Does My Dog Need Sunscreen?
When it comes to beach days, we know to lather on the sunscreen to protect our sensitive skin from the sun, but what about our dogs? Even though their skin is covered in fur, your pup needs some form of protection from the sun too. Worried about protecting your dog’s skin from those harsh UV rays? Check out our tips for dog skin protection!
Use Sunscreen
Sunscreen works wonders on humans, but you can use it on your furry friend, too! Try an all-natural baby sunscreen to avoid skin irritation in your pooch. Another great option is doggie sunscreen, which prevents and soothes sunburn in our furry companions. Most importantly, beware of any sunscreen that contains zinc oxide, which is toxic to pets. To apply the sunscreen, simply rub it on your dog’s inguinal area and snout. Unless their fur is extremely short, you need not worry about rubbing it through their coat — that’s a mess we wouldn’t want to deal with!
Keep Fur as Long as Possible
You may think you’re doing your dog a favor by shaving their long coat, but some dogs are just meant to have a longer coat than others! Their fur protects sensitive skin from harmful sun damage, so try to keep it as long as possible. If you’re really worried about your dog overheating in the summer weather, use a fur thinner to lighten their load without exposing skin to UV rays. This is a cheap and easy way to keep your dog cool in the heat!
Consider Protective Clothing
Especially if your dog was recently shaved, you can easily protect their skin from the sun using an old t-shirt. Simply cut out an area that’s large enough to protect the exposed area and small enough that your dog won’t be irritated by its presence. If they resist any and all protective clothing, put an umbrella up and coat them to remain underneath it for as long as possible. The more time out of the sun, the better!
Soothing a Sunburned Doggo
Hopefully your dog can avoid sunburn as much as possible, but if they do spend a little too much time in the sun, try giving them a soothing bath with some cool water and gentle soap that won’t irritate skin further. Rub some Neem Oil for pets on their irritated skin. This should help relieve any overwhelming burning sensations!
Dogs love spending some time outdoors, but as a pet parent, it’s your job to regulate their outdoor time and prevent any sun damage. Use these tips to safely enjoy the sun with your furry friend!