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The natural sunburn scavenger known as fur covers most canines from head to tail. Yet, even with this natural cover, some dogs are sunburned on particular body parts.
Regions in which their fur is most thin or absent tend to be more susceptible to sunburn. That includes the eyes, nose, and even the lower part of the stomach. It’s not only those dogs who lie on their backs under the sun, but all dogs need protection for their stomachs. Sun’s rays reflect off a dog’s stomach from the smooth white surfaces of sidewalks, beach sand, water, or snow. This makes this area susceptible to sunburn on walks or during water sports.
Hairless breeds that are naturally hairless, such as dogs like the Chinese Crested or Xoloitzcuintli, require sun protection for obvious reasons. Dogs with lighter, white, grey, or tan hair coats generally have fair skin beneath, making them more prone to sunburn. Pets who have a hair coat that is thin or have a condition that pays off in the loss of their hair in patches need to be protected from damaging sun rays. If your dog has been shaving during their grooming routine or as a result of an operation, it should be shielded from sunburn.
There are many options for shielding your desirable dog’s skin from the sun’s harmful rays. These include sunscreen specifically designed for dog skin, dressing your dog in sun-protective attire, and avoiding activities outdoors in the morning when the sun’s rays are the strongest.
Sunscreen for canines
There are a variety of sunscreens explicitly designed for canines. Find a sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) score of at least 30 SPF. It should also provide protection against UVA as well as UVB Rays. Dog sunscreens come in a variety of forms, including lotions and sprays.
Sprays of sunscreen can be applied to your pet’s body. Be careful when sunscreen sprays are applied around your dog’s eyes, as the dog may breathe in the sunscreen while using it. Apply sunscreen lotion to the sun-sensitive parts of your dog’s face, like the nose or ears.
Sunscreen must be applied at least 15 minutes before going out. Ensure your pet doesn’t apply sunscreen to its skin after it is applied to its own. Repeat the application every couple of hours or more frequently if he becomes wet. Avoid sunscreens explicitly made for human use since these products could contain zinc oxide, PABA, and salicylates.
Sun-protective dog clothing
When visiting an exceptionally bright, sunny environment, provide your dog with sunscreen, sun-protective clothing, or a shade structure. Photo by Giovanni Bortolani, Getty Images
Sun-safe clothing is ideal for dogs with hairless coats, thin coats, or patches of hair loss. There’s an array of choices for clothes, including sunsuits, which provide excellent coverage of the neck, body, and limbs. There are also t-shirts, neck gaiters, and hats.
Find clothing with a UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) of 30 or higher. Sun-protective clothing typically has a UPF rating of 15, 30, or even 50. 50 UPF signifies that the garment will block harmful UVA and UVB Rays from getting to your pet’s skin.
Sun-protective clothing can affect your dog’s ability to remain calm. The excellent feature is to refrain from wearing sun-protective clothing when the temperature outside is higher than 70°F (21 degrees Celsius). In the summer, you should avoid sun-protective clothes if the dew point exceeds 65°F (18 degrees Celsius).
If your dog is panting or moving less quickly than usual, even though he is wearing sun-safe clothing, remove the clothes and relocate your pet to a shaded area. Read “Heat Stroke in Dogs” for further details regarding how you can benefit the dog who is showing symptoms of heat stroke.
Avoiding your dog’s sun exposure
The sun’s UV rays are most intense between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Dogs most at risk of sunburn should avoid outdoor activities during these times.
Sunburned skin does not start to become painful; it only happens when the harm has occurred. Pets lying out in the sun may choose not to change their location to a shaded place unless it becomes hot. Skin burns can occur within 10 minutes during a hot UV index day.
Sunburn treatment in canines
If your dog gets a sunburn, don’t panic! Skin that’s soft and pink can be treated at home with a relaxing oatmeal shampoo. After a relaxing oatmeal bath, apply aloe vera gel or sprays specifically made for dogs, like Frisco’s aloe hydrating spray.
The skin that appears red and painful or has been afflicted with blisters and flaking can indicate severe sunburns and must be examined by a vet. It may take anywhere from 24 hours to 72 hours for skin that has been sunburned to determine the degree of severity. Therefore, you must closely watch your pet’s health to ensure the sunburn is getting better and not becoming more severe.
The bright sun doesn’t have to discourage you from having fun outdoors. Ensure you have sun protection for yourself and your pet, and have fun in the sun!