Protecting Your Dog from the Summer Sun

No matter what you’re doing in the summer months, sunscreen is an important part of keeping you healthy and safe. What you may not know, however, is how important it is to also put sunscreen on your dog. Whether heading to the beach, going out for a walk or playing in the yard, sunscreen should be a routine part of your warm-weather pet care. You can find dog sunscreen at a pet shop in Henderson, NV, like The Soggy Dog.

Can dogs get sunburned

Even though a dog’s skin is different looking than ours, they can still get burned from sun exposure. A sunburned dog suffers similar issues as we do—they deal with red, inflamed skin that becomes irritated and painful. Sunburns can also lead to hair loss and scaly skin. Without sunscreen, dogs can develop skin cancer from the sun, just like us. So, if your four-legged friend is reacting negatively to being touched, or you see some hairless spots on them, you’ll want to remember to put sunscreen on them the next time they go outside.

Sunscreen application

The best sunscreen to use on your dog is one specifically created for canines, which you can find at some pet shops in Henderson, NV. These sunscreens are specially designed with your four-legged friend in mind. If you don’t have any, you can use broad spectrum sunscreen for babies and children. You’ll want the SPF to be 15 or higher. Make sure to read the label for any warnings at the pet shop. Avoid these two chemicals: zinc oxide and para-aminobenzoic acid. These can be harmful or toxic, and because dogs often lick themselves, they may accidentally ingest the sunscreen by licking themselves after it’s been put on. One big no-no is putting tanning lotion or oils on your dog—don’t do this! When you’re putting sunscreen on your dog, treat them like you would a young child. Be careful around the eyes and let the sunscreen set in. Don’t let them wipe or lick the lotion off.

Breeds at greatest risk

Every dog should have sunscreen applied to their skin if they spend an extended period of time outside, but some breeds are more at risk. White dogs with short hair, like bull terriers, pit bulls and Dalmatians are most susceptible. Dogs with darker skin and thicker coats are less likely to get sunburned, but should still have sunscreen applied before going outside.

For more than a decade, The Soggy Dog has been a fun, friendly and respected pet shop in Henderson, NV. We offer self-wash service and carry a wide selection of pet supplies, including sunscreen for dogs. At The Soggy Dog, we strive to provide a comfortable environment in which to bathe and groom your pets, and ensuring a calm and productive experience is our highest priority. To learn more about what we have to offer you and your pet, please get in touch with us today—we look forward to helping you this summer and beyond!

Categorised in: Pet Shop

This post was written by Writer