Just like humans, dogs are susceptible to painful sunburn and skin cancer after prolonged exposure to the sun, which can also lead to hair loss. Exposed areas of skin on the lips, nose, ears, and belly are especially vulnerable to sun damage, while breeds with short or fine fur are also at high risk.
Even if a dog has white or particularly light-colored fur, they are at higher risk of sunburn, as more of the harmful UV rays can reach their skin. Any pet with white fur is at increased risk of developing burns from prolonged sun exposure, especially on the tips of the ears.
To prevent the dog’s skin from burning, we can purchase pet-safe sunscreen, which we should apply regularly to the tops of the ears and any areas of thin fur. This is particularly important for white dogs, but also for breeds such as english bull terriersthe dalmatians and the boxer shorts. Temperatures have already reached more than 40ºC, so it can be very dangerous to walk our pets.
How to apply sun cream?
In addition to sunburn, dogs are also at risk for a rare type of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma, which is caused by exposure to UV rays from the sun. Owners are encouraged to rub sunscreen on exposed areas of skin, such as the nosethe ear tipsthe eyelids and the belly.
To ensure their dog is properly protected, owners should apply at least two coats 15 minutes before go out and continue applying during the day. There are special sun creams available that are designed for canine use that can be purchased at pet stores or through a veterinarian.
However, fragrance-free, water-resistant sunscreens designed for babies and children with a minimum SPF of 30 can be used as an alternative. It is important to ensure that human sunscreen does not contain zinc oxide or para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) as both are toxic to dogs if licked off the body.
burn prevention
If owners notice that their dog has been sunburned, the gentle application of a cold compress is recommended to cool the skin. They should also be kept out of direct sunlight until the skin is fully healed.
Dogs are more susceptible to heat stroke than humans because they don’t sweat like we do. They cool down by panting, which is not very effective, and can only sweat through their paws. The pugs and others flat-faced breeds they are more prone to overheating because they have less surface area available on their noses for heat exchange and cannot pant as efficiently.
Male and younger dogs are also at slightly higher risk, as they are more likely to overexert themselves while playing or exercising. So walking your dog during this kind of heat can cause serious illness, or even be fatal. It is advisable to go for a walk early in the morning or late at night, avoiding going out when the sun is strongest between 11 in the morning and 3 in the afternoon.
dogs can burn pads sensitive paws on hot asphalt, so it’s best to go for a walk in cooler weather or avoid sidewalks or roads. Owners can check if a surface is too hot for their dog by placing the back of their hand on it for at least seven seconds and checking to see if it hurts.