How To Protect Your Dog From Getting Sunburns
As the summer heats up, you are probably going to want to spend more time outside! Swimming, beaches, hiking, and more are all super fun activities that you and your pooch can do together to get outside and enjoy the summer!
However, when us humans go outside, we typically try to protect our skin from the sun’s rays. Sunburns don’t feel good and it’s important to prevent them as much as possible. But in spending time preventing yourself from getting burned, have you ever stopped to consider your pup’s skin?
Did you know that your furry friend is at risk of the same dangers of sun exposure that you are? Here are some ways you can help protect your four-legged friend from the sun’s rays.
No Haircuts
It can be tempting to want to give our dog’s fur a big chop in the warmer months to help keep them cool. However, if you and your pooch are going to be spending a lot of time in the sun, be mindful of how short you go.
The shorter a dog’s hair is, the easier it will be for them to get a sunburn. Try to find a happy medium between breathability and the protection their hair can provide them.
Protective Clothing
A great way to keep the sun off your furball’s back is with protective clothing. There are many options out there for light and breathable clothing that has built-in protection from the sun’s UV rays.
Shade
Whenever possible, try to keep your pooch in the shade. Hanging out under trees, carrying an umbrella, or putting a canopy over your pup’s outdoor bed are all great ways to reduce the amount of time your furry friend spends being exposed to direct sunlight.
Sunscreen
Arguably, the most important thing you can do for your four-legged friend in the sun is put some sunscreen on them! Just like humans, dogs can wear sunscreen to help protect them from the sun.
When you are picking sunscreen for your pooch, be sure to pick one that is specifically made for dogs. Most human sunscreens contain chemicals like zinc oxide like are harmful to dogs when ingested.
Instead, try a dog-specific sunscreen from this list that will keep them safe from the sun and from harmful chemicals!