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The official start of summer kicked off last week. (June 21 if you live in the Northern Hemisphere.)
So now is a good time to remember to protect your skin – and the skin of your beloved pooch.
Yes, dogs can get sunburned. Breeds with certain characteristics seem more susceptible, including those with short, white or light-colored fur. Two breeds may be particularly vulnerable: Bull Terriers and Dalmatians. But proper care is suggested for all dogs who spend time in the sun. As little as 30 minutes in the sun can result in a burn for some breeds.
After all, dogs can get skin cancer too. (It’s not pretty. One member of the Pugpalooza team had an Australian Shepherd get cancer on her nose.)
What can you do to protect your dog? Many of the same things you do to prevent yourself from getting fried on the beach.
Experts recommend keeping your dogs out of the most dangerous part of the summer day. That’s typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Of course, this is easier said than done. Most dogs love to scamper in the park or frolic in the lake. You can apply a bit of sunscreen to vulnerable areas (like their noses) with a SPF protection factor of 15 or higher.
Use a non-toxic, fragrance-free sunscreen designed for pets or children. After all, you can assume your dog will lick it. (An example can be found here.)
Companies also offer pet goggles and even protective clothing to shield your dog from the sun’s harmful rays.
Experts also recommend against shaving your dog for summer. Their fur provides a natural protective barrier. Instead regular brushing and raking the undercoat can remove excess hair to aid in keeping your dog cooler.
If your dog does get sunburned, spreading aloe vera gel can soothe and rehydrate the area. Applying a damp cloth, ice pack or moisturizing cream can also help. Some sources recommend Vitamin E oil because its sooths and aids in healing. Above all, always keep the damaged area clean.
Enjoy the warm, sunny months wherever you and your furry companion wander this summer. Just remember to be “sun safe!”
Until next time,
Hugs and Pug Kisses,
Candy
Sources and Links
Dog Skin Cancer Types, Signs, and Treatments (webmd.com)
Natural Dog Company – Health & Wellness Solutions for Pups
Symptoms of Dog Sunburn | Natural Dog Sunburn Treatment (natural-dog-health-remedies.com)
How to Protect Your Dog From Sunburn This Summer (adogtrainingcourse.com)
Photo by Andre Tan on Unsplash
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