After a long, hard and grueling winter, there is little that is more welcome than the warm sunshine of summer.
Fortunately or unfortunately (it depends on how you look at it), we have come to realize that baking in the sun is not the healthiest option for humans. Have you ever stopped to consider if the sun’s rays might present a health hazard for your canine friends?
Experts do agree that the sun’s rays can be dangerous to dogs, especially those that have short-haired or light-colored coats. Dogs that have very fine hair are also at a greater risk of being burned. That means that we, as responsible owners, must take the same care to protect our dog’s skin from the burning sun as we do for ourselves.
Sunscreen is the best means of blocking the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays from the sun if you and your dog spend a good deal of time outdoors. Ultraviolet rays can burn you and your dog, causing the skin to peel. In addition, dogs also suffer from the painful inflammation that sunburn causes. There is an increased risk of skin cancer for dogs that are exposed to too much sun.
Do not fall into thinking that your dog’s thick coat of hair will protect him or her. It will not stop your dog from getting burned by the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Granted, fur does provide some protection. The areas of your dog’s body that aren’t covered with fur – the nose and lip area, the tips of ears or areas that lack pigmentation – are the most vulnerable.
One should consider this when deciding whether or not to shave your dog. If you do choose to cut the dog’s hair, you will have to provide even more protection than you would have to for a dog that has its full coat of hair.
The sun’s rays will most likely cause burning of areas that do not have a lot of hair covering them. Areas such as the nose, abdomen and groin areas are very susceptible to burning because they are close to the ground where the sunlight that reflects upwards from the hot pavement or sand.
Certain breeds are more susceptible to developing skin tumors. Dobermans, boxers, poodles, pit bull terriers, bulldogs and schnauzers are among the breeds prone to such tumors. These breeds are also at greater risk of health issues caused by too much exposure to the sun. Don’t be afraid to discuss the need for sunscreen with your dog’s veterinarian. The American Animal Hospital Association and the American College of Veterinary Dermatology advise dog owners to seek sunscreen protection for their canine friends.
One of the best things you can do to protect your dog from getting burned by the sun’s rays is to provide plenty of shade. Unfortunately, we don’t always have the option to do that. Using a sunscreen is the next best thing.
If you keep your dog outdoors in a kennel, consider erecting some sort of shelter over the kennel so that your dog does not have to spend his or her life being burned by the sun’s damaging rays or being at risk of heat stroke.
Choosing a sunscreen product to use on your dog may not be as simple as it sounds, but it is becoming easier. Several companies are offering products that are safe for dogs.
Some pet owners choose to use sunblock products that were developed for humans. This is not recommended unless you check with the dog’s veterinarian to insure that the ingredients will not present a health hazard to your canine friend. This is extremely important because some dogs are known to be very sensitive to fragrances and chemical additives. Using the wrong sunscreen could be deadly. For example, zinc oxide, which provides good protection from the sun’s damaging rays, can cause severe anemia in dogs if it is ingested.
Always choose a non-toxic sunscreen product for your pet! There is no exception to this rule.
If a situation arises where you do not have access to a sunscreen that is deemed safe for dogs, at least choose a human product that is made for sensitive skin or babies. Dr. Mark Macina, Animal Medical Center dermatologist, recommends sunscreens designed for pets. However, his research has shown that Bullfrog sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher works for animals.
Do your best to prevent your dog from licking the sunscreen.
When choosing a sunscreen product for your dog, consider checking with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for safety guidelines. EPI-Pet is one of few pet sunscreen products approved by the FDA. In addition to offering protection from the sun’s harmful rays, it contains tocopheryl, an antioxidant that promotes healing for damaged skin.
Another important consideration when choosing a sunscreen for your dog is whether or not it leaves an oily, greasy residue behind. Some sunscreen ingredients can stain and damage furniture and carpeting.
Another thing to consider when purchasing sunscreen products for you and your dog is the fact that chemicals from these items are showing up in our waterways, including streams, ponds, lakes and oceans. You can help reduce the impact on Mother Earth by choosing natural products that do not include harsh chemicals that are known to be harmful to the environment.
A word of caution is needed when it comes to turning our dogs out into the sun. Keep in mind that sunburn and health problems that result from too much time in the sun are just one part of the problem. Your pet is at risk for heat stroke when he or she is left out in the hot sun with no cover or shade to minimize the sun’s burning rays. Never confine your dog to the car or even a building that does not provide for adequate air flow. A dog can overheat and die in a matter of minutes.
Don’t let the known dangers of too much sun limit the fun times you spend outdoors with your dog. Prepare for them and you should not have a problem. Get out there and play a game of fetch or take a cool swim in the lake with your furry friend.
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