When applying it to you dog’s head, be sure not to get any in his eyes.
Next, be sure to put it on the spots most exposed to sunshine, such as the bridge of the nose, ear tips, skin around his lips, groin, and inner thighs – and anywhere else where pigmentation is light.
First, test a small amount on one spot to be sure it doesn’t cause an allergic reaction. So how do you get your dog-safe sunscreen on your wiggly pup? Carefully. It’s also a good idea to look for a waterproof, unscented dog sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30. They should not contain zinc oxide or para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), as these ingredients are toxic to dogs if ingested, and dogs will often lick their skin and accidentally ingest the sunscreen. But using the wrong type of sunscreen can also cause problems. It’s highly important that you only use formulas that are specifically intended as sunscreen for dogs. Jerry Klein, dogs that lie outside on concrete or on light surfaces, especially those that lie on their backs, can suffer sunburn. Even some dogs with thick coats of hair may experience hair loss from seasonal shedding or a health condition that may cause their coats to become very thin and may then be at greater risk for sunburn.ĭoes your dog just love to lie out on your patio and feel the sun’s warmth? According to AKC’s Chief Veterinarian Dr. Dogs with white or thin coats and dogs with light-pigmented noses and eyelids are also more at risk for sunburn, for example, Collies, Australian Sheepdogs, Dalmatians, Bulldogs, Whippets, and any dog with light or white pigment on their ears or near their nose. Hairless dog breeds, such as the Xoloitzcuintli, Chinese Crested, and American Hairless Terrier, need sun protection when they are outside for long periods of time. Some dogs are more at risk for sunburn than others.
Sunburn also exacerbates certain conditions, for example autoimmune disorders and dermatitis, and can cause discomfort at surgery sites. Luckily, a little careful planning can prevent your dog from catching too many ultraviolet (UV) rays. Sunburn isn’t just painful for dogs it can lead to more serious problems, for example certain types of skin cancer, such as squamous cell carcinoma, malignant melanomas, and hemangiomas. This includes choosing a dog sunscreen that’s formulated for your best friend. Taking certain safety measures can lower your dog’s risk of developing serious sun-related medical issues. Just like people, dogs are prone to sunburn and to other complications and diseases associated with sun exposure. Humans often take precautions to protect themselves from the sun, but should we be doing the same for our dogs? Can dogs get suburned?