Protecting Pets from Sunburn
Helen Keller once said, “Keep your face to the sun and you will never see the shadows.”
Love your work Helen but you didn’t own a white cat. Bronzed and boujee isn’t something that’s EVER going to happen to your pet, nor is it something to work towards. Pets with pink noses and ears are highly susceptible to sunburn, this includes dogs with pink noses and ears, and especially our beloved white cats (sorry Helen).
Longer summer days mean more sun exposure during walks, beach visits, and sunbaking - increasing their risk of sunburn and UV sun damage.
There are pet friendly suncream products on the market to help prevent sunburn on pets.
products on the market. These are available at most chemists - like MooGoo’s ‘Dr Zoo’ - a highly recommended pet-safe Australian product. Apply on susceptible spots on your pet, like ears and nose, whenever your pet will be in the sun for extended periods, especially in summer.
Never use human sunscreen on pets. Many ingredients like zinc oxide, PABA, and salicylates are toxic if ingested, causing vomiting, diarrhea, anemia, liver damage, and gastrointestinal upset.
Veterinarians frequently see cats with pink noses and ears develop skin cancer from sunbaking (even behind windows) - especially white cats. The treatments (including cryotherapy, ear amputation) are painful and expensive. Prevention with pet-safe sunscreen and limited sun exposure is much kinder and more affordable.
Some additional sun safety tips:
- always provide shady spots and fresh water for outdoor relaxation
- Let pets outside during cooler morning or evening hours
- Keep sunscreen tubes away from dogs to prevent ingestion and potential blockages
Taking these precautions can protect your pet from both painful sunburn and heatstroke this summer, along with an extra (unwanted) visit to the vet!
Here comes the sun (sang George Harrison...). No George, it’s NOT alright.
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