Does My Dog Need Sunscreen?
Just like humans, dogs can get sunburns. It can slip your mind when you’re out adventuring on a sunny day with your pup, but they could easily develop a serious burn or even melanoma if they’re not properly protected from harsh UV rays. Get the most out of your sun-filled adventures with your pooch by protecting them with dog sunscreen!
Sunscreen for Dogs
Sun Damage In Dogs
It’s strange to think that dogs can get sunburnt since they often tote thick coats of fur, but the sun can, unfortunately, seep through and hit them with sun damage. An important rule to follow is to try and apply sunscreen to your pup at least 15-30 minutes prior to sun exposure. This will give the sunscreen enough time to soak into their skin and give them the full protection they need. On extremely hot and sunny days, try to avoid bringing your pooch outside for prolonged periods of time between 10 A.M. through 4 P.M., aka the sun’s brightest times!
Some dog breeds can be more susceptible to the risks of sun damage. Dogs with lighter-colored and thinner coats require more sun protection than dogs with thicker and darker-colored coats. Dogs with light pigmented eyelids, ears, and noses are more prone to burning, like Collies and Bulldogs. While hairless dogs such as the Chinese Crested or Xoloitzcuintli need the most protection due to their lack of fur.
You may not even realize how much sun your dog is actually exposed to on the day-to-day. Dogs love to lie down or even fall asleep while soaking up the sun, on your patio for example. But this is a cause for concern since they are fully or partially exposed to their most vulnerable areas for burns like the bridge of the nose, the ear tips, and around their lips, and stomach.
Sunscreen Protection
It’s important to use reef-safe sunscreen protection for your dog. This means don’t try and share the same bottle. Your dog needs to use sunscreen that is formulated for dogs and to be reef safe. It helps if you get veterinarian approval and patch test your pup to make sure they’re not allergic. Any sunscreen that contains zinc oxide or PABA is toxic for dogs so be sure to read the label fully before even patch testing.
The most effective sunscreens for dogs will be waterproof, SPF30+, and unscented. Check out this guide to dog sunscreens, but make sure they are reef-safe before purchasing!
Sunburn Treatment
So what do you do if your dog catches a sunburn? It may be a good idea to see your vet for a checkup and treatment suggestions if you think your dog’s sunburn is severe. They could catch sun conditions like melanoma, tumors, squamous cell carcinomas, injured paw pads, or retinal damage.
An easy at-home treatment for mild sunburns is to rub pet-safe Neem oil on their skin. It will help to soothe irritated skin and relieve itching pain.
Catch Some Rays Safely on the Hawaiian Islands
Now that you’ve got the rundown on why your dog needs sunscreen and what to look out for when buying reef-safe sunscreen for your dog, it’s time to have some fun in the sun! There are numerous dog-friendly beaches to explore on the Big Island, & on Maui. Also, when you’re on Oahu visit Waikiki to enjoy the surfing!