Yay! It’s officially summer…now let’s protect your pet!
Pets, some more than others, are vulnerable to sun-induced skin lesions. Dogs and cats with light skin, short hair, or thin hair coats (or the hairless breeds) are prone to sunburn, skin cancer (squamous cell carcinoma) or other sun-induced skin diseases. If your pet has been shaved for various reasons, remember that makes them more prone to solar-induced skin changes. Sun exposure causes: sunburn, actinic keratoses, squamous cell carcinoma, and hemangiomas and hemangiosarcomas.
The most common areas for sunburn in dogs and cats: ear tips, bridge of the nose, skin around the lips, and for those dogs (especially white pit bulls and boxers!) that lie on their backs in the sun—they get sun-induced changes on their tummies.
How to reduce sun exposure for your pets:
- Avoid the sun between 10am-3pm—it’s usually too hot to walk your pets during that time anyway.
- Use a sunscreen that is fragrance-free, contains UVA and UVB blockers SPF 30-50, and AVOID zinc-based products that the pet may lick off and ingest.
- If you don’t want to use sunscreen, the new UV protective clothing, sun suits, or facial masks made for pets are an alternative. If your cat lies in the sunshine inside via a window-put sunscreen on the window!
- Some human baby sunscreens are suitable for pets but avoid those with human ingestion warnings as they are likely toxic to pets.
- Do not use a sunscreen approved for dogs on cats-make certain it is labeled safe for use on cats
And finally, enjoy every moment of the summer season with your pet—whether you’re hitting the hiking trails, lounging at the beach, or simply playing in the backyard. However, as the temperatures rise, it is vital to keep their well-being, and your own, a top priority. Stay mindful of hot pavement that can scorch sensitive paws, prioritize constant hydration, and always ensure there is a cool, shady retreat from the midday sun. By staying vigilant against heatstroke and dehydration, you can ensure that the sunny days ahead remain joyful and safe for every member of your family.
And don’t forget to check out my podcast, Speaking of Pets, soppodcast.com