Protect Your Pets From Getting Sunburned
I know fall is almost here, so why am I talking about sunburns now. I am first because I live in the south and still have a lot of sunny weather to deal with. hot summer days. Second your dog can get sunburned any time of year not just on hot summer days.
White animals and those that have a hair cut or naturally thin (or nonexistent) hair coats are particularly sensitive to the sun, and may suffer the same ills as humans: sunburn and skin cancers. Research shows that dogs are just as prone to getting skin cancer as humans, with mast cell tumors being the most common. Any dog can get skin cancer. Again, some breeds are more prone than others, especially if they have light skin or pink noses. Skin cancer from excess exposure to the sun most often occurs in two places: the noses of white dogs, or dogs with pink noses or white markings on top of the muzzle. Shortcoated dogs that enjoy sunbathing while lying upside down in the sun can also get skin cancer.”
Apply a dog sunscreen
Like humans, pets should have sunblock applied to sun-sensitive areas such as tips of ears, nose the belly and groin areas that typically have sparse hair coverage and thinner skin. Cats love to sunbathe and some dogs will too, belly up. Additionally, many people get "summer cuts" for their cats and dogs to reduce matting and keep the pets comfortable in the summer heat. Sunburn is a definite possibility, and groomers should warn pet owners of this possibility. Any spot that is normally pink on your dog, including any skin that shows when your dog is shaved, should be protected with sunscreen prior to being outdoors for long periods of time. Avoid using dog sunscreen around the eyes.
Use pet-safe sunscreens if possible
As of this writing, only one has FDA approval, and that is Epi-Pet Sun Protector. What other products are safe to use for pets? Natural sunscreens made for children can be used on dogs. Products include Aubrey Organics Green Tea Sunblock for children, with SPF 25, or Jasön Kids Natural Sunscreen with SPF 46. Please consult with your veterinarian prior to using any human products or medications on your pet.It should be remembered that dogs are adept at licking off topical lotions, sprays and creams. These substances can be toxic for dogs. It was once recommended that anything safe for human babies would be OK to use on pets with supervision (let the lotion soak in before licking can occur), and that is a guideline. It’s not always a good idea to use a human sunscreen on your dog. The reason? Many human-grade sunscreens are toxic to animals, especially those that contain PABA or zinc oxide. That said, as long as your dog doesn’t lick the sunscreen itself, then baby sunblock and those made for sensitive skin would probably be fine for your dog. Most important if you are going to use a human sunscreen talk to your vet before you use one to be sure its safe.
You can also take some simple lifestyle steps to help reduce sun exposure and minimize the risk of sunburn or skin cancer. Walk your dog in the early morning or evening when the sun is lower in the sky, and make sure he has access to shade in your back yard, at your cottage or on your boat. Add in a non-toxic sunscreen for his muzzle and ears, or a UV-repellent jacket, and your dog will be all set for the summer!
Keep your dog indoors during the hottest part of the day
That generally means from 10AM to 3PM and applies year-round — because sun exposure is sun exposure, regardless of whether it’s summer, winter, spring, or fall. If your dog will be in the backyard for long periods of time, make sure to provide some shade for your dog.
Don’t cut your dog’s fur too short.
Your dog’s hair is one of the things that helps to protect the skin from sun exposure. If your dog has at least half-an-inch of fur, then it would be highly unlikely that sunburn would ever occur. That said, Fur alone is not he best source of sun protection.
What If Your Dog Gets Sunburned?
If your dog does happen to become sunburned 100%pure Aloe Vera Gel is the best way to quickly and easily soothe your dog’s skin. Here’s what you need to know about the different types of sunburns, and how to professional treat it.
Types of Dog Sunburns
Dogs don’t sunburn exactly the same way that people do. You can tell if your dog has a sunburn by the look of your dog’s skin. If your dog’s skin looks like leather, or turns white, then your dog probably has a sunburn.
There are 3 different types of sunburns that dogs can get. Each should be taken very seriously:
Superficial partial thickness burns - involve the top layer of skin and are the equivalent to first degree burns in humans. Whether or not the dog’s fur is still attached to the skin, the skin will look red but there won’t be any blisters.
Deep partial thickness burns - affect the surface layer of your dog’s skin, as well as some layers that are deeper than the surface. These types of burns are similar to second degree burns in humans. However, unlike with humans, there are usually not blisters on dogs with deep partial thickness burns. However, the skin will be red, and you may be able to see more than one skin layer.
Full thickness burns - are the equivalent to third degree burns. These types of burns are just plain nasty and very painful for your dog. This type of sunburn is so severe that it penetrates down through all the skin layers and may even affect tissue that is beneath the final layer of your dog’s skin.
Dogs that get sunburns are more susceptible to getting skin cancer later on.
Home Remedies For A Mild Dog Sunburn
Ultimately, the degree of soreness and redness should determine whether your dog needs to see the vet or not. If your dog doesn’t seem to be in pain, and the skin has not been broken, then home remedies for soothing a sunburned dog might work for you. This is where the 100%pure Aloe Vera Gel can help. But!… keep an eye on any areas on your dog that you suspect have been mildly sunburned. At the first sign of discomfort or skin irritation, a visit to the vet is in order.
Professional Treatment For Dog Sunburn
Treatment of doggie sunburns depend upon how much damage there is to your dog’s skin and what type of sunburn he has. No matter which type of sunburn you think your dog has, it’s a good idea to take your dog to the vet — especially if the skin is raw or broken or if your dog is visibly in pain.
Treatment for superficial partial thickness sunburns - typically consists of the dog’s hair being shaved off of the burn area and the burn being washed with an iodine or chlorhexidine. Then, the burn is usually treated with a topical cream, like silver sulfadiazine. Generally speaking, once the vet treats your dog’s burn he will usually be sent home and you will be given further instructions for how to take care of the burn until it heals completely.
Treatment for deep partial thickness sunburns – is always hospitalization. Once in the hospital, your dog will be given intravenous fluids to keep him hydrated and provide him with necessary electrolytes. After that, the burned area will be shaved and cleaned with iodine or chlorhexidine. The wound and the bandages will have to changed daily, and silver sulfadiazine applied. If more than 15% of your dog’s body has a sunburn, it’s possible that he may require skin grafts.
Treatment for full thickness sunburns - is lengthy. Thankfully, full thickness sunburns are not common, because it would mean more hospital time and even more intensive treatment to help get all of your dog’s skin layers healed.
