DECEMBER 2023

PETS SHOULD HAVE FUN IN THE SUN – JUST DON’T FORGET THE SUNSCREEN!

Beautiful and sunny days invite us to enjoy outdoor adventures with our furbaby dog or cat. However, be careful. Just as we need to protect our skin from getting sunburned this summer, we also need to think about our pets' well-being too!

Fur and pigmented skin help protect our pets from the harsh UV rays that cause sunburn. However, for pets with white fur, a thin coat, or no fur (such as our Chinese Crested friends), the sun's harmful rays can easily penetrate their skin, increasing their risk of sunburn. This also applies to cats and dogs that have been shaved.

Sunburn is painful for your pet and can make them vulnerable to developing skin cancer, which can be fatal. The sun's UV rays penetrate the skin and damage the skin cells, which may lead to skin cancer. The delicate skin around the ears and nose is particularly susceptible to sunburn and skin cancer, so take extra care to protect these areas.

How can you keep your pet safe in the sun?

• Apply pet-safe sunscreen to areas on your pet that lack pigment or are exposed, such as their ears, nose, belly, and thighs. It's recommended to use sunscreen with at least SPF 15.

• If you plan on taking your pet to the beach or for a picnic in the park this summer, pack a beach umbrella to provide shade and keep them out of direct sunlight.

• If your pet has large areas of unpigmented skin or a thin fur covering, consider using a child's t-shirt to help protect their body. You can also purchase a 'sun suit' specifically designed to block UV rays for your pet.

• For pets prone to burning, it's best to keep them out of the sun as much as possible.

• If your pet does develop sunburn, immediately remove them from the sun and seek veterinary attention. In the meantime, aloe vera gel can soothe your pet's sunburnt skin and keep them comfortable. Sunburn usually heals within a few days and does not leave a scar.

Enjoy summer with your furbaby, but remember to protect your pet by applying sunscreen on these warm, sunny days!