Protect Your Pup From The Sun – CanineJournal.com
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Can dogs get sunburned? Yes, dogs are just as prone as humans to sunburn and related health conditions, like skin cancers. So before you and your pup head outside for an afternoon in the sun, make sure you’re both protected. But that begs the question, can dogs wear human sunscreen?
No. You should always use a sunscreen specially formulated for dogs. Common ingredients found in human sunscreens, such as zinc oxide or para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), are highly toxic to dogs if ingested. And we all know how much dogs like to lick themselves.
So we’ve found some of the best dog sunscreen products and given you tips on how to apply it so you’re ready for fun in the sun. And, since May is Dog Cancer Awareness Month, now is the perfect time to prepare your dog for a healthy summer.
Article Overview
Dogs Most At Risk
Dogs that are most susceptible to sunburn are hairless breeds and those with white or light fur, thin fur and pink and white skin. Some common breeds that have a higher risk of sunburn include:
All dogs, regardless of their coat thickness, have vulnerable areas of the body with thin or no fur. And even dogs with darker pigmented skin can get a sunburn. So it’s important to protect these areas whenever they’re out in the sun for long periods of time to prevent skin irritations or the development of skin cancer.
Best Dog Sunscreens
All of these sunscreens are made specifically for dogs, so they contain no zinc oxide or other toxic ingredients. They’re safe and effective.
Epi-Pet Sun Protector Spray Review
#1
Epi-Pet’s 30 SPF sunscreen spray is an excellent choice because it’s safe for dogs (and horses), and the aerosol spray is so easy to apply anywhere on your dog’s body. It’s also the only pet sunscreen that’s FDA-approved.
The non-greasy and non-oily solution dries quickly and even contains skin and coat conditioners. It’s also water and sweat-resistant so your dog can enjoy his favorite bodies of water and stay protected. Note: The manufacturer warns against using this on cats.
Price: $16.51 (4 oz)
Emmy’s Best Dog Sun Skin Protector Review
#2
If you don’t like aerosol sprays, you might prefer Emmy’s Best sunscreen spray. The non-greasy formula doesn’t form a film on your pup’s coat that attracts dirt and debris. It also contains shea butter and coconut oil to nourish your pup’s coat and skin.
Although it’s not FDA approved (therefore, it doesn’t have an official SPF rating), the manufacturers say it’s equivalent to SPF 30. And many pleased customers say it works well to protect their dogs from sun damage.
Price: $18.95 (8 fl oz)
My Dog Nose It! Review
#3
My Dog Nose It Moisturizing Sun Protection Balm is another highly-rated sunscreen among dog owners. While this balm is primarily meant to protect your dog’s nose from the sun, you can also use it on other areas of his face and body. It dries quickly and is water-resistant.
This balm, which contains carnauba wax, coconut oil and other all-natural moisturizers, is also a great solution for healing dry and cracked noses and paws and dogs who suffer from hyperkeratosis. Users say it’s highly effective in preventing sunburn and does an excellent job as a healing balm.
Price: $12.95 (0.5 oz jar) or $34.95 (2 oz jar)
Other Summer Gear To Protect Your Dog
In addition to dog sunscreen, there are several other products you can use to protect your pup from the harsh summer sun.
Sun Shirts & Hats
Protective clothing is a great alternative to slathering sunscreen all over your dog’s body. A sun shirt, like PlayaPup’s lightweight shirt, can provide stronger sun protection than sunscreen alone. And these shirts cover large areas of your dog’s body.
You also may want to consider a dog sun hat to protect their faces. WINOMO’s round brim pet cap is one of several great options. It has an adjustable strap to keep it on your dog’s head and ear holes.
Goggles
Dog’s eyes can suffer sun damage just like humans, so if you’re going to be in the sun for a long time you should consider a pair of dog goggles. Among the best on the market are Doggles — they have 100% UV protection, shatterproof lenses and anti-fog treatment on the inside of the lenses. They come in a range of sizes and feature an extra-wide nose bridge for a more accurate fit around your dog’s eyes. See our reviews of Doggles and other top dog goggles and sunglasses.
Booties
Your dog can scorch his pads on hot pavement, so you may want to invest in some protective dog booties, like Ruffwear’s Grip Trex. Dog boots are also a great way to protect your dog’s paws when hiking on rough terrain and when out in the cold, ice and snow. See our reviews of Ruffwear and other top-rated dog boots.
6 Sunscreen & Sun Safety Tips
Here are some tips you should follow when using sunscreen on your dog and while out in the sun with your pup.
Dogs’ noses, ears and bellies are most susceptible to sunburn so be sure to cover those areas (and other areas where the fur is thin).- Apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before going out in the sun.
- Reapply every 4 to 6 hours or more frequently if your dog is playing in the water.
- Make sure you keep your dog hydrated — they can get heat stroke just like humans.
- Try to keep dogs out of direct sunlight during the hottest hours in summer.
- Make sure there’s shade around in case your dog starts to overheat.
Expert Vet Tips On Dogs & Sunscreen
Watch the brief video below to get some expert advice from a veterinarian on why sunscreen is so important for dogs.
How To Treat Sunburn On A Dog
Sunburn in dogs appears as red or flaking skin that can be warm to the touch. If your dog gets a sunburn, take him inside or at least put him in the shade as soon as possible. You can also use a cool compress or aloe vera on the area if he seems uncomfortable.
If the sunburn is severe or your dog appears distressed, you should call your veterinarian. A serious burn may require vet treatment with a cortisone product to prevent inflammation. Repeated overexposure could also lead to skin cancer, so prevention is key.
Taking Your Dog Hiking Or Camping?
If you’re planning on taking your dog hiking, backpacking or camping, dog sunscreen is one of many items you’ll need. See our ultimate guide on hiking and camping with dogs for a packing list, tips and specific products you may want to consider to make your adventure as dog-friendly as possible.
How do you protect your dog from the sun and scorching temperatures?
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