{"id":140,"date":"2024-06-17T12:12:17","date_gmt":"2024-06-17T19:12:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.skycanyonanimalhospital.com\/blog\/?p=140"},"modified":"2024-06-17T12:12:18","modified_gmt":"2024-06-17T19:12:18","slug":"the-importance-of-sunscreen-for-your-pets-summer-fun","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.skycanyonanimalhospital.com\/blog\/the-importance-of-sunscreen-for-your-pets-summer-fun\/","title":{"rendered":"The Importance of Sunscreen for Your Pet’s Summer Fun"},"content":{"rendered":"
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With so many trails to roam and beaches to bask on, California is a sun-lover\u2019s dream. And if you plan on taking your pet to your next outdoor adventure<\/a>, make sure you bone up on sun safety for pets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most pet owners understand that summer\u2019s hot sun can lead to heat exhaustion or even heatstroke if pets aren\u2019t provided with adequate shade and clean drinking water, but it might surprise you to know that our pets\u2014in spite of being covered in luxurious fur\u2014need sunscreen just like we do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read on for tips on sun protection for pets so you can keep your cats and dogs safe and healthy during summer fun. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Why Do Pets Need Sunscreen?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Pets can get sunburned on the parts of their bodies where there is very little fur\u2014particularly the ears, around their noses and mouths, and their bellies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Certain skin cancers in pets have been associated with sun exposure, including malignant melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hairless breeds and those with thin coats or light skin with white fur are especially at risk of too much sun exposure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Choose Pet Sunscreen<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Dog sunscreen or cat sunscreen can offer your pet protection from the sun\u2019s UV rays, but how do you know which sunscreen is best? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

First off, don\u2019t use sunscreen products made for people, as these can contain ingredients like zinc oxide and salicylates that are dangerous for pets to ingest<\/a>. That\u2019s why it\u2019s also important to keep your pet from licking your sunscreen off of your skin. If your pet does ingest sunscreen, please contact your veterinarian<\/a> right away if your pet shows signs of poisoning, like vomiting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Choose a sunscreen made just for pets, and read the label carefully. Some dog sunscreens are not to be used as cat sunscreen. Sprays, balms, sticks, and lotions are available. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As for the appropriate SPF for pets, the AKC<\/a> recommends using a waterproof, unscented formula with an SPF of 30.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Apply Pet Sunscreen<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Test the sunscreen on a small part of your pet\u2019s body, and wait to make sure the sunscreen doesn\u2019t irritate your pet\u2019s skin. Be careful to avoid getting any sunscreen in your pet\u2019s eyes, and distract your pet from licking away the sunscreen for the first several minutes so it has a chance to sink in and do its job! And always reapply after your pet takes a plunge in the pool or ocean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additional Sun Protection Tips<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Besides sunscreen, try these strategies for protecting your pets from the summer sun:
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