresh water and shady areas to keep your puppy cool on hot days.
It is worth noting that sunscreen doesn’t assure your puppy a safety shield against skin cancer. One of the simplest ways to keep your puppy away from the sun’s harmful rays is not allowing it to roam outside between 10am and 5pm Despite all the preventive care, you should consider being financially prepared with the best pup insurance to cover your fur baby comprehensively.
Pet insurance helps lower unexpected pet health expenditures, so you should consider buying a policy. Plan ahead of time so that providing your puppy with quality dog medical aid is within reach.
